Oy. Been a reader for a while, but going through some old posts. This one in particular tugs at my heart:
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/04/13/what-does-early-retirement-mean-anyway/ with idyllic descriptions of mountain bike rides, breakfast as a family, and 2 month long summer vacations. Also reading “Your Money or your life” which is also like taking a punch in the face daily.
I'm a 35y/o with 3 young children. Spouse and I, through high earning and reasonable, albeit not mustachian, lifestyle have about $1.25M net worth. We could quit working now, move to Longmont and live like kings, actually like Mr and Mrs Mustache, on $50k a year forever enjoying our young daughters, per the 4% rule.
But alas, I am an indentured servant to the military because of degrees earned and have to work at least another 9.5 years (age 45). Or 12.5 years (age 48) until 60% pension + good affordable health care for my fam forever.
My job is actually quite enjoyable and rewarding. But about 3 months ago its location changed and now I have a daily 70 min commute each direction. KILL ME. My wife can walk or bike to work from our house. My life satisfaction has taken a big dive with the new commute.
So, what to do, gentle reader? I had always thought being in the military was a pretty good option, because, after all, everyone has a boss. And every job has frustrations and red tape, blah blah blah, and the military is not the worst place to do a job, no student debt, service to country, higher calling, blah blah. And then I happen across MMM and learn that NOT everyone has a boss! And NOT WORKING is actually an option.
I’ve tried suggesting to my wife that she stop working and we move close to my job. Because that would greatly improve my quality of life. So far she hasn’t bitten on that suggestion. While she likes the impact MMM has on our family’s grocery bills and spending and my new interest in investing, she isn’t really sold on the idea of “retiring” in her 30s. She sees these as her highest earning potential years (and she’s probably right – last year – a very good year, she pulled in $500k). Also, as you can see the whole after- child-care-and-transportation-and-work-clothes-and-lattes-she's-probably-not-really-making-any-money argument isn't applicable to us. I'm the lower earner, but my not working isn't an option.
So I’m stuck working for at least the next 9.5yrs. And the wife wants to keep working her overall rewarding, but also high powered high paying job.
In the above mentioned blog post, MMM encourages “pedal to the metal to get to retirement in 7-10 years” rather than wimpy attempts at 50. I guess I’m going to be wimpy and retire at 48 when my kids are no longer cuddly and small and cute. But I don’t really have much of a choice, do I?
I’m curious what other mustachians would do in this situation. Should I just hunker down and make the most of the life I signed up for, relishing the hours of books on CD I get to enjoy during my commute? Should I compel my wife to leave a high paying job she enjoys so we can all spend more time together as a family, since we clearly have much more than enough (also how do I do this)? At 48 will my best years be behind me? Should I get out at 45 leaving the 60% pension and health care and other benefits on the table? (would appreciate Nords take on this)
Longing for a simpler life. Whining complete.
Edit: "Paying back" the military is not an option.