Author Topic: 2018 FIRE cohort  (Read 738170 times)

TartanTallulah

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1750 on: July 05, 2018, 02:10:43 PM »
I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!

Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.

I wrote a brief, pleasant resignation letter in which I neither explained nor apologised. Only the manager knows at present; I'll tell my colleagues when I return from vacation the week after next.

It's only a month later than my original FIRE date from before I dropped back to 2019, and only five months earlier than my revised FIRE date, but I couldn't face another winter in a healthcare role with open-ended demand, limited reward, the perpetual risk of making an error due to overwork and exhaustion, and the constant pressure to chase largely meaningless metrics.

At the moment, my official position is, "Never going to work again," and if my arithmetic is correct we can afford this. But I'm only 54 and still very able and energetic; I can't imagine I won't find my way into doing something work-like before long. But on my own terms.

aperture

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1751 on: July 05, 2018, 05:56:02 PM »
I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!

Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.

Congratulations TartanTallulah!!! So glad you are getting away from what sounds like a very demanding practice. Best wishes, aperture.

Dicey

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1752 on: July 05, 2018, 10:56:42 PM »
Hey, congratulations @TartanTallulah! I retired at 54, which was 5+ years ago. I'm having a blast and you will too. Just allow plenty of time to decompress.

TartanTallulah

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1753 on: July 06, 2018, 06:57:48 AM »
I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!

Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.

Congratulations TartanTallulah!!! So glad you are getting away from what sounds like a very demanding practice. Best wishes, aperture.

Thanks, aperture :-) I'm confident that the time is right.

chasesfish

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1754 on: July 06, 2018, 07:06:24 AM »
I had a pretty rough meeting with boss.  Basically wants to judge my team's performance "Wells Fargo style" instead of by total return to the shareholder.   Follow up meeting is 7/16.

That date has a chance to hit 2018 after all.  I could be a complete jerk and use a completely legitimate issue to file FMLA on December 10th.  That'd still result in me being paid for 23 days+ of work over the following three month period and get me to the stock bonus that I pushed my date out for. 

TartanTallulah

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1755 on: July 06, 2018, 07:08:23 AM »
Hey, congratulations @TartanTallulah! I retired at 54, which was 5+ years ago. I'm having a blast and you will too. Just allow plenty of time to decompress.

Thanks, Dicey! It makes me happy to see how well it's worked out for people like you who have made the leap. My parents both retired early for different reasons and, having enjoyed their jobs, have also loved being retired.

The prospect of having the option of doing nothing at all for a while appeals very much. The only time I've ever done nothing at all was for a short period of time a few years ago when I was almost catatonic with burnout. My husband and I were discussing the drop in our household income (because I earn a lot more than he does) and concluded that if the worst came to the worst we'd be quite content doing nothing, or only doing free things.

honeyfill

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1756 on: July 06, 2018, 09:56:19 AM »
Well today is the day. 
I wanted to thank everyone on this forum for all the help and encouragement over the last year.  There is no way I would have been able to retire without it. 
I got in the office early to pack up the last of my pictures, transfer the last of my files and emails  and say my good byes. The air conditioning is out so they are letting everyone go home early.  (the predicted high is 105 today)   Perfect day to retire!

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1757 on: July 06, 2018, 10:02:12 AM »
Congratulations HoneyFill!!


01/01/18  CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18  Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18  Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18  PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18  patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18  Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18  MomCPA  CONFIRMED
02/01/18  DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18  Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18  JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18  Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18  Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18  Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18  brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18  Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18  Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18  Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18  Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18  homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18  Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18  msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18  Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18  lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18  OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18  moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18  Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18  ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18  NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18  SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18  poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18  andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18  wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18  Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18  SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying.   He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18  Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18  CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18  Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18  Alim Nassor
06/01/18  step_away
06/01/18  CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18  Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18  SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18  Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18  DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/22/18  FernFree
06/25/18  MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/28/18  CHF (at 51)
06/29/18  Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18  aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18  HenryDavid CONFIRMED
06/??/18  Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18  dbtx
06/??/18  Omalley
06/??/18  randomgiraffe
07/06/18  Honeyfill  (at 60)  CONFIRMED
07/??/18  AussieGirl
07/??/18  Mr Griz
07/??/18  BackAndForth
07/??/18  cerat0n1a
07/??/18  Fresh Bread
07/??/18  SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18  SugarMountain
08/24/18  sol (at 41)
08/31/18  JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18  NorCalistache
08/??/18  Mogadishu
09/01/18  Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18  Ottawa
09/25/18  MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18  SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18  JumboShrimp
10/25/18  PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18  Fire1018
10/??/18  Happy
10/??/18  Irishtache
11/??/18  DeSteeg
11/??/18  Kris
12/21/18  LateStarter
12/31/18  DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18  EnjoyIt  Parttime.
12/??/18  yoda34
12/??/18  RunningWithScissors
??/??/18  Blindsquirrel
??/??/18  FLStache
??/??/18  Michread
??/??/18  Minnesota_mom
??/??/18  MiserlyMiser
??/??/18  pecunia
??/??/18  Badblackgirl
??/??/18  Sofa King
??/??/18  PKate and DH
??/??/18  Calvin
??/??/18  HappyMargo
03/??/19  ChasesFish  OMY
??/??/19  RetireAbroadAt35  05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20  Gooki   2MY or 3MY

