2023 FIRE cohort

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Advised my manager last week that I would be leaving the company "soon". ("Soon" because my role will require a lengthy candidate search, and I'd committed to providing ample transition time). We agreed that he'd begin a silent search with recruiting, and advise the team in about 6-8 weeks. We also agreed to Q1/2023. I'm flexible within that, as it's also when my bonus is paid out.

This is step one to everything starting to feel "real". I've been trying to walk away from the golden handcuffs for years, unsuccessfully, so this is a major mental milestone for me!

[mistymoney]

Advised my manager last week that I would be leaving the company "soon". ("Soon" because my role will require a lengthy candidate search, and I'd committed to providing ample transition time). We agreed that he'd begin a silent search with recruiting, and advise the team in about 6-8 weeks. We also agreed to Q1/2023. I'm flexible within that, as it's also when my bonus is paid out.

This is step one to everything starting to feel "real". I've been trying to walk away from the golden handcuffs for years, unsuccessfully, so this is a major mental milestone for me!

Sounds like a great step for you!

[StarBright]

Advised my manager last week that I would be leaving the company "soon". ("Soon" because my role will require a lengthy candidate search, and I'd committed to providing ample transition time). We agreed that he'd begin a silent search with recruiting, and advise the team in about 6-8 weeks. We also agreed to Q1/2023. I'm flexible within that, as it's also when my bonus is paid out.

This is step one to everything starting to feel "real". I've been trying to walk away from the golden handcuffs for years, unsuccessfully, so this is a major mental milestone for me!

That is so exciting! Congrats!!

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Thanks, @mistymoney & @StarBright ! I'm excited, & a little nervous. I've been threatening to quit for so long (to my husband, & sister, not at work), that I'm not sure anyone believe me, including myself, until I took this step. I know it will feel even more "real" once the rest of my team knows, and I can start working on transition plans, etc.

[RWTL]

Thanks, @mistymoney & @StarBright ! I'm excited, & a little nervous. I've been threatening to quit for so long (to my husband, & sister, not at work), that I'm not sure anyone believe me, including myself, until I took this step. I know it will feel even more "real" once the rest of my team knows, and I can start working on transition plans, etc.

Congrats!  Let us know how it goes from here.

[mistymoney]

Thanks, @mistymoney & @StarBright ! I'm excited, & a little nervous. I've been threatening to quit for so long (to my husband, & sister, not at work), that I'm not sure anyone believe me, including myself, until I took this step. I know it will feel even more "real" once the rest of my team knows, and I can start working on transition plans, etc.

Is your husband not also retiring/already retired? Do you split expenses, and have a stache that will fund that half?

Just wondering how that works if he doesn't think you are serious!

[MaybeBabyMustache]

@mistymoney - ha, good questions. We're financially ready & have a large stache regardless, and a paid off house. My husband also plans to keep working. I've been over my job for a long time, but I'm all about financial security (well beyond the point of any rational milestone), so no one thought I'd finally one day actually quit. I'm paid really, really well at my job, which has made it hard to give up, and my inner bag lady struggled/s with the challenge of giving up a well paying job, even if 1) I don't enjoy it and 2) I don't need it.

[PhrugalPhan]

I'm sawing through my golden handcuffs and they're almost cut through.  Should be able to break them off by the end of this year (~75 weekdays).  Given my vacation time and holidays I should be working less than 40 days from here to year's end.

Come-on Christmas!  All I want from Santa is my retirement paperwork.  (Can you tell I have had enough of this?)

[RWTL]

I'm sawing through my golden handcuffs and they're almost cut through.  Should be able to break them off by the end of this year (~75 weekdays).  Given my vacation time and holidays I should be working less than 40 days from here to year's end.

Come-on Christmas!  All I want from Santa is my retirement paperwork.  (Can you tell I have had enough of this?)

Haha!  Congrats.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

I'm sawing through my golden handcuffs and they're almost cut through.  Should be able to break them off by the end of this year (~75 weekdays).  Given my vacation time and holidays I should be working less than 40 days from here to year's end.

