Author Topic: 2019 fire cohort  (Read 793167 times)

Bingeworker

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1550 on: January 02, 2019, 08:15:04 AM »
@Bingeworker : welcome. How is your husband's situation? Is he also FIREd? Do you have shared finances?

He is self-employed, he works a bit every day but certainly it's not full-time hours.  We don't share finances, but we are both frugal.  We only married a few years ago. 

He keeps the books (money bores me, which is interesting since I have managed to accumulate a useful amount of it, but accumulated that pile without any sort of maximization strategy as I never figured FI was in my future anyway).  He also has started managing some of my investments in the past few months, which I let him do as he has a good track record of being good at it, and even if he lost it all I have divided up my stash so that I would never be living under a bridge, I keep way more in cash than the average mustachian.  I come from very cautious financial roots, and my parents were aghast at me even putting a little of my money in mutual funds (back in the stone ages before ETFs) back when I was in my 20's.

mall0c

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1551 on: January 02, 2019, 08:31:05 AM »
September 2019 for me.  Age 42

2Birds1Stone

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1552 on: January 02, 2019, 08:55:08 AM »
To my fellow 2019 cohorts.

This is one of the best resources available to anyone who is nearing/considering unplugging in the next year or two. I recommend reading from the beginning in chronological order.

https://livingafi.com/

Dr. Doom used to post here, but sadly hasn't updated the blog/forum in over two years. 

Lews Therin

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1553 on: January 02, 2019, 08:56:34 AM »
He fire'd. Adding: well portfolio continues to rise faster than my bills is boring.

itchyfeet

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1554 on: January 02, 2019, 09:20:20 AM »
Congrats to BingeWorker for being first trooper over the trench wall. Trifele is up next.

Our cohort is looking rather small and select when compared to the 2018 horde. Only 2 peeps for the month of January.

2Birds1Stone

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1555 on: January 02, 2019, 09:43:42 AM »
The markets have been shaky. Lot's of people likely waiting it out.


forward

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1556 on: January 02, 2019, 12:48:44 PM »

Congrats to BingeWorker! lets keep the party going!
I am still planning for 2019, even though I have taken a pretty big hit in the stache since October.  I am still a little unsure as to when as I'm hoping to pay off the mortgage before I put my resignation in.  I also don't know how my employer will handle my resignation but will likely become even more hostile than they are now, so I am just trying to get through the days.   

Eric

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1557 on: January 02, 2019, 12:53:29 PM »
Our cohort is looking rather small and select when compared to the 2018 horde. Only 2 peeps for the month of January.

I'll choose quality over quantity every day of the week.  :)

Linea_Norway

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1558 on: January 03, 2019, 12:34:44 AM »
@Bingeworker : welcome. How is your husband's situation? Is he also FIREd? Do you have shared finances?

He is self-employed, he works a bit every day but certainly it's not full-time hours.  We don't share finances, but we are both frugal.  We only married a few years ago. 

He keeps the books (money bores me, which is interesting since I have managed to accumulate a useful amount of it, but accumulated that pile without any sort of maximization strategy as I never figured FI was in my future anyway).  He also has started managing some of my investments in the past few months, which I let him do as he has a good track record of being good at it, and even if he lost it all I have divided up my stash so that I would never be living under a bridge, I keep way more in cash than the average mustachian.  I come from very cautious financial roots, and my parents were aghast at me even putting a little of my money in mutual funds (back in the stone ages before ETFs) back when I was in my 20's.

Very well.

But as we have read in some of the scary threads, please let him inform you about what he does from time to time and look at the yearly tax papers together. Make sure he is working in your best interest.
In the scary threads, we sometimes read that one spouse is supposed to pay the bills, but doesn't pay the mortgage and leaves the other spouse with debt. Just make sure you don't get in that boat, despite finding financial matters boring.

Will

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1559 on: January 03, 2019, 02:23:19 AM »
Our cohort is looking rather small and select when compared to the 2018 horde. Only 2 peeps for the month of January.

I'll choose quality over quantity every day of the week.  :)

AHA!!!  I came over to see how the 2019 cohorts were doing and I see smack talk about those of us who are 2018 cohorts!!  2018 had both quality AND quantity! 

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1560 on: January 03, 2019, 04:45:16 AM »
Welcome to the forum and the cohort @dayzero!  I've got you down for a September date.  What's your story?