EnjoyIt

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1758 on: July 07, 2018, 12:13:31 AM »
I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!

Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.

I wrote a brief, pleasant resignation letter in which I neither explained nor apologised. Only the manager knows at present; I'll tell my colleagues when I return from vacation the week after next.

It's only a month later than my original FIRE date from before I dropped back to 2019, and only five months earlier than my revised FIRE date, but I couldn't face another winter in a healthcare role with open-ended demand, limited reward, the perpetual risk of making an error due to overwork and exhaustion, and the constant pressure to chase largely meaningless metrics.

At the moment, my official position is, "Never going to work again," and if my arithmetic is correct we can afford this. But I'm only 54 and still very able and energetic; I can't imagine I won't find my way into doing something work-like before long. But on my own terms.

Congrats TartanTalluh.  By the sound of your post I am going to guess you work either in the ER or inpatient general medicine such as a hospitalist and not interested dealing with another flu season.  I too am in healthcare and hate all the regulations and metrics which try to squeeze more and more from a smaller dollar. It is getting tough out there to make a profit and everyone in the field is paying the price. I still find some passion in my work and looking to go part time at the end of this year and see how it goes. I hope by working less I can continue to do some positive things in this world without the stress I feel today.  Just 6 more months to go

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1759 on: July 07, 2018, 04:53:08 AM »
Well today is the day. 
I wanted to thank everyone on this forum for all the help and encouragement over the last year.  There is no way I would have been able to retire without it. 
I got in the office early to pack up the last of my pictures, transfer the last of my files and emails  and say my good byes. The air conditioning is out so they are letting everyone go home early.  (the predicted high is 105 today)   Perfect day to retire!

Congratulations, Honeyfill!  Take a deep breath and relax...

TartanTallulah

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1760 on: July 07, 2018, 09:05:54 AM »
I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!

Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.

I wrote a brief, pleasant resignation letter in which I neither explained nor apologised. Only the manager knows at present; I'll tell my colleagues when I return from vacation the week after next.

It's only a month later than my original FIRE date from before I dropped back to 2019, and only five months earlier than my revised FIRE date, but I couldn't face another winter in a healthcare role with open-ended demand, limited reward, the perpetual risk of making an error due to overwork and exhaustion, and the constant pressure to chase largely meaningless metrics.

At the moment, my official position is, "Never going to work again," and if my arithmetic is correct we can afford this. But I'm only 54 and still very able and energetic; I can't imagine I won't find my way into doing something work-like before long. But on my own terms.

Congrats TartanTalluh.  By the sound of your post I am going to guess you work either in the ER or inpatient general medicine such as a hospitalist and not interested dealing with another flu season.  I too am in healthcare and hate all the regulations and metrics which try to squeeze more and more from a smaller dollar. It is getting tough out there to make a profit and everyone in the field is paying the price. I still find some passion in my work and looking to go part time at the end of this year and see how it goes. I hope by working less I can continue to do some positive things in this world without the stress I feel today.  Just 6 more months to go

May the six months pass smoothly for you :-)

I'm in primary health care and a 'flu season on its own wouldn't be a big deal, but the service is straining at the seams and, faced with the prospect of being extremely short-handed over the winter, I decided I was getting out.

I'm too old for 13-hour working days and I didn't go into health care to tick boxes.


EnjoyIt

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1761 on: July 07, 2018, 10:34:20 AM »
I'M HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!

Today, I handed in my notice at work. I'll leave at the end of October.

I wrote a brief, pleasant resignation letter in which I neither explained nor apologised. Only the manager knows at present; I'll tell my colleagues when I return from vacation the week after next.

It's only a month later than my original FIRE date from before I dropped back to 2019, and only five months earlier than my revised FIRE date, but I couldn't face another winter in a healthcare role with open-ended demand, limited reward, the perpetual risk of making an error due to overwork and exhaustion, and the constant pressure to chase largely meaningless metrics.

