We have many people in the forum, and it's always interesting to hear how people view Mustashianism. Some years ago, I put together a light hearted poll about where people were in their Mustashian journey, and we all had a lot of fun (see
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/what-type-of-re-person-are-you/ ). This time I would like you to think about why you want FIRE, and what category you fall into. Again, if you don't fit into one - add a suggestion and I may add it to the poll, or change it and add it to the poll.
So what categories do I think there are...
I don't - These people may be trying to re-create Scrooge McDuck's gold vault, or want the luxuries life can give. Either way, they're not at all ready to turn off the cash-hose.
I won't - These people love their work. They may be well recompensed, but maybe not - they might even work for free. Work is their life, whether full time, part time or contract. They do like the idea of being frugal though - and they will be if they have the time.
I hate my job - These people love their work colleagues, but absolutely hate the work they're doing. Anything else would be better. But they feel they can't leave because there's nowhere else to go. They really dive into Mustashianism, frantically cutting their bills and saving. They know that it's a life line.
I hate the politics - These people cannot stand the B*S* that accompanies the job. The work itself is OK, but they are often expected to pull rabbits out of hats, work 50 hour days for a couple of weeks... because someone can't manage properly, or maybe they work for 5 years on a project that suddenly gets canned. Or the union is continuously calling strikes. Politics are grim. They are intermittent Mustashians because work often gets in the way, but they're determined to do it - especially after the latest management stupidity.
It's the people - You are surrounded by incompetent people who are driving you mad. Your team mates make stupid mistakes, your boss is an idiot. These people are determined to FIRE and become a hermit (there will be no people to drive you mad). They will do it remarkably quickly, because they don't have the need for parties and possessions and travel that get in the way of amassing a stash.
Delayed Traveller - These people have always wanted to travel EVERYWHERE, but know that it costs a lot. They see FIRE as a way to live their dreams. They went on a holiday, and never wanted to go back to work, but knew they couldn't stay. They are DRIVEN to FIRE and travel. They have no ambition to have things (house, car...), so their road to FIRE is fairly easy because they know what they want, and they want it soon.
I have a dream - These people have an unfulfilled burning desire. They want to teach in Uganda, develop a moonlanding parachute, paint the greatest ever painting... And they can't do it without being FIRE. They'll get there. Or be hijacked along the way.
Do 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.
It's the only way out - These people are in terrible situations. They have burning debts, they have health problems... They know that frugality is the only way they can get out of that mess, and they will do it. If they also become FIRE, that's a real bonus. They'll probably do it too. But maybe the underlying issues that caused their problems will hijack them along the way.
It's the family - These people want to be around to see their kids growing from babies, and don't want work to get in the way. Or it might be some other family thing - homeschooling children, being there for a disabled family member. Whoever it is, is more important than work.
South Sea Islander - These people can't stand the idea of work, and would rather be basking on a south sea island or anywhere but at a job. They go about aiming to be frugal, but their savings never seem to start happening. They can't make up their minds about what they actually want to do or how they can achieve it. They keep on suggesting ways to FIRE without a stash to the rest of us.