2019 FIRE Cohort:

01/01/19     Bingeworker (52)   CONFIRMED
01/31/19     Trifele (51)
02/01/19     Cycling Stache (44)
02/08/19     Socmonkey (37)
02/25/19     MaybeBabyMustache
02/??/19     zinnie  (35)
03/15/19     exit2019  (40)
03/19/19     ChasesFish (36)
03/??/19     MissNancyPryor  (50)     
03/??/19     Roboturner  (30)
03/??/19     Edgema
03/29/19     JumboShrimp
03/31/19     BlindSquirrel
03/31/19     Mr. Ver (39)
03/31/19     Loren Ver (36)
04/01/19     HalfStached  (41)
04/01/19     Gerardc  (35)
04/01/19     JoJo (45)
04/01/19     Ryder (39)
04/19/19     Eric
04/23/19     Lews Therin (29)
04/??/19     Luck12  (41)
04/??/19     PowerStache (43)
05/01/19     Albireo13  (61)                   
05/??/19     SamIAm38  (29)
05/??/19     FIRE 20/20  (42)
05/31/19     Pylortes  (42)
05/31/19     Odiedog8590  (62)
05/31/19     Livingthedream55  (59)
05/31/19     dude   
06/01/19     Prairie Stash
06/07/19     DreamFire
06/21/19     Parizade  (62)
06/22/19     Waffles  (52)
06/??/19     Oldtoyota
06/??/19     Itchyfeet  (47)
06/??/19     Bateaux  (50)
06/??/19     CryingInThePool  (44)
07/??/19     powersuitrecall  (47)
07/??/19     Enigma  (39)
07/??/19     Thedividebyzero  (45)
07/??/19     Keeks
07/01/19     Freedomin5 (38)
07/03/19     Gerard
07/03/19     Miss Piggy
08/01/19     SugarMountain
09/02/19     Cornbread OMalley  (42)  Date Confirmed
09/??/19     RetirementDreaming
09/??/19     dayzero
10/01/19     2Birds1Stone  (32)
10/01/19     Linda_Norway
10/??/19     VoteCthulu  (39)
10/??/19     Trix76  (43)
10/??/19     MoMan  (55)
10/??/19     Dreamer
12/??/19     HBFI  (38)
12/??/19     luckyme13  (45)
12/27/19     moxie
12/31/19     texxan1  (47)

2019 Cohort with date TBD:
Lowerbills (40)
getoutsoon (52)
IPlawyer
MustacheAnxiety
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« Last Edit: January 03, 2019, 04:47:27 AM by Trifele »

Livingthedream55

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1561 on: January 03, 2019, 08:06:24 AM »
Happy New Year 2019 peeps!!

I continue on track with my May 31st date.  It is very exciting to have the thrill of watching our cohort confirm their escape from having to work for money. I will be filing my pension paperwork on February 1st so this is getting real for me. My immediate family knows my plans but won't tell anyone at work for another four months.


mall0c

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1562 on: January 03, 2019, 08:15:40 AM »
Welcome to the forum and the cohort @dayzero!  I've got you down for a September date.  What's your story?

Thank you! I will give my notice just after labor day, so 9/3. Retiring from big tech (Seattle). Wife is SAHM. We are currently building our retirement home in another lower COL state and plan to move there in the fall.

Bingeworker

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1563 on: January 03, 2019, 08:25:57 AM »
@Bingeworker : welcome. How is your husband's situation? Is he also FIREd? Do you have shared finances?

He is self-employed, he works a bit every day but certainly it's not full-time hours.  We don't share finances, but we are both frugal.  We only married a few years ago. 

He keeps the books (money bores me, which is interesting since I have managed to accumulate a useful amount of it, but accumulated that pile without any sort of maximization strategy as I never figured FI was in my future anyway).  He also has started managing some of my investments in the past few months, which I let him do as he has a good track record of being good at it, and even if he lost it all I have divided up my stash so that I would never be living under a bridge, I keep way more in cash than the average mustachian.  I come from very cautious financial roots, and my parents were aghast at me even putting a little of my money in mutual funds (back in the stone ages before ETFs) back when I was in my 20's.

Very well.

But as we have read in some of the scary threads, please let him inform you about what he does from time to time and look at the yearly tax papers together. Make sure he is working in your best interest.
In the scary threads, we sometimes read that one spouse is supposed to pay the bills, but doesn't pay the mortgage and leaves the other spouse with debt. Just make sure you don't get in that boat, despite finding financial matters boring.

Oh, I won't.  I am far from oblivious to my own and his financial situation.  Most of it is still in only my own control.  He makes some decisions about the portion allocated to stocks, but it's a limited portion of my stache, and I have the ability to remove his control at any time, and he really isn't the type to steal it.  We have a (half-joking) deal, that if he loses all my money he has to support me, and he sure wouldn't want that!  :-D  The bills are definitely being paid, and we split the payments, and I am hands-on in dealing with them.

Eric

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1564 on: January 03, 2019, 11:49:36 AM »
Our cohort is looking rather small and select when compared to the 2018 horde. Only 2 peeps for the month of January.

I'll choose quality over quantity every day of the week.  :)

AHA!!!  I came over to see how the 2019 cohorts were doing and I see smack talk about those of us who are 2018 cohorts!!  2018 had both quality AND quantity!