At the moment, my official position is, "Never going to work again," and if my arithmetic is correct we can afford this. But I'm only 54 and still very able and energetic; I can't imagine I won't find my way into doing something work-like before long. But on my own terms.

Congrats TartanTalluh.  By the sound of your post I am going to guess you work either in the ER or inpatient general medicine such as a hospitalist and not interested dealing with another flu season.  I too am in healthcare and hate all the regulations and metrics which try to squeeze more and more from a smaller dollar. It is getting tough out there to make a profit and everyone in the field is paying the price. I still find some passion in my work and looking to go part time at the end of this year and see how it goes. I hope by working less I can continue to do some positive things in this world without the stress I feel today.  Just 6 more months to go

May the six months pass smoothly for you :-)

I'm in primary health care and a 'flu season on its own wouldn't be a big deal, but the service is straining at the seams and, faced with the prospect of being extremely short-handed over the winter, I decided I was getting out.

I'm too old for 13-hour working days and I didn't go into health care to tick boxes.

I hear ya.  The checking of boxes is soul crushing.  It is just one of a few things that I think is crushing the health care industry.

CHF

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2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1762 on: July 09, 2018, 03:50:53 AM »
After a small delay confirmed per today:

01/01/18  CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18  Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18  Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18  PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18  patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18  Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18  MomCPA  CONFIRMED
02/01/18  DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/05/18  Mrbeardedbigbucks CONFIRMED
02/09/18  JLTinVA (at 42) CONFIRMED
02/14/18  Gimesalot DH (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/28/18  Caoineag (at 36) CONFIRMED
03/01/18  Clean Shaven (at 45) CONFIRMED Part Time
03/02/18  brooklynguy (at 37) CONFIRMED
03/07/18  Aegishjalmur (at 35) CONFIRMED
03/16/18  Cherry Lane (at 43) CONFIRMED
03/27/18  Mrs. Honeyfill CONFIRMED
03/28/18  Target2018 CONFIRMED
03/28/18  homestead neohio (at 39) CONFIRMED
03/30/18  Moxie (at 58) CONFIRMED
03/31/18  msilenus (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/01/18  Mother Fussbudget (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/03/18  lostformars (at 38) CONFIRMED
04/04/18  OzBeach (at 54) CONFIRMED
04/20/18  moneytaichi CONFIRMED
04/25/18  Modernaimend DH (at 39) CONFIRMED
04/25/18  ZiziPB (at 50) CONFIRMED
04/26/18  NinetyFour (at 56) CONFIRMED
04/26/18  SwordGuy (at 60) PART TIME. (Just 1-2 months.)
04/27/18  poppydog and DW CONFIRMED
04/27/18  andkar (at 41) CONFIRMED
05/01/18  wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36) CONFIRMED
05/03/18  Modernaimend (at 35) CONFIRMED
05/08/18  SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying.   He wants to live.) CONFIRMED
05/11/18  Desert (at 52) CONFIRMED
05/25/18  CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49) CONFIRMED
05/25/18  Gyosho (at 55) CONFIRMED
05/??/18  Alim Nassor
06/01/18  step_away
06/01/18  CodeZed (at 40) CONFIRMED
06/01/18  Markbike528CBX (at 53.5) CONFIRMED
06/08/18  SwissMister CONFIRMED (at 50)
06/13/18  Mr Mark (at 54) CONFIRMED
06/15/18  DavisGang90 (at 49) CONFIRMED
06/22/18  FernFree
06/25/18  MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18  Acastus (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/29/18  aperture (at 56) CONFIRMED
06/30/18  HenryDavid CONFIRMED
06/??/18  Agent Rosenflower
06/??/18  dbtx
06/??/18  Omalley
06/??/18  randomgiraffe
07/06/18  Honeyfill  (at 60)  CONFIRMED
07/09/18  CHF (at 51) CONFIRMED
07/??/18  AussieGirl
07/??/18  Mr Griz
07/??/18  BackAndForth
07/??/18  cerat0n1a
07/??/18  Fresh Bread
07/??/18  SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18  SugarMountain
08/24/18  sol (at 41)
08/31/18  JerseyGrrrl
08/??/18  NorCalistache
08/??/18  Mogadishu
09/01/18  Vegasgirl (at 49)
09/21/18  Ottawa
09/25/18  MaybeBabyMustache
09/30/18  SwissMiss (at 50)
10/05/18  JumboShrimp
10/25/18  PhilB (at 52)
10/??/18  Fire1018
10/??/18  Happy
10/??/18  Irishtache
11/??/18  DeSteeg
11/??/18  Kris
12/21/18  LateStarter
12/31/18  DavidAnnArbor (at 53) (Won't renew my office lease)
12/??/18  EnjoyIt  Parttime.
12/??/18  yoda34
12/??/18  RunningWithScissors
??/??/18  Blindsquirrel
??/??/18  FLStache
??/??/18  Michread
??/??/18  Minnesota_mom
??/??/18  MiserlyMiser
??/??/18  pecunia
??/??/18  Badblackgirl
??/??/18  Sofa King
??/??/18  PKate and DH
??/??/18  Calvin
??/??/18  HappyMargo
03/??/19  ChasesFish  OMY
??/??/19  RetireAbroadAt35  05/??/18, now OMY.
??/??/20  Gooki   2MY or 3MY