Come-on Christmas!  All I want from Santa is my retirement paperwork.  (Can you tell I have had enough of this?)

Woohoo! Congrats to you! You are in the home stretch.

[detrimental12]

Decided to join the 2023 club, I'll be pulling the pin on 31 January 2023.

NW by then will be approx. $4.8m. Spending approximately $150,000 per year after taxes.

155 days to go!

Welcome to the party!  You're on the list.  Let us know what age you will be.

34 (sorry..)

[Midwest_Handlebar]

Decided to join the 2023 club, I'll be pulling the pin on 31 January 2023.

NW by then will be approx. $4.8m. Spending approximately $150,000 per year after taxes.

155 days to go!

Welcome to the party!  You're on the list.  Let us know what age you will be.

34 (sorry..)

Why sorry, you're in an enviable position? Unless it's for not including you age in the original post?

[detrimental12]

Why sorry, you're in an enviable position? Unless it's for not including you age in the original post?

Sorry for being in an enviable position

[mistymoney]

Why sorry, you're in an enviable position? Unless it's for not including you age in the original post?

Sorry for being in an enviable position

way to make it weird....

[FireGinslia]

Hello, just joined MMM so I could join this 2023 cohort!

Planned Fire in 2023 as
   1) Options vest in May (future options less lucrative and less likely to vest)
   2) Turn 50 at the end of the summer, so can access my first retirement account from then
   3) Plus I want to enjoy my early retirement years while I still have the energy and enthusiasm to do so
Plan to resign after my birthday, then depending on whether I need to work my notice or boss wants me out the door ASAP, it could be end of August or shortly thereafter.

 I discovered MMM and Fire over Covid, realised I had been doing a lot of the steps anyway and the numbers looked doable. Also during Covid/WFH the zoom novelty wore off very quickly, and my job wasn’t as enjoyable when not interacting with colleagues unless by appointment, but my quality of life is better WFH, so here I am.

Plans post Fire
I’ve always volunteered on projects, so plan to keep that up in retirement, I’ve also joined some local  organizations.  I have a bucket list of everything from skills to learn, places to go and experience, to keep fit and healthy, and some more creative ideas to work on. Mentoring others is also an area I’d like to explore. But first I need to finish renovating & decorating my house and decluttering. Next big decision is whether to go EV or car free post Fire.

[RWTL]

Updating and adding to this page....

01/2023 watchmaker (39)
01/31/2023 detrimental12 (34)
02/2023 MaybeBabyMustache(46)
02/2023 Thriftyc (49)
02/28/2023 Much Fishing to Do (51)
03/2023 Retiring gaijin
03/2023 mtnrider
03/2023 Blissful Biker (50)
04/2023 PhrugalPhan (60)
04/03/2023 AccidentalMiser (55)
04/2023 SEAK
04/2023 FIREupDOOON
04/2023 Midwest_Handlebar (39)
04/2023 goat_music_generator (30)
04/2023 RWTL (51)
05/2023 Wanttobehome (55)
05/2023 dougules (44) - could vary a lot
05/2023 paideuma
05/2023 Locksmith (46)
05/2023 drumstache (53)
05/2023 lutorm (52)
05/31/2023 mistymoney (55)
06/2023 marblejane
06/2023 fuzzy math (41)
06/2023 HuffDuf41 (41)
06/2023 Present Muse
06/2023 markus
06/05/2023 ShadowRegent (36)
06/1/2023 2Birds1Stone (36)
07/7/2023 stein07 (46)
07/2023 pdxvandal (48)
08/2023 Erutio (43)
09/2023 FrugalShrew (36)
09/29/2023 frizzywhiskers (51)
10/2023 Phryne
10/2023 Mathew675
11/2023 frugal rph
11/2023 garyjames8 (49)
12/2023 Bateaux
12/2023 beer-man
12/2023 CindyBS
12/2023 FI Curious
12/2023 Landlady
12/2023 NESailor
12/2023 RedHotLama
12/2023 rpr
12/2023 SpeedReader
12/2023 Spiffsome
12/2023 Stache-O-Lantern (48)
12/2023 stupidiot8
12/2023 wannabe-stache
12/2023 bottlerocks
12/2023 lauren_knows (42)
12/2023 TomTx (50)
12/25/2023 moof (46)
12/31/2023 StarBright (41)
12/31/2023 Peony2019
12/31/2023 BFGirl (56)