Shoo!  Your time has passed, old man.  Time to fade away into obscurity.  lol
« Last Edit: January 03, 2019, 11:51:42 AM by Eric »

Lews Therin

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1565 on: January 03, 2019, 12:11:59 PM »
Our cohort is looking rather small and select when compared to the 2018 horde. Only 2 peeps for the month of January.

I'll choose quality over quantity every day of the week.  :)

AHA!!!  I came over to see how the 2019 cohorts were doing and I see smack talk about those of us who are 2018 cohorts!!  2018 had both quality AND quantity!

Shoo!  Your time has passed, old man.  Time to fade away into obscurity.  lol

Somebody got old and crochety fast. Guess that's retirement for you.

Linea_Norway

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1566 on: January 03, 2019, 01:22:22 PM »
I asked DH to give his numbers on income, expenses and savings. It turned out that my own numbers did not completely make sense, as my expenses + savings were more than my income. But we calculated them again together.

Total savings rate of our household is 70%. That means we live of 30%. For each year that we work, we can stop working 2 years earlier. This is despite of the fact that I have been working 80% for 4 months and DH since December.

Our spending is well withing our yearly FIRE budget, including the yearly devaluation of our car. And some leftover.

We both are at a stop in our stock fund. We have the sme amount as before the summer, despite of buying stocks all the time. But most of our net worth is in our house, which needs to be sold in 2019. DH also has some cash savings.
« Last Edit: January 03, 2019, 01:33:56 PM by Linda_Norway »

Will

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1567 on: January 03, 2019, 03:25:46 PM »
Our cohort is looking rather small and select when compared to the 2018 horde. Only 2 peeps for the month of January.

I'll choose quality over quantity every day of the week.  :)

AHA!!!  I came over to see how the 2019 cohorts were doing and I see smack talk about those of us who are 2018 cohorts!!  2018 had both quality AND quantity!

Shoo!  Your time has passed, old man.  Time to fade away into obscurity.  lol

Somebody got old and crochety fast. Guess that's retirement for you.
Our cohort is looking rather small and select when compared to the 2018 horde. Only 2 peeps for the month of January.

I'll choose quality over quantity every day of the week.  :)

AHA!!!  I came over to see how the 2019 cohorts were doing and I see smack talk about those of us who are 2018 cohorts!!  2018 had both quality AND quantity!

Shoo!  Your time has passed, old man.  Time to fade away into obscurity.  lol

You're all just jealous!  Have fun working.  Hahahahahahahahaha. 

SpareChange

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1568 on: January 03, 2019, 07:49:36 PM »
My story in a nutshell:  I never really planned on FI, as I was someone who realized within 3 years of finishing university that full-time work was not for me.  I took two stabs at being a normal person with a full-time job within that span. One lasted 4.5 months, the other lasted 3 months.  I'd had part-time jobs in there too, and realized that I was not a big spender, and my middle-class income level (I am a nurse) was enough to support my modest lifestyle.

Back then (1989), working minimalist like I did was not really a thing, and many warned me against it, saying that those were my most important earning years, and that I would get behind and never catch up.  While I am not a math person, I am pretty good with big-picture financial estimations, and I knew I was on the right track, despite swimming completely against the flow.  I also just LOATHED working full-time and not having my freedom, and I was very frugal naturally, and was unwilling to trade my life for money.  My brother actually was planning to retire early though, and I read a book that he had read, Charles Long's "How to Survive Without a Salary", 1992, which gave me the reassurance that part-time work by design might be unconventional, but would work just fine.

So that ended yesterday, and now I am free!  I will work one day every two weeks, which keeps my husband from getting nervous, and me too actually, as we are pathologically cautious and responsible with money.  It's not for the actual money, I don't need it and I know it, it's rather a way to preserve my ability to earn an income, as a hedge against any future rampant inflation events.  I know it's unlikely to occur, but in these early years of retirement at least, it puts the last duck in a row for total security, or as close as anyone can ever get.

Even though I have been part-time all my working life, it still feels AMAZING to be free.  Even 40% was just eating up so much of my time!  Work consumes mental energy and seeps into free time.  My tiny remaining gig should not do so too much, it's a "show up once every 14 days, work 8-12 hours, and go away again" type of job, the one I had before that was a little more involved.

I reasonate with a lot of what you said. I also work in healthcare, and oddly enough, plan on dropping to about 40% PT this year. I'm hoping that will take most of the grind out of my job. Congrats on your newfound independence!

Bingeworker

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1569 on: January 03, 2019, 08:13:45 PM »

I reasonate with a lot of what you said. I also work in healthcare, and oddly enough, plan on dropping to about 40% PT this year. I'm hoping that will take most of the grind out of my job. Congrats on your newfound independence!

Yes, go for it!  40% part-time is not bad at all.  When I was first out of school I worked around 60%, and gradually reduced through my working life.  My "Bingeworker" moniker comes from when I did contract work in remote areas for around 3 months of the year (including lots of overtime), and then was completely off the other 9 months.  I liked the off part the best though ...  I know I will do fine at retirement as I have been practicing for so long!