homestead neohio

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1763 on: July 09, 2018, 05:21:41 AM »
Congrats to all the recent graduates!  Life outside of working is amazing.

FernFree

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1764 on: July 09, 2018, 01:54:30 PM »
Time for a check-in!  I've been off work for a couple of weeks due to an illness/death in the family, so back to the grindstone to finish up my last transition items and then burning off vacation days.

Last work day:  7/13/18
Official end of employment day:  8/10/18

That's the latest plan at least.  My boss wants me to stay until end of January, and I said "I don't think so, buddy!" :)

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1765 on: July 09, 2018, 04:33:31 PM »
After a bunch of hemming & hawing, I've set up "the" chat with my manager for 7/25. Given the nature of my work, and the time it takes to backfill positions like this, I will offer to stay on through a transition for a few months. I do not want to stay through Q4 (our busiest time of the year, but a wide margin), but would be open to potential financial incentives above & beyond my current compensation and then leave in January. I've discussed leaving work for YEARS, and this is by far the closest I've ever come. . . *nervous butterflies*

poppydog

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1766 on: July 10, 2018, 07:02:53 AM »

 It is so much fun to politely tell them to Fuck the Fuck Off.

Ah Dicey, you have such a way with words!  Just made me splurt out my tea!

Rivertop

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1767 on: July 10, 2018, 07:50:20 AM »
Eeks - I'm so close! Yesterday I told my VP I was retiring on August 17. After she closed her dropped jaw and told me how envious she was that I could retire so early, I told her I would be willing to stay until August 31 if she felt those additional two weeks would be valuable. Between now and August 17, I'm on vacation for 5 days and out of town for work 4 days. So, only 19 or 29 work sleeps left! And truth be told, although I'm ready, I'm am also nervous as all get out -  I have worked since I was 16 with only a three year baby break. And, all of you are so inspiring!

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1768 on: July 10, 2018, 07:51:45 AM »
@Rivertop - so exciting!!! You are so close!

Vegasgirl

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1769 on: July 10, 2018, 08:45:48 AM »
Huge Congratulations to everyone so far !!  My boss keeps coming and asking if I've changed my mind about leaving.  Guess she has not figured out that she's the main reason for my decision to retire.  Last week the nail went into the coffin as I found out she spent $83K on a new car so I know she's not going anywhere anytime soon, poor thing !!! My happiness level is through the roof as I sign my papers tomorrow!

RunningWithScissors

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1770 on: July 10, 2018, 09:34:28 AM »
Looks like my last day will be December 20th, 2018.  I'm currently the only one at my level in my team at work (there used to be four of us) and there's no sign of anyone being hired yet.  I don't mind staying on a few months longer as we've incurred a few big expenses relating to fixing up our current house to rent, replacing our 17 year old car, and paying for the move to a different province.

I'll be eligible for a DB pension as I've been in my position for over the two year minimum period.  This afternoon I have an appointment with the pension administrator to crunch numbers and see what pulling my money out vs leaving it in the plan looks like.  I'm leaning towards pulling it out, of course, being the control freak I am.

The countdown app on my phone is ticking down - very exciting! 

MiserlyMiser

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1771 on: July 10, 2018, 03:56:18 PM »
I don't have a date, but I'm still hoping to peace out before I turn 40 in December. 

I'm finding it really hard, mentally, to step away.  I have one project at work that I find really engaging, which is pretty rare, plus, at the moment, I feel appreciated, and for me that's a powerful motivator.  And, if I stick around until late December, I'll get a significant bonus. 

It's been a long time since I've taken a vacation, but I'm taking a long trip in August, and I hope it will remind me how awesome it feels not to have commitments on my time and just to do whatever I feel like.