OLY:

12/2019 I'm Fred
??/2020 Mmm_Donuts
12/2021 Arbitrage
02/22/2022 friedmmj
?  Le Dérisoire
11/10/2022  Slow road to freedom

OMY:

02/2024 grantmeaname
12/2024 OurTown
12/2027 FireryFIRE
Ardrum (39)

[RWTL]

Hello, just joined MMM so I could join this 2023 cohort!

Planned Fire in 2023 as
   1) Options vest in May (future options less lucrative and less likely to vest)
   2) Turn 50 at the end of the summer, so can access my first retirement account from then
   3) Plus I want to enjoy my early retirement years while I still have the energy and enthusiasm to do so
Plan to resign after my birthday, then depending on whether I need to work my notice or boss wants me out the door ASAP, it could be end of August or shortly thereafter.

 I discovered MMM and Fire over Covid, realised I had been doing a lot of the steps anyway and the numbers looked doable. Also during Covid/WFH the zoom novelty wore off very quickly, and my job wasn’t as enjoyable when not interacting with colleagues unless by appointment, but my quality of life is better WFH, so here I am.

Plans post Fire
I’ve always volunteered on projects, so plan to keep that up in retirement, I’ve also joined some local  organizations.  I have a bucket list of everything from skills to learn, places to go and experience, to keep fit and healthy, and some more creative ideas to work on. Mentoring others is also an area I’d like to explore. But first I need to finish renovating & decorating my house and decluttering. Next big decision is whether to go EV or car free post Fire.

Welcome!  Do you want to set a date and age for the list?

[mistymoney]

Let's get some updates from everyone around the first week of Sept!

did anyone every update sept? Anyone going to update Oct?

My update:

magic 8 ball says "Outlook is cloudy"

[StarBright]

did anyone every update sept? Anyone going to update Oct?

My update:

magic 8 ball says "Outlook is cloudy"

Right? I'm still 15 months out so I'm probably 6 months from having an idea.

We are still waffling between living off of our projected "FIRE" income or enjoy the extra money right now because the last three years have sucks so hard.

In the meantime we're just throwing 30-40% into retirement and investments and hoping the world doesn't fall apart.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

did anyone every update sept? Anyone going to update Oct?

My update:

magic 8 ball says "Outlook is cloudy"

Right? I'm still 15 months out so I'm probably 6 months from having an idea.

We are still waffling between living off of our projected "FIRE" income or enjoy the extra money right now because the last three years have sucks so hard.

In the meantime we're just throwing 30-40% into retirement and investments and hoping the world doesn't fall apart.

I've given notice, and now  have a better understanding of my bonus payout. So, I'm targeting between end of January through end of March. No longer than end of March, and end of January at the earliest.

[TomTX]

You know, I've been puzzling over this for awhile. I've been pushing off the "RE" despite being lean-FI and able to retire now, even with a bit of a buffer if I cut out some luxury spending like the fancy flagship phones we purchased early this year despite having perfectly functional 4 year old flagship smartphones.

For cohort date purposes, I realize that I've been over focused on the "RE" part and not the "FI" option.

Work is good, largely on my own terms (90% remote, lots of flexibility for most stuff). I feel appreciated and am having a noticeable positive impact on the world (within my niche anyway, but the results touch tens of millions of people directly and billions indirectly.) I've been effective at streamlining some processes and clearing out some cruft and my ability to do more of that just increased. My one personality conflict with a coworker appears to be resolved. My supervisor is literally the best one I've ever had.