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1570 on: January 04, 2019, 03:34:10 AM »
Congratulations to @Bingeworker!! One down many to go!!  @Trifele you are next, are you ready??
LV

I think so, thanks for asking!  I've been busy training my replacement, and the last few weeks at work have not been bad at all.  I no longer feel like I'm being boiled in oil, haha.  I think the long holiday break helped a lot, and also just knowing I'm in the home stretch. 

I've been doing nuts and bolts things too -- planning for ACA health coverage, figuring out what to do with my 457, looking at options to roll my HSA over, etc.  Shit is getting very, very real!  :) 

@Cycling Stache -- How are you doing?  Less than a month to go!

itchyfeet

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1571 on: January 04, 2019, 07:58:28 AM »
MissNancyPrior, one thing is for certain. It is time to leave your current gig.

Given you are cashed up with an almost 100% of FIRE success, if you take the new job you won’t be doing it for the money and you don’t need to stay at your current job just because the money is good.

Following along this train of thought, the fat bonus is also not super important.

So how about you quit mega Corp now and take 3 months off and start work wiith your former employer recharged and ready to go. A long break from work is an awesome thing.

It does sound like you will enjoy the interaction and challenges of your former employer.

With FI comes choice. You can work or not work. It is up to you. Maybe if former work is such a great place to work they’ll agree to you working 4 days a week, or taking extra leave, or working from home. The world is your oyster,

Chrissy

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1572 on: January 04, 2019, 08:06:52 AM »
What itchyfeet said, @MissNancyPryor !  Take Option 3(months off).

tooqk4u22

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1573 on: January 04, 2019, 09:13:50 AM »
What itchyfeet said, @MissNancyPryor !  Take Option 3(months off).

Yup, take option 2 - you are clearly in a position to do what you want. 

Option 2:  take the analyst job at FormerCo just after my bonus arrives in March.  Enjoy the major downshift of responsibility.  Get some social buoyancy for a while.  Glide into retirement in a couple more years or if I really like it I can position myself to be a big cheese at that company at some point.  Understanding that getting up and going to work every day even with the short commute will still be a grind but the stress will evaporate.  So does the fat money.       

The bolded part is just ego, not fear, that is driving you on this part - don't let it.  2-5 more years in a position that is not inspiring along with an unknown probability if the big cheese moment even happens is definitely not worth it, especially if the big cheese role is not some fulfilling goal/desire of yours.  If it is something that you truly have always wanted and is a crazy cool position (at least in your view) then sure, factor it in.  But leaning in to FIRE for a bit just to ease your emotions or transition more smoothly, that's ok in book.

tooqk4u22

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1574 on: January 04, 2019, 10:40:27 AM »
Yes, being a big cheese is not an appeal on its own and not worth staying in any job for.  Maybe that is why it is not a big consideration ans I contemplate leaving the current gig. 

Part of going back will be the acknowledgement that I am giving up this executive role that people at FormerCo knew about (I left there to take this big girl job). There will be some explaining from me required as in, “Hey, look who got busted down to Private!” which I expect to waive away with a relaxed smile because I don’t work for money anymore.  The other part is my personal history of my X’s spectacular abandonment of me a couple years ago-  filling in folks on that won’t be so fun when it comes up (I have my elevator speech ready though). 

But those are just ego considerations as well.

I am not judging you on the ego part, I struggle with that too.  Sure I am still trying to get comfortable as to whether we have enough or how our expense will change (btw - I am definitely in realm of "Perfection is the enemy of Progress") but the argument of "You can always go back part time or work at Starbucks to offset a bit" gives me a lot of displeasure, and mostly from the ego perspective.  Not to mention why the F would I want my fall back be to go make $7,800 a year ($10/hr * 15 hours * 52 weeks) when we can save that now in a few months - I think I feel like a complete failure in my mind, again ego. 

But that is my ridiculous view and not necessarily the right view. 

tooqk4u22

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1575 on: January 04, 2019, 11:01:00 AM »
Probably definitely worth it to ride it to comp time and then either go to the other place or pick an end date between comp time and June and just be done with it. 

OMY is most definitely a stretch by what your saying and you sound somewhat like me so I can relate - I don't have the excessive travel though. 

I should ask myself if the analysts job is something I would do for SBUX wages and go from there.

I don't think that is quite the same as it sounds like there are many positives to the other job (setting aside the ego of course).  And given your travel and likely hours that you put in - working a straight 40 hrs may feel like a vacation, at least for a bit anyway.

PhilB

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1576 on: January 04, 2019, 11:10:54 AM »
Part of going back will be the acknowledgement that I am giving up this executive role that people at FormerCo knew about (I left there to take this big girl job). There will be some explaining from me required as in, “Hey, look who got busted down to Private!”
Simple you can just tell them you banked so much from that job you can now afford to spend your time doing something you actually enjoy.
The job at former co sounds like something that would suit you very nicely and let you rebuild your local social network in preparation for retirement.  The best solution would probably be if they would let you do it part time, but if you think you would enjoy it, go for it.

