Initially I was going to check Delayed Traveler, but the real answer is: Freedom—I just want to live life on my own terms, with the ability to do what I want, when I want (legally, morally and sanely), without the tether of work or obligations dictating my movements or desires.
That’s it in a nutshell. I didn’t think that life was possible unless you won the lottery through luck or family. Now I know it can be possible with planning, strategy and commitment. Sure, it’ll happen a bit later but that’s ok. I have unknowingly kinda lived this life anyways but I was never secure, just figured I wouldn’t live long enough to worry about the future. Since I’m here, I can’t think like that anymore so now I’m using everything to make true FI happen as quickly as possible and once there, it’s time to RE and enjoy that journey, wherever it takes.
None of the answers fit. I want to FIRE to have freedom to do what I want when I want without the responsibilities of a job. I think that's one of the most common answers, but it's not a choice here.
I don't quite understand how there are 9 options in the poll and I don't identify with any of them.Because I cannot think of all the options by myself.
OK. I have problems with "freedom". It has so many meanings. The USA claims to be the land of the free, but, although it has 5% of the world's population, it has 20% of the world's known prisoners. This doesn't strike me as freedom.It probably depends on whether you're speaking from the perspective of a prisoner or a normal layperson. Normal people still don't get imprisoned in the States. It's just that the ones who stray and have brushes with the law are subject to much harsher penalties than most other countries.
Afford Anything - Unlike those who have a dream, for these people it's nebulous. They don't want to be told what to do with their life, and there are a lot of things out there that they could do if they weren't stuck in a job. FIRE for them means a stash that enables them to live life on their own terms, with the ability to do what they want, when they want (legally, morally and sanely), without the tether of work or obligations dictating their movements or desires.
I don’t think the characterization of those of us who don’t wish to FIRE is accurate. And therein lies a problem within the FIRE community: the inability/ unwillingness to separate FI and RE as different concepts. I’m a huge fan of FI. To me that represents the ability to chose one’s financial fate and all that entails. FI doesn’t necessarily equal RE. There are some of us out there who are generally happy with our careers and don’t see RE as all that greatly attractive. To characterize those here who aren’t equally excited about both halves of FI and RE as somehow rolling in the bucks and unwilling to give up their (probably nonexistent) domestic help is inaccurate as well as condescending.
I don’t think the characterization of those of us who don’t wish to FIRE is accurate. And therein lies a problem within the FIRE community: the inability/ unwillingness to separate FI and RE as different concepts. I’m a huge fan of FI. To me that represents the ability to chose one’s financial fate and all that entails. FI doesn’t necessarily equal RE. There are some of us out there who are generally happy with our careers and don’t see RE as all that greatly attractive. To characterize those here who aren’t equally excited about both halves of FI and RE as somehow rolling in the bucks and unwilling to give up their (probably nonexistent) domestic help is inaccurate as well as condescending.Why doesn’t Workaholics Anonymous fit?
Because characterizing those who are happily working as “workaholics “ isn’t really accurate, either.I don’t think the characterization of those of us who don’t wish to FIRE is accurate. And therein lies a problem within the FIRE community: the inability/ unwillingness to separate FI and RE as different concepts. I’m a huge fan of FI. To me that represents the ability to chose one’s financial fate and all that entails. FI doesn’t necessarily equal RE. There are some of us out there who are generally happy with our careers and don’t see RE as all that greatly attractive. To characterize those here who aren’t equally excited about both halves of FI and RE as somehow rolling in the bucks and unwilling to give up their (probably nonexistent) domestic help is inaccurate as well as condescending.Why doesn’t Workaholics Anonymous fit?
What would you like them to be called?Because characterizing those who are happily working as “workaholics “ isn’t really accurate, either.I don’t think the characterization of those of us who don’t wish to FIRE is accurate. And therein lies a problem within the FIRE community: the inability/ unwillingness to separate FI and RE as different concepts. I’m a huge fan of FI. To me that represents the ability to chose one’s financial fate and all that entails. FI doesn’t necessarily equal RE. There are some of us out there who are generally happy with our careers and don’t see RE as all that greatly attractive. To characterize those here who aren’t equally excited about both halves of FI and RE as somehow rolling in the bucks and unwilling to give up their (probably nonexistent) domestic help is inaccurate as well as condescending.Why doesn’t Workaholics Anonymous fit?