Therefore, as of 10/1/2022 I declare myself a SWAMI and 5LY from the 2027 FIRE thread I started back in 2016. I've hit FI despite choosing to continue with my job.

[2Birds1Stone]

Congrats @TomTX!

We've been chewing on the same shit sandwich that the rest of this cohort is probably tasting (sans those with COLA pensions or high SS coming soon).

Despite purchasing power of our portfolio dropping ~30% this year, we're still out no later than June 1, 2023. Hopefully the market finds a bottom by then so we know what we're dealing with........but we're literally prepared to backpack around Eastern Europe and SE Asia for the next few years instead of working another year right now.

[TomTX]

Thanks for the congratulations! My epiphany doesn't really change my day-to-day, but somehow things feel different and better.

And yeah, if work and the markets working against you is a shit sandwich - spend a year or three backpacking around low cost areas and enjoy the world!

[moneytaichi]

Congrats @TomTX!

We've been chewing on the same shit sandwich that the rest of this cohort is probably tasting (sans those with COLA pensions or high SS coming soon).

Despite purchasing power of our portfolio dropping ~30% this year, we're still out no later than June 1, 2023. Hopefully the market finds a bottom by then so we know what we're dealing with........but we're literally prepared to backpack around Eastern Europe and SE Asia for the next few years instead of working another year right now.

Knowing what you are retiring is always powerful and inspiring!

[Bateaux]

I'm officially on the countdown here as end of 2023.  That can be as early as May 15, 2023.  Work has gotten easier than it's ever been.  If the market stays in the dumpster we'll just belt tighten.  I can draw a non COLA pension next by the summer.

[frizzywhiskers]

Hi there! I’m coming from the 2022 cohort and sliding into 2023! 

Can you put me down as September 29, 2023. Age 51

[RWTL]

Hi there! I’m coming from the 2022 cohort and sliding into 2023! 

Can you put me down as September 29, 2023. Age 51

Got you!

[mistymoney]

Hi there! I’m coming from the 2022 cohort and sliding into 2023! 

Can you put me down as September 29, 2023. Age 51

Welcome to the famed 2023 cohort!

;P


aka....let's see where all this goes cohort.....

[shadesofgreen]

Well I was asked about my future plans at work today so I informed my boss that I plan to be out around March 31, 2023.

[RWTL]

Well I was asked about my future plans at work today so I informed my boss that I plan to be out around March 31, 2023.

How did they take it?

[FrugalShrew]

With mixed emotions, I am switching to the 2024 cohort. I'm sure they're nice, but they're not quite as cool as y'all.

[mistymoney]

With mixed emotions, I am switching to the 2024 cohort. I'm sure they're nice, but they're not quite as cool as y'all.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

but many of us may end up there......

[RWTL]

With mixed emotions, I am switching to the 2024 cohort. I'm sure they're nice, but they're not quite as cool as y'all.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

but many of us may end up there......

My work environment has really sucked lately.  The irrational part of me would like to give the leadership team the double finger right now.  My rational brain reminds me that I can see the finish line and the money is fantastic right now.

I'm taking it 1-2 months at a time to see how it goes.  I can get through the holidays at the least.

[mistymoney]

With mixed emotions, I am switching to the 2024 cohort. I'm sure they're nice, but they're not quite as cool as y'all.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

but many of us may end up there......

My work environment has really sucked lately.  The irrational part of me would like to give the leadership team the double finger right now.  My rational brain reminds me that I can see the finish line and the money is fantastic right now.

I'm taking it 1-2 months at a time to see how it goes.  I can get through the holidays at the least.

right there with you! A few hard weeks up ahead, and then things will slowly get better and easier into the EOY and through early January before it starts picking up again.

Late summer through early fall is our busiest time of year, and I was hoping this was my last go round of it!! Now - not so sure, :/

I'll also know a lot more about my personal numbers by January. Will assess my spending EOY and see where it is at, as well as getting some quote for some home maintenance issues.