ETA: Aw, hell.  It's a never-ending cycle of OMY.  I've been past my FI threshold for a while.  Last year around this time, I was doing the same analysis re: bonus, but then once I got closer to bonus, from there it was only a few more months working to fill up my 401k and work the weeks required for 2018 to count for social security purposes.  And once that was finished, my project was heating up and I didn't want to leave in the middle (I wanted certain experience, + I didn't want to leave anyone in the lurch).  And now I'm back to the beginning of that cycle.  Any suggestions on breaking it?
« Last Edit: July 10, 2018, 04:15:03 PM by MiserlyMiser »

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1772 on: July 10, 2018, 06:21:03 PM »
I don't have a date, but I'm still hoping to peace out before I turn 40 in December. 

I'm finding it really hard, mentally, to step away.  I have one project at work that I find really engaging, which is pretty rare, plus, at the moment, I feel appreciated, and for me that's a powerful motivator.  And, if I stick around until late December, I'll get a significant bonus. 

It's been a long time since I've taken a vacation, but I'm taking a long trip in August, and I hope it will remind me how awesome it feels not to have commitments on my time and just to do whatever I feel like.

ETA: Aw, hell.  It's a never-ending cycle of OMY.  I've been past my FI threshold for a while.  Last year around this time, I was doing the same analysis re: bonus, but then once I got closer to bonus, from there it was only a few more months working to fill up my 401k and work the weeks required for 2018 to count for social security purposes.  And once that was finished, my project was heating up and I didn't want to leave in the middle (I wanted certain experience, + I didn't want to leave anyone in the lurch).  And now I'm back to the beginning of that cycle.  Any suggestions on breaking it?

You didn't need the extra money last year, right?  And you really don't need the extra money this year?  Ask yourself, "why on earth should I keep frittering away precious years of my life for money I don't need?"

If that doesn't help, let me run down the positive results of my first 6 months of FIRE:

I do whatever the fuck I want to do, whenever the fuck I want to do it.
I spend time outside every day.
I get a whole lot more exercise.
I've lost weight without trying.
I sleep much better.
My digestive system works better.
My back doesn't hurt from sitting all day any more.
Stress?  What stress?
I absolutely do not miss work at all.
I've read more books in the last 6 months that I did in the previous 25 years.
I've caught up on a lot of household chores that usually get put off until the last possible moment.

All of that is worth more to me than the extra 55 grand I would have banked by working those 6 months.

Vegasgirl

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1773 on: July 11, 2018, 04:54:08 AM »
Thanks for the update/reminders @Monkey Uncle - today is "the day" for me, I go in and sign all the paperwork so no turning back and I am a little nervous this morning but deep down I know this is the chance of a lifetime for me!!

Rivertop

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1774 on: July 11, 2018, 05:54:59 AM »
Thanks for the update/reminders @Monkey Uncle - today is "the day" for me, I go in and sign all the paperwork so no turning back and I am a little nervous this morning but deep down I know this is the chance of a lifetime for me!!

CONGRATULATIONS Vegasgirl! While I understand the being nervous part, that should pass. So exciting!!!!

Cherry Lane

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1775 on: July 11, 2018, 06:37:17 AM »
The countdown app on my phone is ticking down - very exciting!

It is fun to look at each day, isn't it?  After I FIREd I left the counter on my phone - and it started counting up!  I find myself looking at it every once in a while and it makes me smile. Today it says "FIRE 117 days ago"

Mogadishu

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1776 on: July 11, 2018, 01:18:40 PM »
Good to read the last few pages of posts and realize that I am not alone.   I'm going to put in a 2.5 week notice next week for an end date of Aug 3.  I'll be spending my time with my 10 month old son now and not the folks at work.  Clocking in at 40 years old, although I'm leaving the possibility to do some work in the future when he starts school if I find something interesting and flexible. 

Vegasgirl

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1777 on: July 11, 2018, 02:06:09 PM »
I did it !!!!  Papers signed.  Made it home.  On leave now through Aug 31st !!! FIRE Sept 1 !!! Time to enjoy my summer !!!!!

TartanTallulah

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1778 on: July 11, 2018, 02:07:17 PM »
Thanks for the update/reminders @Monkey Uncle - today is "the day" for me, I go in and sign all the paperwork so no turning back and I am a little nervous this morning but deep down I know this is the chance of a lifetime for me!!

Many congratulations, Vegasgirl!

Anette

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1779 on: July 11, 2018, 04:54:34 PM »
Ptf as you all are so inspiring!

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1780 on: July 11, 2018, 06:35:15 PM »
I did it !!!!  Papers signed.  Made it home.  On leave now through Aug 31st !!! FIRE Sept 1 !!! Time to enjoy my summer !!!!!

Congrats, Vegasgirl!