Do Anything - They don't want to be told what to do with their life, and... FIRE for them means a stash that enables them to live life on their own terms, with the ability to do what they want, when they want (legally, morally and sanely), without the tether of work or obligations dictating their movements or desires.
^
My aspiration to live in a condition of maximum freedom, as described above, is what motivated me to FIRE as soon as possible.
OK. I have problems with "freedom". It has so many meanings. The USA claims to be the land of the free, but, although it has 5% of the world's population, it has 20% of the world's known prisoners. This doesn't strike me as freedom. I like the Paula Pants slogan "afford anything". Is that what you mean?
Afford Anything - Unlike those who have a dream, for these people it's nebulous. They don't want to be told what to do with their life, and there are a lot of things out there that they could do if they weren't stuck in a job. FIRE for them means a stash that enables them to live life on their own terms, with the ability to do what they want, when they want (legally, morally and sanely), without the tether of work or obligations dictating their movements or desires.
I expected everyone to have something concrete, and exaggerated the categories so people could distinguish between them. I thought of comments that people have made in the past to devise my categories.
Sorry, I didn’t check the box that allows people to change their answer, and it is no longer available.I expected everyone to have something concrete, and exaggerated the categories so people could distinguish between them. I thought of comments that people have made in the past to devise my categories.Sometimes, the extra comments actually disqualify something that might otherwise fit. But I was surprised freedom wasn't a choice. You added "do anything" which I would have picked if it had been available when I voted, but it won't let me change my answer.
You don't find "They must have all the accoutrements of wealth and certainly can't do without a house cleaner. The rest of us wonder why they're here" to be at all hostile?The options certainly weren't meant to be that judgemental! And I certainly don't think they are bad or wrong options. Things happened to me, otherwise I would still be happy working at what I did. I planned to develop my own business when I retired, but I now have frail elderly parents, and live a day's drive from them, so my life is spent going up and down the road. I've been there 10 times so far this year, for a week each time, and I would probably prefer your life. But they'll soon be dead or in some dementia place, so these are my last chances to see them living independently, and they really need the assistance I'm giving them.
And you don't get why someone who wants to work casually on cool projects that may be profitable might not consider themselves a "workaholic"? It also specifically describes the people who love their work as not particularly frugal, which seems like a weird assumption, since Pete himself continues to work...
Also because you thought you wanted to continue working, but couldn't, and now don't regret it, everyone else who wants to continue working is...what? Wrong?
Both of your options for continuing to work sound judgemental as fuck, but whatever, it's your poll, they can be whatever you want them to be.
You don't find "They must have all the accoutrements of wealth and certainly can't do without a house cleaner. The rest of us wonder why they're here" to be at all hostile?The options certainly weren't meant to be that judgemental! And I certainly don't think they are bad or wrong options. Things happened to me, otherwise I would still be happy working at what I did. I planned to develop my own business when I retired, but I now have frail elderly parents, and live a day's drive from them, so my life is spent going up and down the road. I've been there 10 times so far this year, for a week each time, and I would probably prefer your life. But they'll soon be dead or in some dementia place, so these are my last chances to see them living independently, and they really need the assistance I'm giving them.
And you don't get why someone who wants to work casually on cool projects that may be profitable might not consider themselves a "workaholic"? It also specifically describes the people who love their work as not particularly frugal, which seems like a weird assumption, since Pete himself continues to work...
Also because you thought you wanted to continue working, but couldn't, and now don't regret it, everyone else who wants to continue working is...what? Wrong?
Both of your options for continuing to work sound judgemental as fuck, but whatever, it's your poll, they can be whatever you want them to be.
How would you reword the options, as I still have trouble working out what's wrong with them? I'd appreciate your input.
I want everyone to leave me the fuck alone.