[mistymoney]

So - that brings up another question for my cohort!!!

I know a lot of you are solidly going to retire in 2023 no matter what mr. market says - and some of you (like me!) are baited breath on 2023 plans because of the uncertaintyon where the market is heeding.

Despite that - are you all working on your countdown checklists? While I am watching the market to assess my date, I keep forgetting that I need to prepare a lot of other stuff and that I should get it all done/mostly done/well researched, etc. JIC and just because a lot of it needs doing anyway and no matter if a FIRE 23,24,25,.....

How is everyone doing on that stuff? Or were you all caught up anyway?

[RWTL]

So - that brings up another question for my cohort!!!

I know a lot of you are solidly going to retire in 2023 no matter what mr. market says - and some of you (like me!) are baited breath on 2023 plans because of the uncertaintyon where the market is heeding.

Despite that - are you all working on your countdown checklists? While I am watching the market to assess my date, I keep forgetting that I need to prepare a lot of other stuff and that I should get it all done/mostly done/well researched, etc. JIC and just because a lot of it needs doing anyway and no matter if a FIRE 23,24,25,.....

How is everyone doing on that stuff? Or were you all caught up anyway?

I have a timeline spreadsheet (of course I do) that outlines different tasks per quarter that would have ended with my retirement in Jan.  I kicked that out for a couple of reasons, one being the market downturn.

That said, I'm still working the list.  I have to make a decision in December on whether I will change my domicile in order to get a homestead credit in subsequent years.  If I do this, I'll be living in two different states traveling back and forth with the assumption that I'm still retiring in May. 

I'm working through many smaller things - IRA contribution, Roth conversion for 2022, dentist, medical checkups (e.g. colonoscopy, dermatologist, internist).  For 2023, I'll start a new 457 deduction that will max out in May.  I also signed up for legal and a flex spending account with the assumption that May will be my retirement.  Our rental until that we live in also expires in May so everything is aligned. 

For now, I just keep following the plan.

[FrugalShrew]

With mixed emotions, I am switching to the 2024 cohort. I'm sure they're nice, but they're not quite as cool as y'all.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

but many of us may end up there......

Aww I don't know why, but this felt heartwarming. @mistymoney

I am a bit sad to postpone freedom, but in a way it's good news because I was originally feeling like I had to FIRE a little early due to health reasons. The fact that I am feeling well enough to commit to working another year is a positive. With the way the markets are, I am extra grateful for that!

But I hope everyone else is able to realize their 2023 FIRE goal, and I will vicariously enjoy everyone's FIRE adventures until I get there myself!

[MaybeBabyMustache]

@FrugalShrew - I'm glad you are feeling healthy enough to have the option to choose whatever works best for you!

As to mistymoney's question, I also have a spreadsheet, and a countdown tracker. Most of my tasks are scheduled (max my 401k with my bonus, get my HSA money with first paycheck as a one time seed, etc), and I have a list of other items that need to be completed as it gets closer. My husband is going to continue at work (we work for the same employer), so the kids & I will transition to his coverage, which eliminates the need to handle any medical tasks on a different schedule.

[mistymoney]

With mixed emotions, I am switching to the 2024 cohort. I'm sure they're nice, but they're not quite as cool as y'all.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

but many of us may end up there......

Aww I don't know why, but this felt heartwarming. @mistymoney

I am a bit sad to postpone freedom, but in a way it's good news because I was originally feeling like I had to FIRE a little early due to health reasons. The fact that I am feeling well enough to commit to working another year is a positive. With the way the markets are, I am extra grateful for that!

But I hope everyone else is able to realize their 2023 FIRE goal, and I will vicariously enjoy everyone's FIRE adventures until I get there myself!

that is good news!