Mr Mark

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1781 on: July 12, 2018, 05:50:08 AM »
I did it !!!!  Papers signed.  Made it home.  On leave now through Aug 31st !!! FIRE Sept 1 !!! Time to enjoy my summer !!!!!

Congratulations Vegasgirl! great to see the confirmations starting to roll again.

EnjoyIt

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1782 on: July 13, 2018, 11:27:35 PM »
I don't have a date, but I'm still hoping to peace out before I turn 40 in December. 

I'm finding it really hard, mentally, to step away.  I have one project at work that I find really engaging, which is pretty rare, plus, at the moment, I feel appreciated, and for me that's a powerful motivator.  And, if I stick around until late December, I'll get a significant bonus. 

It's been a long time since I've taken a vacation, but I'm taking a long trip in August, and I hope it will remind me how awesome it feels not to have commitments on my time and just to do whatever I feel like.

ETA: Aw, hell.  It's a never-ending cycle of OMY.  I've been past my FI threshold for a while.  Last year around this time, I was doing the same analysis re: bonus, but then once I got closer to bonus, from there it was only a few more months working to fill up my 401k and work the weeks required for 2018 to count for social security purposes.  And once that was finished, my project was heating up and I didn't want to leave in the middle (I wanted certain experience, + I didn't want to leave anyone in the lurch).  And now I'm back to the beginning of that cycle.  Any suggestions on breaking it?

You didn't need the extra money last year, right?  And you really don't need the extra money this year?  Ask yourself, "why on earth should I keep frittering away precious years of my life for money I don't need?"

If that doesn't help, let me run down the positive results of my first 6 months of FIRE:

I do whatever the fuck I want to do, whenever the fuck I want to do it.
I spend time outside every day.
I get a whole lot more exercise.
I've lost weight without trying.
I sleep much better.
My digestive system works better.
My back doesn't hurt from sitting all day any more.
Stress?  What stress?
I absolutely do not miss work at all.
I've read more books in the last 6 months that I did in the previous 25 years.
I've caught up on a lot of household chores that usually get put off until the last possible moment.

All of that is worth more to me than the extra 55 grand I would have banked by working those 6 months.

This list really gets to me.  Particularly about the health benefits.

This year I took 4 weeks off of work and I felt amazing.  I slept great and did not even need an alarm clock to wake up.  My body would just wake up if I had something I wanted to do early that morning. Plus I had zero back pain during those 4 weeks.  Now I am sitting in my recliner at 12:30am.  My back is sore and I am not sleepy.  5.5 months to go.

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1783 on: July 14, 2018, 05:03:53 AM »
I don't have a date, but I'm still hoping to peace out before I turn 40 in December. 

I'm finding it really hard, mentally, to step away.  I have one project at work that I find really engaging, which is pretty rare, plus, at the moment, I feel appreciated, and for me that's a powerful motivator.  And, if I stick around until late December, I'll get a significant bonus. 

It's been a long time since I've taken a vacation, but I'm taking a long trip in August, and I hope it will remind me how awesome it feels not to have commitments on my time and just to do whatever I feel like.

ETA: Aw, hell.  It's a never-ending cycle of OMY.  I've been past my FI threshold for a while.  Last year around this time, I was doing the same analysis re: bonus, but then once I got closer to bonus, from there it was only a few more months working to fill up my 401k and work the weeks required for 2018 to count for social security purposes.  And once that was finished, my project was heating up and I didn't want to leave in the middle (I wanted certain experience, + I didn't want to leave anyone in the lurch).  And now I'm back to the beginning of that cycle.  Any suggestions on breaking it?

You didn't need the extra money last year, right?  And you really don't need the extra money this year?  Ask yourself, "why on earth should I keep frittering away precious years of my life for money I don't need?"

If that doesn't help, let me run down the positive results of my first 6 months of FIRE:

I do whatever the fuck I want to do, whenever the fuck I want to do it.
I spend time outside every day.
I get a whole lot more exercise.
I've lost weight without trying.
I sleep much better.
My digestive system works better.
My back doesn't hurt from sitting all day any more.
Stress?  What stress?
I absolutely do not miss work at all.
I've read more books in the last 6 months that I did in the previous 25 years.
I've caught up on a lot of household chores that usually get put off until the last possible moment.

All of that is worth more to me than the extra 55 grand I would have banked by working those 6 months.

This list really gets to me.  Particularly about the health benefits.

This year I took 4 weeks off of work and I felt amazing.  I slept great and did not even need an alarm clock to wake up.  My body would just wake up if I had something I wanted to do early that morning. Plus I had zero back pain during those 4 weeks.  Now I am sitting in my recliner at 12:30am.  My back is sore and I am not sleepy.  5.5 months to go.