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1577 on: January 04, 2019, 11:33:43 AM »
Hmm, if the bonus is from 2018 work, are you sure you wont get it if you leave before it pays out?  If not, I would find leaving really really hard, but my employment is pretty easy (especially compared to yours).  But I don't think I could take feeling sick before work, nope.  I'd be gone. 

As for FormerCo, do you want to do that job?  You don't need the money, so is it something you would like to actually go do?

chasesfish

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1578 on: January 04, 2019, 12:01:22 PM »
@MissNancyPryor I would move for Option #2, just figure out how to pull it off and keep your year-end bonus for the work you put in for 2018.

I just left my near executive level role for a lateral move.  Three days in and it feels like an anchor has been lifted from my chest.

SpareChange

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1579 on: January 04, 2019, 12:07:15 PM »
@MissNancyPryor I would move for Option #2, just figure out how to pull it off and keep your year-end bonus for the work you put in for 2018.

I just left my near executive level role for a lateral move.  Three days in and it feels like an anchor has been lifted from my chest.

Good for you! Did they bat an eye over your decision?

Livingthedream55

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1580 on: January 04, 2019, 12:15:13 PM »
Hey Nineteen-  What do you think of this?

Yesterday a former boss and I went to lunch.  I loved working for her and we have remained friends. 

I let her know that I was hoping to pull the plug mid year but was a little wobbly with the market troubles of late.  She said she will have an opening for an analyst in her group at FormerCo within the month and wondered if I would be interested.

My current job is high paid with a fat bonus.  It comes with high stress and ridiculous travel across the country on the regular (I counted 83 flights in 2017, somewhat less in 2018.)  It is the usual big company bullshit though and I feel nauseous every single day I go to the office of MegaCorpSucks, Inc.  The job allows me to save almost 80% of my income but I believe it is killing me and I will have a heart attack or get cancer eventually if I stay.  Yes, that bad.         

The role at FormerCo is pretty mid-level non-management, probably 40% of my current pay, tiny bonus, and maybe only 2 trips a year that are just regional hops for a day or two.  Low stress.  Back working with people in a culture that is really great.  If I take the role I would be in line to assume this woman's role when she gets kicked upstairs within 2-5 years if I choose it.  Even at the far reduced pay I would be saving substantially but more importantly I would be shortening my overall retirement funds demand.  I could half-step my way to retirement but still FIRE at any time if it is not a good fit. 

Option 1:  stay at MegaCorpSucks as planned until July 5th and hang it up.  I might not have as much cash on hand as I like but I won't need to sell stocks for a couple years.  Decompress for at least 6 months and add a couple years back to my life expectancy.  FIRE on!  Seven more months at a job that's making you sick? No, no, no!!

Option 2:  take the analyst job at FormerCo just after my bonus arrives in March. Enjoy the major downshift of responsibility.  Get some social buoyancy for a while.  Glide into retirement in a couple more years or if I really like it I can position myself to be a big cheese at that company at some point.  Understanding that getting up and going to work every day even with the short commute will still be a grind but the stress will evaporate.  So does the fat money.     

Another appealing thought is that the former company is populated by hundreds of local people and there is a possibility that I might find a partner there.  At my current company our regional office is small and I have been everyone's boss at one time or another so dating anyone is out of the question.  I am very isolated socially at work.  I know this is a little goofy but it matters-- at FormerCo, Inc there have been many long term marriages among co-workers.    Lots of good stuff with Option # 2!

See, I am rocking like 97% success on my favorite retirement calculator and 100% on cfiresim even with today's totals.  Even with the drop in the market I am fine, and yet I wobble emotionally.  That's understandable but you need out of MegaCorps! That tells me I need more psychological understanding on my decision to retire completely.  Maybe the major downshift is a way to glide out? 

Thoughts?  Feel free to whack me with a 2x4 if you think it is required or if I am being ridiculous.  And thanks-     

The numbers work for FIRE so my vote is for leaving Megacorps once you get your bonus. As far as FormerCo, sounds like you are drawn to it for a number of reasons. I made a lateral move to another agency three years ago to glide into FIRE - never regretted it for a moment. The lack of stress and anxiety feels like a vacation!!

chasesfish

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1581 on: January 04, 2019, 12:45:20 PM »
You are the best!  I appreciate everyone chiming in and looking over the situation with me and offering your perspectives.

We had a compensation planning call with HR this morning and I asked if someone leaves before March do they get the bonus payout and the answer is yes, if they are in good standing and they worked all of last year they do get it.  The other leaders assumed I am asking for my own staff so it was a perfect stealth move. 

