6 months ago, I finally FIREd. I had been dreaming about that moment for so long, it felt unreal. For days, I kept wondering if that really happened. It took me about a week for it to finally sink in that I really didn't have a full time job anymore! I was happy for a moment. No more crazy schedule with one zoom call after another, no more meeting deadlines, no more having to deal with all the office drama. Then... I got bored. My spouse still works, COVID was still going strong, the days were getting shorter and the cold weather was coming. I felt trapped. Here I am with the freedom I wished for and no place to go. I tried luring my husband to retire as well since we have enough but he likes his job. It's not fair for me to ask him to abandon his dream only to fulfill mine.
3 months had gone by and then out of the blue, several job opportunities knocked on my door. I was tempted but I was cautious, yet I got sucked into it anyway. The excitement didn't last though. By the end of the first week, I regretted my decision but I already gave my words, I didn't want to take it back that quick so I sucked it up and kept on going. Luckily it was a small project and didn't take too much of my time.
I still couldn't take a nap without feeling guilty though.
Now, it's been 6 months. The days of working 9-7 and responding to emails and texts after hours with the overseas team are becoming a more distant memory. The days are longer, the weather is nicer and I can finally enjoy my naps without feeling guilty anymore. I still have a couple small projects but I don't mind them for now. I do it when I want to do it. I can walk the dogs without having to worry about being late to the 9am call, I can go to the dog park without having to worry about work emergencies, did I mention I have time to take naps now? ;)
Thank you everyone who told me to give it more time before deciding to get back to work. I didn't listen enough but luckily the damage wasn't too big and it could be fixed easily. Sometimes, you just gotta scratch an itch lol.
For those of you who are going to FIRE or recently FIREd, please... allow yourself enough time to decompress. My work was pretty hectic and stressful for 7 years. It took me 6 months to learn how to take a nap peacefully and I'm sure I will come across and have to work on more issues that haven't surfaced yet but, there is hope at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Good night/day where ever you are :)