Hang in there.  I found that the time seemed to go faster the closer I got to my date.

I was quite surprised at some of the health benefits of FIREing.  I didn't realize how much the job was contributing to back, sleep, and digestive issues.  I had just chalked it all up to getting older.  I still need to get my blood pressure checked.  I'm hoping that has improved also due to weight loss, more exercise, and reduced stress.

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1784 on: July 16, 2018, 04:21:57 PM »
I have my meeting to discuss with my manager on Friday. I thought I might be having some qualms at this point, but I'm feeling great about the decision. In order to provide team stability, I can be (somewhat) flexible on end date. All of the feedback on this thread have been so helpful in order for me to crystalize my thinking, what I want, & how to prioritize my time & health over money.

DavidAnnArbor

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1785 on: July 16, 2018, 07:38:53 PM »
This year I took 4 weeks off of work and I felt amazing.  I slept great and did not even need an alarm clock to wake up.  My body would just wake up if I had something I wanted to do early that morning. Plus I had zero back pain during those 4 weeks.  Now I am sitting in my recliner at 12:30am.  My back is sore and I am not sleepy.  5.5 months to go.

Sleep is really critical for health, and that's why I didn't finish medical school

EnjoyIt

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1786 on: July 16, 2018, 10:42:33 PM »
This year I took 4 weeks off of work and I felt amazing.  I slept great and did not even need an alarm clock to wake up.  My body would just wake up if I had something I wanted to do early that morning. Plus I had zero back pain during those 4 weeks.  Now I am sitting in my recliner at 12:30am.  My back is sore and I am not sleepy.  5.5 months to go.

Sleep is really critical for health, and that's why I didn't finish medical school

I complain here and there, but all in all I am glad I am a physician. This is not just because of the benefits I bring to society or the income it brings, but because of the knowledge I have gained and the usefulness it is to not just for my patients but my family and friends as well.  One of the biggest reasons why I will not fire completely is because I don't want to lose my skills or the in hospital connections it brings.  I hope I continue to have the passion and desire to practice medicine 6-8 days a month for many more years to come despite being FI.

PhilB

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1787 on: July 17, 2018, 07:51:32 AM »
The retirement of the main system I support has been pushed back from this October to next October.  I have just agreed terms that, rather than officially 'retiring' at the end of October, I will stay on, basically as a consultant, one day per week, but taking all school holidays off.  The money I'll clear from doing this doesn't even move the dial on my retirement spreadsheets, but I have to say I am feeling incredibly relieved to have struck the deal simply because the next three months now become a wind down to retirement rather than a desperate struggle to get everything I know / do documented and handed over.

I will still consider myself basically 'retired' from 24 October so yah boo sucks to the IRP!  (But that won't stop me having a second celebration in 2019 when I stop entirely ;o)

EnjoyIt

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1788 on: July 17, 2018, 11:24:28 AM »
The retirement of the main system I support has been pushed back from this October to next October.  I have just agreed terms that, rather than officially 'retiring' at the end of October, I will stay on, basically as a consultant, one day per week, but taking all school holidays off.  The money I'll clear from doing this doesn't even move the dial on my retirement spreadsheets, but I have to say I am feeling incredibly relieved to have struck the deal simply because the next three months now become a wind down to retirement rather than a desperate struggle to get everything I know / do documented and handed over.

I will still consider myself basically 'retired' from 24 October so yah boo sucks to the IRP!  (But that won't stop me having a second celebration in 2019 when I stop entirely ;o)

Congrats on this negotiation.  I think a semiretirement such as this will be a nice way to transition into full retirement next year. 

sui generis

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1789 on: July 17, 2018, 11:40:43 AM »
+1 and congrats, @PhilB.  That sounds like a better plan.  I'd love a transition like that!

PhilB

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1790 on: July 18, 2018, 08:53:17 AM »
+1 and congrats, @PhilB.  That sounds like a better plan.  I'd love a transition like that!
Thanks.  Certainly less stressful than your attempt to get 42.5 billable hours a week in your 'run down'!

dude

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1791 on: July 19, 2018, 07:12:24 AM »
Having just read up on the last few pages, I'm just giddy with excitement and anticipation!  SO MUCH FUN to read these retirement notice posts!! I'm in the 2019 cohort (May 7, 2019), so I'm just 9.5 months away, which seems SO CLOSE and yet SO FAR at the same time! Feeling totally inspired after reading about you 2018 finishers!