I am leaning hard toward the “give it a shot with FormerCo” route, and most importantly I realize I gotta get out of here.  That means even if the old place pulls back the offer of a role I will still step out by July 5th for my health.

That's a good thing to check on and not assume.

That was our situation in the past, this year megacorp still hasn't finalized the 2018 plan, it'll be used as a loophole to not pay people who leave before.

They also moved back the equity vesting date

Eric

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1582 on: January 04, 2019, 12:52:03 PM »
Today I switched my taxable account dividends to stop being re-invested and instead get dumped into my bank account.  If I'm paying taxes on these things no matter what, they may as well be part of my spending. 

Feels really strange though.  I guess this is the first step in going from saver to spender.  It's a big difference.



And chiming in with the others that this kind of pace is insane.  You may have gotten somewhat desensitized to it, but from an outside perspective, I can't imagine all that travel.  And I plan to be a perpetual traveler!!

That nails it.  If I can just hold on a while longer I can out-earn the analyst’s paycheck in the blink of an eye.  I keep going back to that, too.

Then I think it isn’t a blink of an eye, it is the nagging twitch of the eye I have developed.  It is just 35 more plane rides.  Just 104 more sick mornings.  7 more all-leaders multi day hotel conference room shit shows where nothing gets done. 

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1583 on: January 04, 2019, 01:12:23 PM »
Today I switched my taxable account dividends to stop being re-invested and instead get dumped into my bank account.  If I'm paying taxes on these things no matter what, they may as well be part of my spending. 

Feels really strange though.  I guess this is the first step in going from saver to spender.  It's a big difference.


I did that in December to help build my cash buffer, oh my, I've never had that much seemly random money start showing up in my account.  I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels strange.  With the market being down, i want to put it back in!

LV

Eric

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1584 on: January 04, 2019, 01:14:53 PM »
Today I switched my taxable account dividends to stop being re-invested and instead get dumped into my bank account.  If I'm paying taxes on these things no matter what, they may as well be part of my spending. 

Feels really strange though.  I guess this is the first step in going from saver to spender.  It's a big difference.


I did that in December to help build my cash buffer, oh my, I've never had that much seemly random money start showing up in my account.  I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels strange.  With the market being down, i want to put it back in!

LV

Right?  That's where it's supposed to go!! Back in the market!  lol

FIRE 20/20

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1585 on: January 04, 2019, 08:06:11 PM »
Hey Nineteen-  What do you think of this?

...

Thoughts?  Feel free to whack me with a 2x4 if you think it is required or if I am being ridiculous.  And thanks-     

@MissNancyPryor , it looks like you already have some good advice and may already know what you're going to do, but I just saw this and felt a need to reply.  You have already won the game.  You're done.  Yes, you may not have the cash on hand that you'd like, but if you're at 100% in cfiresim you don't need to live to meet any company's demands any longer.  And you *certainly* don't need to keep going back to MegaCorpSucks and dealing with all the anguish that's associated with it.  I think all the concerns about meeting people in the elevator and the big cheese potential and the bonus are your brain's way of distracting you from the bottom line truth of your situation - you don't need any of this shit any more and you can do whatever you want and that's terrifying. 
I'm not going to try to play internet psychiatrist any more than I already have, but it seems as though you are objectively past the point where you can FIRE but your brain isn't fully on board yet.  As cheesy as it sounds I would stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself that you don't need to go in to MegaCorpSucks ever again.  You don't need to feel nauseous every morning.  You don't need to chop weeks off your life every day you go into that toxic environment.  So don't.  I don't think it matters if you just call in sick for a couple weeks or give two week's notice or dump a pile of manure in your boss's office as long as you get out as quickly as possible.  The whole reason you've been pursuing this path is so you don't have to deal with this any more and you're now at a point that you don't.  So don't. 

I don't know whether or not you should take the job at FormerCo.  If you need to do that until you can get your brain fully on board then that's what you need to do.  But I think you need to accept - not just know intellectually but really believe - that you are making a choice to be there and that you don't really need the money.  I suspect that it won't take long for you to give your notice there as well once you truly believe that you don't need to go there every day, but I don't think it's a bad idea to try it out. 

markbike528CBX

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1586 on: January 04, 2019, 11:13:21 PM »
...
@MissNancyPryor , it looks like you already have some good advice and may already know what you're going to do, but I just saw this and felt a need to reply.  You have already won the game.  You're done. 
....snip.....
... or dump a pile of manure in your boss's office as long as you get out as quickly as possible.  The whole reason you've been pursuing this path is so you don't have to deal with this any more and you're now at a point that you don't.  So don't. 

While I'm not suggesting the manure method, I would recommend NOT going to "retreats" or meetings you don't want to attend.  YOU have the power here, not the CEO's secretary. Worst case scenario, a layoff with $everance or unemployment, or a FIREing (which is what you want anyway).