I'm dealing with a few minor health issues, that unfortunately, I can't find any real cause other than stress. Maybe the marjority related to the job, but certainly not all. I am trying to do as much to destress as I can while still working, but its tough. They are minor now, but slowly escalting so I need to find a fix.

I left a few things at work undone Friday because I didn't want to start a major project at 5 pm, but now I'm in and out worrying about it all weekend. Trying to do just a bit of quiet quitting, it is a work in progress after a long career of going above and beyond constantly.

Did you feel work stress caused or contributed to your health issues? if you had any advice on what helped, I'd like to hear.

I was doing better with a 100% anti-inflammatory diet, but then went off the rails about 3 months ago and then things went south. So back on that and looking into a daily yoga practice at a local studio. A bit costly, but that helps me keep consistent vs DIY. Making sure I get my money's worth, LOL.

Those are my two steps to move forward. I am 4 days into the 100% anti-inflammatory diet. I do love the food, but I also want gravy sometimes!! Figure I will let myself have some days off around the holidays. My issue is that I can eat a very strict diet without any issues after a few days getting used to it, but once I start eating things like buscuits and gravy, all kinds of fried and mashed potatoes, pizza, etc. in just a few weeks that is all I want to eat. It's kind of weird.

In case I do need OMY, I need to play that year differently than I have been doing.

[shadesofgreen]

Well I was asked about my future plans at work today so I informed my boss that I plan to be out around March 31, 2023.

How did they take it?

My main boss was really cool about it but I have not put in my actual, formal notice. That won't happen until mid Feb of next year.

I just really need a change and a break. I have been with my company for over 24 years so...

On task lists  -- I just don't make enough to max out my 401K. I put 20% in and plan on just moving it to Vanguard or something when I am done and moved. I am leaving my state and looking for somewhere that is much more serene for me to go. Not sure where that is yet but I am unable to take lots of time off work to check things out. I need to have the time extra time to do that. I have inheritance which has pushed me over in FIRE. I wouldn't mind working a part-time job later on for people interaction but I don't HAVE to.

[mistymoney]

Well I was asked about my future plans at work today so I informed my boss that I plan to be out around March 31, 2023.

How did they take it?

My main boss was really cool about it but I have not put in my actual, formal notice. That won't happen until mid Feb of next year.

I just really need a change and a break. I have been with my company for over 24 years so...

On task lists  -- I just don't make enough to max out my 401K. I put 20% in and plan on just moving it to Vanguard or something when I am done and moved. I am leaving my state and looking for somewhere that is much more serene for me to go. Not sure where that is yet but I am unable to take lots of time off work to check things out. I need to have the time extra time to do that. I have inheritance which has pushed me over in FIRE. I wouldn't mind working a part-time job later on for people interaction but I don't HAVE to.

sounds like you have a very exciting new chapter coming up!

And, condolences on your loss. inheritances are two side.

[mtnrider]

So - that brings up another question for my cohort!!!

I know a lot of you are solidly going to retire in 2023 no matter what mr. market says - and some of you (like me!) are baited breath on 2023 plans because of the uncertaintyon where the market is heeding.

Despite that - are you all working on your countdown checklists? While I am watching the market to assess my date, I keep forgetting that I need to prepare a lot of other stuff and that I should get it all done/mostly done/well researched, etc. JIC and just because a lot of it needs doing anyway and no matter if a FIRE 23,24,25,.....

How is everyone doing on that stuff? Or were you all caught up anyway?

Thanks for the reminder.

I am behind on my checklist!  There's been some familial duties and engaging things at work that have both hoovered up my time in the last few months.  I've been putting off tasks that weren't in the important/immediate box.  I need to focus back on the important/strategic box.  5 months or so to go.

[RWTL]

And, condolences on your loss. inheritances are two side.

They certainly are.....condolences...

[shadesofgreen]

Thank you for the condolences.

It's really weird losing pretty much everyone in a 5 year period. Now that I don't have to assist I am just ready for a change.