TartanTallulah

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1792 on: July 20, 2018, 08:39:12 AM »
My resignation letter has gone in and has been accepted. I finish on 31/10/18.

I've been asked to do Just One More Month, and I've declined because I know if I agreed my current colleagues would stop looking for other solutions, and they need to look for other solutions.

I'm not particularly happy about the manner and timing of my departure, but logically I know that if you hear a speeding train the first thing you should do is get off the tracks unless you're suicidal or a martyr, and I'm neither. And I'm very much looking forward to not having to do quite a long list of specific things any more.

I intend to be an exemplary colleague until the minute I walk out the door for the last time.

honeyfill

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1793 on: July 20, 2018, 09:51:11 AM »
My resignation letter has gone in and has been accepted. I finish on 31/10/18.

I've been asked to do Just One More Month, and I've declined because I know if I agreed my current colleagues would stop looking for other solutions, and they need to look for other solutions.

I'm not particularly happy about the manner and timing of my departure, but logically I know that if you hear a speeding train the first thing you should do is get off the tracks unless you're suicidal or a martyr, and I'm neither. And I'm very much looking forward to not having to do quite a long list of specific things any more.

I intend to be an exemplary colleague until the minute I walk out the door for the last time.


Great News TT,
You can do 3 more months standing on your head.  Now it is time to prioritize.  Dump all your non productive busy-work projects, don't accept anything that wont be complete before Oct 31 and you will be twice as productive and twice as happy!!

SugarMountain

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1794 on: July 20, 2018, 01:01:49 PM »



08/01/18  SugarMountain



Have not submitted my resignation.  Current status is OMM (or maybe OMW) mode, depending on my mood. Hopefully doesn't turn into full blown OMY. Still working through the emotional side of this more than anything.

Vegasgirl

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1795 on: July 20, 2018, 01:51:15 PM »
Congrats TT !!!

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1796 on: July 20, 2018, 09:52:42 PM »
Had my meeting with my manager today & advised her that I planned to leave the company. She was lovely & offered me a variety of other options (none of which are typically available). Including: part time, a sabbatical, 80%, a reduced scope, etc. It was a great chat & we both agreed that we would take time to think about what comes next & any possible options that would make sense. I've discovered that I can take a sabbatical of up to 8 weeks (unpaid), but my stock would continue to vest. My options are worth about $10k/month, so this would be huge. I'll continue to work with her on a plan that will either result in: a sabbatical followed by part time work, a sabbatical followed by me quitting, or a longer transition plan followed by a sabbatical. I have a great manager, and am very happy to have the conversation done so we can now be transparent about future plans.

Fresh Bread

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1797 on: July 20, 2018, 10:57:07 PM »
Current plan for me is, drop to a strict 10 hr work week at the end of September so I can crack on with other projects and I'll aim to sell my business asap after that. Even though I'll be working hardly any hours on the business I won't feel retired til it's totally off my plate, but I'm not sure how long it will take.

Hubby will finish full-time work at the end of Sept and will seek to get a 2 days a week gig at the same place - he's on a contract but has asked to stay on, details yet to be worked out. He's going to try to talk to his manager soon. If that doesn't work he'll take a break and then look for something closer to home and part time just to keep him busy and his brain active.

So hopefully we will both be part-time from Oct 1 and full FIRE for me might eventually happen as late as 2019. I don't know if hubby will ever actually retire as such but if he's part-time and can take a decent amount of leave, we will get to do everything we want to anyway, so all is well.   

aperture

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1798 on: July 21, 2018, 11:57:56 AM »
3 weeks since FIRE. I am on the road with my 13 year old daughter. We are headed into Acadia NP, camping for the next 5 days. It has been great to have this time with her. A big reason to avoid OMY is that my kids are going to be out of the house. Already the oldest is out more than in and I don't want to miss the chance at sharing more of our lives while there is opportunity.

I am starting to feel retired. I am sleeping well and I am not having any free floating anxiety.

We will be on the road about three more weeks. I will write a more complete update then. Best wishes to you all, aperture.


MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1799 on: July 21, 2018, 12:47:52 PM »
3 weeks since FIRE. I am on the road with my 13 year old daughter. We are headed into Acadia NP, camping for the next 5 days. It has been great to have this time with her. A big reason to avoid OMY is that my kids are going to be out of the house. Already the oldest is out more than in and I don't want to miss the chance at sharing more of our lives while there is opportunity.

I am starting to feel retired. I am sleeping well and I am not having any free floating anxiety.

We will be on the road about three more weeks. I will write a more complete update then. Best wishes to you all, aperture.

Loved your update, aperture. Enjoy your time with your family!

 

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