Just take a mental health day when the intolerable events are scheduled, or have an "emergency" at work or at home.  I've found that forgetting or ignoring meetings works for me, YMMV.




chasesfish

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1587 on: January 05, 2019, 05:57:26 AM »
10 weeks until retirement notice.

Updated the spreadsheet this morning, thanks to yesterday net worth is only $122k off from the high

2Birds1Stone

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1588 on: January 05, 2019, 06:57:09 AM »
10 weeks until retirement notice.

That came quickly!!

I'll be requesting my Leave of Absence at the end of June. Need to commit to a date.

Linea_Norway

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1589 on: January 05, 2019, 08:07:59 AM »
You are the best!  I appreciate everyone chiming in and looking over the situation with me and offering your perspectives.

We had a compensation planning call with HR this morning and I asked if someone leaves before March do they get the bonus payout and the answer is yes, if they are in good standing and they worked all of last year they do get it.  The other leaders assumed I am asking for my own staff so it was a perfect stealth move. 

I am leaning hard toward the “give it a shot with FormerCo” route, and most importantly I realize I gotta get out of here.  That means even if the old place pulls back the offer of a role I will still step out by July 5th for my health.

It is still a long time to July, and as you mentioned earlier, it involves a great number of flights and BS meetings. Please resign much sooner.

I suggest you use your good negotiating position to get a PT job at FormerCo and focus on finding a potential partner. Maybe work there for another year and then FIRE.

Other alternative is to not start in a new job, and find new activities in your town, where you meet new people.

Good luck.
« Last Edit: January 05, 2019, 10:54:33 AM by Linda_Norway »

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1590 on: January 06, 2019, 09:34:31 AM »

snip   

I am determined that I will step out of MegaCorpSucks no matter what.  Going through this and writing it down has helped me see that there can be no other option and the price is simply too high to stay.  Thanks again to all who chimed in.

Great Happiness!  Yah!!

DreamFIRE

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1591 on: January 06, 2019, 11:48:02 AM »
My current job is high paid with a fat bonus.  It comes with high stress and ridiculous travel across the country on the regular (I counted 83 flights in 2017, somewhat less in 2018.)  It is the usual big company bullshit though and I feel nauseous every single day I go to the office of MegaCorpSucks, Inc.  The job allows me to save almost 80% of my income but I believe it is killing me and I will have a heart attack or get cancer eventually if I stay.  Yes, that bad. 

If my job was even half as bad as what you describe, I would definitely go ahead and FIRE this June per my original plan.  I can't imagine working a job that I feel that way about.  Like you, I saved around 80% of my take home pay, and my stash numbers say I can FIRE at anytime with a 4% SWR to allow a semi-FAT FIRE (for me).  But I actually like like my job.  After 15 years of shared office space, I finally got my own office back in 2017, real walls and door.  I like it a lot better and stopped feeling that strong urge to get away from that job.  Same job - just a change in my environment that made all the difference in the world.  No travel for me - I usually don't even leave my building for lunch.  I actually miss it sometimes when I have a day off.  I was looking to FIRE in June 2019 but staying on part time if at all possible until April 2020, but the part time work option isn't guaranteed, so I might just stay on full time until April 2020, then plan to FIRE completely.  I haven't decided for certain.  But if I didn't like the job and even enjoy it at times, I would be FIREing sooner rather than later since the stash says I can.

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1592 on: January 06, 2019, 04:50:58 PM »
Today I switched my taxable account dividends to stop being re-invested and instead get dumped into my bank account.  If I'm paying taxes on these things no matter what, they may as well be part of my spending. 

Feels really strange though.  I guess this is the first step in going from saver to spender.  It's a big difference.


I did that in December to help build my cash buffer, oh my, I've never had that much seemly random money start showing up in my account.  I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels strange.  With the market being down, i want to put it back in!

LV

Right?  That's where it's supposed to go!! Back in the market!  lol

I know right!  Must refrain!

Dibdab

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1593 on: January 06, 2019, 06:39:55 PM »
That is really good that you like your work.  Like Dr. Doom I have often wondered if I would enjoy any job. 

I have a door and a 6th floor view of the river.  The building is right on a water's edge with only a walking path between the back door and water.  Huge windows that go wall-to-wall and all the way to the ceiling. 

I remember when I was working at my first job, fast food.  I came home every day smelling like fries and with a visor ring in my 1980's hairdo.  I longed for a job where I didn't have to wear a hat.  9 months there.

Next job was in a supermarket deli.  More hat, and now with greasy floors to slip on.  I got athlete's foot from the hot water they used in the back to hose down he floors constantly to clean up the breaded raw chicken and other slop.  I longed for a job where I didn't have to clean grease.  I was also checker for a couple of that grocery outlet's locations.  I longed for a job where I didn't have to stand on my feet all day.  3 years there.

