Community Zoom Call?

[PBandJelli]

Hi all-

We are inching ever closer to a 1 year anniversary of pandemic madness in the United States (we sailed past the one year global anniversary in December).  Is there any interest in a FIRE virtual meet up by Zoom?  We can try to set up calls by topic or areas of interest to keep a discussion focused and numbers manageable.

My SO and I are nearing the FI territory, and the pandemic has us really re-evaluating what we need and whether we can pull the trigger sooner.  I would very much welcome a call for those in a similar place, or those who have recently fired, so all can gain the benefit of each others' experience.

Happy to set up the first call as early as this weekend so those of us still in the rat race can participate.

[Adventine]

It's interesting, but can you elaborate on the specific topics you have in mind? There are so many aspects to FIRE out there.

Also, it's great you're nearing FIRE territory, but I don't know how many other people, apart from yourself and your spouse, are comfortable discussing numbers on a video call with internet strangers. Unless you plan to keep that discussion generic?

[mozar]

I suggest putting out a date and time and hosting a meeting when it's convenient for you. Otherwise you'll get bogged down in scheduling and other people's suggestions, who might not even show up.

[PBandJelli]

Thanks, both.  These are great ideas.  Mozar- I'll look to post an invite in the coming week.

Adventine: very good point about privacy and numbers.  There are two topics I'm particularly interested in that don't really require a number-specific discussion.  The first topic is how to get past OMY syndrome, and steps folks have taken (or are taking) as they get within 12 months of FIRE.  The second is healthcare, in practice.  What experience do folks have with buying healthcare on the exchange, what lessons have they learned along the way.  These could be separate calls.

[wageslave23]

Thanks, both.  These are great ideas.  Mozar- I'll look to post an invite in the coming week.

Adventine: very good point about privacy and numbers.  There are two topics I'm particularly interested in that don't really require a number-specific discussion.  The first topic is how to get past OMY syndrome, and steps folks have taken (or are taking) as they get within 12 months of FIRE.  The second is healthcare, in practice.  What experience do folks have with buying healthcare on the exchange, what lessons have they learned along the way.  These could be separate calls.

I think you need to think about which topic lends itself more to video chat vs. online thread.  The healthcare question could more easily be a new thread.  The OMY syndrome is maybe better suited for video chat since it could be more about socializing and commiserating rather than facts and data.  I guess what I'm trying to say is if you are just looking for friends with common interests (FIRE), then a zoom call would be great.  Otherwise, an online thread seems adequate for other general topics.

[FIRE 20/20]

Also, you may want to read some of the threads and open some of your own on the post-FIRE sub-forum.  There are a lot of discussions there as people approach FIRE, then FIRE, and obviously there are plenty of post-FIRE discussions as well.  If you're looking for input from people who recently FIREd that's often a good place to find them.  And are you still working on your PhD?  I remember replying to your post a long time ago when you decided to quit your job to finish your degree.  Do you feel like you made the right decision?

[cool7hand]

Tim Ferriss convinced me a long time ago that meetings are usually inefficient. Email/messaging is more efficient. In other words, I support the idea of just starting a thread seeking help with your individual concerns.

[BikeFanatic]

I do think the zoom call could be interesting especially around recent FIREE and OMY syndrome. Not sure I am bold enough to join a zoom with strangers though, but saying I would support it.

[mwulff]

Posting to follow, I would love to join up just to have a chit chat with random Mustachians

[former player]

I do think the zoom call could be interesting especially around recent FIREE and OMY syndrome. Not sure I am bold enough to join a zoom with strangers though, but saying I would support it.

You can join very easily with an anonymous email address, and you don't need to show yourself on screen, as you can either have a blank screen or show a wall in your home or a view out of the window.

[Morning Glory]

Posting to follow, I would love to join up just to have a chit chat with random Mustachians

A social call is a nice idea.  If the group gets too big you can do randomly assigned breakout rooms. I wouldn't do more than 8-10 per room.

[maisymouser]

PTF. Have been hoping someone might propose such a meetup.

I would be very enthusiastic but my concerns/priorities would be balancing privacy and keeping things on the more social side. I would be particularly interested in meeting up with like minded people just to find out how they found FIRE, where they are at, and where they are going.

[BikeFanatic]

I like the break out room idea, No more than 8-10 and break out by topic, say OMY and Just FIRED

[Abe Froman]

Interested as well.
On the verge of claiming 2021 for myself anyways.