Step mom 6/2015
Mom  6/2017
Dad   3/2020

[FrugalShrew]

I'm dealing with a few minor health issues, that unfortunately, I can't find any real cause other than stress. Maybe the marjority related to the job, but certainly not all. I am trying to do as much to destress as I can while still working, but its tough. They are minor now, but slowly escalting so I need to find a fix.

Did you feel work stress caused or contributed to your health issues? if you had any advice on what helped, I'd like to hear.

I was doing better with a 100% anti-inflammatory diet, but then went off the rails about 3 months ago and then things went south. So back on that and looking into a daily yoga practice at a local studio. A bit costly, but that helps me keep consistent vs DIY. Making sure I get my money's worth, LOL.

Those are my two steps to move forward. I am 4 days into the 100% anti-inflammatory diet. I do love the food, but I also want gravy sometimes!! Figure I will let myself have some days off around the holidays. My issue is that I can eat a very strict diet without any issues after a few days getting used to it, but once I start eating things like buscuits and gravy, all kinds of fried and mashed potatoes, pizza, etc. in just a few weeks that is all I want to eat. It's kind of weird.

In case I do need OMY, I need to play that year differently than I have been doing.

@mistymoney, work stress definitely contributes to my health issues, ugh! I feel like I'm in the same boat with it being hard to destress while still working, although like you I am trying to do yoga and eat healthy, etc. (And I actually have the same problem where a little bit of junk food makes me crave lots of junk food--that is vicious cycle!). I think my health improvement was a resolution of long Covid, so unfortunately that does not lead to helpful advice. I have seen improvement is muscle pain from being more consistent with yoga, which is nice. I definitely look forward to stress reduction & hopefully more health improvements when I finally FIRE.

@shadesofgreen, I am so sorry for your losses. That is a lot to handle in just a few years. Sending sympathy your way.

[Bateaux]

Luckily we surpassed our money goals a few years ago.  We've been waiting out age eligibility for my pension and healthcare since then.  That and we converted to Fat FIRE goals.  Unless the market would take some deep dive from here there shouldn't be any changes for our plans.

[wageslave23]

With mixed emotions, I am switching to the 2024 cohort. I'm sure they're nice, but they're not quite as cool as y'all.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

but many of us may end up there......

Aww I don't know why, but this felt heartwarming. @mistymoney

I am a bit sad to postpone freedom, but in a way it's good news because I was originally feeling like I had to FIRE a little early due to health reasons. The fact that I am feeling well enough to commit to working another year is a positive. With the way the markets are, I am extra grateful for that!

But I hope everyone else is able to realize their 2023 FIRE goal, and I will vicariously enjoy everyone's FIRE adventures until I get there myself!

that is good news!

I'm dealing with a few minor health issues, that unfortunately, I can't find any real cause other than stress. Maybe the marjority related to the job, but certainly not all. I am trying to do as much to destress as I can while still working, but its tough. They are minor now, but slowly escalting so I need to find a fix.

I left a few things at work undone Friday because I didn't want to start a major project at 5 pm, but now I'm in and out worrying about it all weekend. Trying to do just a bit of quiet quitting, it is a work in progress after a long career of going above and beyond constantly.

Did you feel work stress caused or contributed to your health issues? if you had any advice on what helped, I'd like to hear.

I was doing better with a 100% anti-inflammatory diet, but then went off the rails about 3 months ago and then things went south. So back on that and looking into a daily yoga practice at a local studio. A bit costly, but that helps me keep consistent vs DIY. Making sure I get my money's worth, LOL.

Those are my two steps to move forward. I am 4 days into the 100% anti-inflammatory diet. I do love the food, but I also want gravy sometimes!! Figure I will let myself have some days off around the holidays. My issue is that I can eat a very strict diet without any issues after a few days getting used to it, but once I start eating things like buscuits and gravy, all kinds of fried and mashed potatoes, pizza, etc. in just a few weeks that is all I want to eat. It's kind of weird.

In case I do need OMY, I need to play that year differently than I have been doing.

