Fear of Fire

[NearlyThere]

Mrs Majorfacepunch and I sat down last night and over a glass of wine we started discussing my transition to FIRE. We're already taking a month in Spain from next Saturday as my first dip into this, but I'll be working remotely.

My fear is of filling my days which are now consumed entirely by work. We're talking 7-7 every work day followed by Skype comms with my team later in the evening and replying to emails at 8am on Sunday morning. This is what it has taken to create a business that has brought FIRE to my door in only a few years.

I'm succession planning with my team and have key staff members in place (or in motions to move them into place) to succeed me in the business. But as I work through this process and approach my FIRE total rapidly, I'm starting to feel the "Holy Moly, this is real" thoughts starting to claw me backwards.

I've read time and time again that you need to replace the activities you currently engage in with those you intend to focus on in FIRE. I've a couple of things I would love to focus more on. Time with my wife and child, read more, get into the garden more and really work on growing more of our own food. That and the prospect of creating a truly location independent business. Although I can structure my role within my current business to be less involved in the day to day running and more overall manager.

Reading the above do you guys have any suggestions or comments?

[human]

Just to be clear, you own this business and want to withdraw from the day to day operations?

[NearlyThere]

Just to be clear, you own this business and want to withdraw from the day to day operations?

Yes that is correct over time (approx 3-5 years).

[ShortInSeattle]

Just to be clear, you own this business and want to withdraw from the day to day operations?

Yes that is correct over time (approx 3-5 years).

It sounds like a gradual withdrawal, which is nice. That gives you time to adjust.

I do have a few tips:

Be prepared for the panicky feeling that you Should be Productive at All Times. It will wear off (probably). Go do something fun to distract yourself from the "shoulds."

Begin with self-care. Sleep. Food. Exercise.

Pick a few non-work "projects" to work on. They could be household chores, hobbies, or preparing for a trip.

Breathe. :)

SIS

[happy]

I think these feelings are just part of the process, not for all, but reasonably common. I'm 2 and a half years out from my date, and looking forward to it passionately. Even so, every now and again I have a moment of  fear "What am I doing?", "I should work a little longer", "I'll lose part of my identity", "What will people think?" etc etc. I used to scratch my head at  people succumbing to OMY syndrome.  Now I can see myself having to deal with it.  I just remind myself of how hard I've already worked, and all the good things I'm going to get to do.  I already live my retired lifestyle part-time, and it will be good when work stops interrupting that.  So counter with logic and positive emotions!

[NickM]

I don't think it needs to be a case of quitting work entirely. If you've built up a successful money machine (business) then you would most likely have done it with passion, grit and determination. You can't just turn these things off.

I'd suggest getting stuck into something else you're interested in. Work within a charity, sporting club or even start another small business. If you just hang out with your family you're almost guaranteed to get bored within 6 months and seek out another challenge. I'd suggest you commit to enjoying the good life for a while, but with a view that you'll need to get involved in something else at some stage.

[Racer X]

I'm a list guy, so I made a list.  I jokingly called it my 100 day list, as a riff on the election cycle.

The first thing I put on the list was all of the day-to-day routine stuff that I'd be doing.  Dishes, laundry, mow the lawn, go to the gym, change the oil on the car, etc.  Then I made a list of all of the projects that need to be done, but for whatever reason, have not.  Some were very small - fix a light, repair a screen door, dispose of an item.  Some were larger - remodel the basement, re-landscape the back yard.  Then I made a list of what I call the "aspirational" goals.  Spend more time doing a favorite hobby.  Spend more time with an aging parent.  Lose X lbs. of weight. 

When I was done with that exercise, I had a list of almost 100 items.   I then shared the list with my darling wife, who added another dozen or so forgotten or unknown tasks of varying size and difficultly.  It was clear to me that getting through that list would take two or more years.  I went from being worried about what I was going to do in retirement to worrying about how quickly I could retire so I could get started on my list!

[astephens94]

I'm a list guy, so I made a list.  I jokingly called it my 100 day list, as a riff on the election cycle.

The first thing I put on the list was all of the day-to-day routine stuff that I'd be doing.  Dishes, laundry, mow the lawn, go to the gym, change the oil on the car, etc.  Then I made a list of all of the projects that need to be done, but for whatever reason, have not.  Some were very small - fix a light, repair a screen door, dispose of an item.  Some were larger - remodel the basement, re-landscape the back yard.  Then I made a list of what I call the "aspirational" goals.  Spend more time doing a favorite hobby.  Spend more time with an aging parent.  Lose X lbs. of weight. 

When I was done with that exercise, I had a list of almost 100 items.   I then shared the list with my darling wife, who added another dozen or so forgotten or unknown tasks of varying size and difficultly.  It was clear to me that getting through that list would take two or more years.  I went from being worried about what I was going to do in retirement to worrying about how quickly I could retire so I could get started on my list!

Great idea! I'll be copying your idea when I (eventually) get to your position.

[Mtngrl]

My husband made a list like this pre-FIRE. The great thing is, he keeps adding to the list. He's been FIREd almost 2 years now and he often thinks of new projects/experiences/goals to add to the list. His friends who are still working keep asking him if he ever gets bored and he tells them he doesn't know how he ever had time to work he's so busy now. The great thing is, he gets to choose his own schedule and decide what to focus on each day.

[frompa]

My husband made a list like this pre-FIRE. The great thing is, he keeps adding to the list. He's been FIREd almost 2 years now and he often thinks of new projects/experiences/goals to add to the list. His friends who are still working keep asking him if he ever gets bored and he tells them he doesn't know how he ever had time to work he's so busy now. The great thing is, he gets to choose his own schedule and decide what to focus on each day.

The above bold phrase is exactly what my recently FIRE'd spouse said to me yesterday, prefaced by "I know it's a cliche, but..."  He's loving every second of it. 

[arebelspy]

My husband made a list like this pre-FIRE. The great thing is, he keeps adding to the list. He's been FIREd almost 2 years now and he often thinks of new projects/experiences/goals to add to the list. His friends who are still working keep asking him if he ever gets bored and he tells them he doesn't know how he ever had time to work he's so busy now. The great thing is, he gets to choose his own schedule and decide what to focus on each day.

The above bold phrase is exactly what my recently FIRE'd spouse said to me yesterday, prefaced by "I know it's a cliche, but..."  He's loving every second of it.

Haha, the wife and I had this conversation today while on a walk!  Our days are super busy, despite being FIRE'd with zero obligations.  :)