I have to not have unhealthy food in the house. If I have beer in the fridge, I'll drink it. If I have ice cream in the freezer, I'll eat it. Try to change your mind frame from viewing unhealthy food as a reward or a treat. Instead view it as most people view cigarettes or any other poison that is going to make you feel worse in the long run.  Look for healthy rewards. Also I like ASMR or other meditation, relaxation videos on YouTube. It Rea helps me turn off my brain. I am also a multitasking especially at work, which increases my stress. So I focus on one thing at a time and not try to do too many things at once.

[RWTL]

With mixed emotions, I am switching to the 2024 cohort. I'm sure they're nice, but they're not quite as cool as y'all.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

but many of us may end up there......

Aww I don't know why, but this felt heartwarming. @mistymoney

I am a bit sad to postpone freedom, but in a way it's good news because I was originally feeling like I had to FIRE a little early due to health reasons. The fact that I am feeling well enough to commit to working another year is a positive. With the way the markets are, I am extra grateful for that!

But I hope everyone else is able to realize their 2023 FIRE goal, and I will vicariously enjoy everyone's FIRE adventures until I get there myself!

that is good news!

I'm dealing with a few minor health issues, that unfortunately, I can't find any real cause other than stress. Maybe the marjority related to the job, but certainly not all. I am trying to do as much to destress as I can while still working, but its tough. They are minor now, but slowly escalting so I need to find a fix.

I left a few things at work undone Friday because I didn't want to start a major project at 5 pm, but now I'm in and out worrying about it all weekend. Trying to do just a bit of quiet quitting, it is a work in progress after a long career of going above and beyond constantly.

Did you feel work stress caused or contributed to your health issues? if you had any advice on what helped, I'd like to hear.

I was doing better with a 100% anti-inflammatory diet, but then went off the rails about 3 months ago and then things went south. So back on that and looking into a daily yoga practice at a local studio. A bit costly, but that helps me keep consistent vs DIY. Making sure I get my money's worth, LOL.

Those are my two steps to move forward. I am 4 days into the 100% anti-inflammatory diet. I do love the food, but I also want gravy sometimes!! Figure I will let myself have some days off around the holidays. My issue is that I can eat a very strict diet without any issues after a few days getting used to it, but once I start eating things like buscuits and gravy, all kinds of fried and mashed potatoes, pizza, etc. in just a few weeks that is all I want to eat. It's kind of weird.

In case I do need OMY, I need to play that year differently than I have been doing.

I have to not have unhealthy food in the house. If I have beer in the fridge, I'll drink it. If I have ice cream in the freezer, I'll eat it. Try to change your mind frame from viewing unhealthy food as a reward or a treat. Instead view it as most people view cigarettes or any other poison that is going to make you feel worse in the long run.  Look for healthy rewards. Also I like ASMR or other meditation, relaxation videos on YouTube. It Rea helps me turn off my brain. I am also a multitasking especially at work, which increases my stress. So I focus on one thing at a time and not try to do too many things at once.

I have to do the same thing.  My family has struggled with food addiction in the past.  With alcohol and cigarettes you don't have to have it to survive.  Food, on the other hand....you have to eat something.  It's much harder to avoid the bad foods when you are constantly being triggered. 

[Turtle]

With mixed emotions, I am switching to the 2024 cohort. I'm sure they're nice, but they're not quite as cool as y'all.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

but many of us may end up there......

My work environment has really sucked lately.  The irrational part of me would like to give the leadership team the double finger right now.  My rational brain reminds me that I can see the finish line and the money is fantastic right now.

I'm taking it 1-2 months at a time to see how it goes.  I can get through the holidays at the least.

I can so relate to absolutely everything you said.  My boss said earlier this year that they were looking to hire 2 contractors into our department, and instead of getting any additional help we've had one FTE leave instead.  My coast fire is not so much coasting lately, but I too am hanging on at least through the holidays.

[mistymoney]

2023 in less than 60 days!