Next job was as a bill collector for a cable company.  I sat in a low-wall cubicle environment where we could see each other and hear each other's calls.  I got screamed at by losers who told me I was taking food from the mouths of their children because I made them pay for HBO.  I longed to go back to school and do something that was not in a swamp of human stupidity.  7 years there. 

I went back to school.  It was very difficult.  I paid a college large sums of money to hurt me but it was with a hope to get out and be a grownup finally.  I longed for a real job. 

I got one and climbed the ladder and things were so much better.  After a long time I finally did get the privacy and cushy office.  I have the comfortable wardrobe with no hat and no overlord micromanaging my day. 

But now after achieving FI it is as if I sit in a golden cage where they slide large checks under the door.  If the travel could stop I would give up half my salary.  I do wish I liked my job.
So why have you not quit already?

oldtoyota

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1594 on: January 06, 2019, 08:53:10 PM »
@MissNancyPryor I would move for Option #2, just figure out how to pull it off and keep your year-end bonus for the work you put in for 2018.

I just left my near executive level role for a lateral move.  Three days in and it feels like an anchor has been lifted from my chest.

Glad to hear it. Congrats!

forward

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1595 on: January 07, 2019, 09:17:41 AM »

This morning brought a Godfather-esque round of surprise reorganization and firing.  I am not directly impacted …yet.  So unsettling to work in this environment.  Trying to hang on for a few more months.

markbike528CBX

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1596 on: January 07, 2019, 11:27:16 AM »

This morning brought a Godfather-esque round of surprise reorganization and firing.  I am not directly impacted …yet.  So unsettling to work in this environment.  Trying to hang on for a few more months.

If you're FIREing this year, then by definition, you've got MEGA-FU money, so why be bothered, except for coworkers? Since you don't know which coworkers are in trouble, it's out of your sphere of influence, so worrying won't accomplish anything. Enjoy the drama you don't have pay tickets for.

Michael: It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.
The Godfather

[as Tessio and Hagen walk to Michael's house, they are met by a bodyguard, Willi Cicci]
Willi Cicci : Sal... Tom... the boss says he'll come in a separate car. He says for you two to go on ahead.
Tessio : Hell, he can't do that; that screws up all my arrangements.
Willi Cicci : Well, that's what he said.
Tom Hagen : I can't go with you either, Tessio.
[just then, Michael's bodyguards materialize around them, Tessio understands everything]
Tessio : [to Hagen]  Tell Mike it was only business. I always liked him.
Tom Hagen : He understands that.
Willi Cicci : [removing Tessio's gun]  Excuse me, Sally.
Tessio : Can you get me off the hook, Tom? For old times' sake?
Tom Hagen : [shakes his head]  Can't do it, Sally.
[Hagen watches sadly as Tessio is led by Cicci and the others to a waiting car]
Via IMDB
« Last Edit: January 07, 2019, 11:39:51 AM by markbike528CBX »

Bateaux

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1597 on: January 07, 2019, 05:37:45 PM »
I won't be making the 2019 class of FIRE.  It's certainly OMY for me.  Too many wrinkles to iron out for now.  I'm thinking August 2020 is solid unless the bottom really falls out.

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1598 on: January 08, 2019, 03:38:24 AM »
Sorry to lose you @Bateaux!!  Come back anytime.  List updated.

2019 FIRE Cohort:

01/01/19     Bingeworker (52)   CONFIRMED
01/31/19     Trifele (51)
02/01/19     Cycling Stache (44)
02/08/19     Socmonkey (37)
02/25/19     MaybeBabyMustache
02/??/19     zinnie  (35)
03/15/19     exit2019  (40)
03/19/19     ChasesFish (36)
03/??/19     MissNancyPryor  (50)     
03/??/19     Roboturner  (30)
03/??/19     Edgema
03/29/19     JumboShrimp
03/31/19     BlindSquirrel
03/31/19     Mr. Ver (39)
03/31/19     Loren Ver (36)
04/01/19     HalfStached  (41)
04/01/19     Gerardc  (35)
04/01/19     JoJo (45)
04/01/19     Ryder (39)
04/19/19     Eric
04/??/19     Luck12  (41)
04/??/19     PowerStache (43)
05/01/19     Albireo13  (61)                   
05/??/19     SamIAm38  (29)
05/??/19     FIRE 20/20  (42)
05/31/19     Pylortes  (42)
05/31/19     Odiedog8590  (62)
05/31/19     Livingthedream55  (59)
05/31/19     dude   
06/01/19     Prairie Stash
06/07/19     DreamFire
06/21/19     Parizade  (62)
06/22/19     Waffles  (52)
06/??/19     Oldtoyota
06/??/19     Itchyfeet  (47)
06/??/19     CryingInThePool  (44)
07/??/19     powersuitrecall  (47)
07/??/19     Enigma  (39)
07/??/19     Thedividebyzero  (45)
07/??/19     Keeks
07/01/19     Freedomin5 (38)
07/03/19     Gerard
07/03/19     Miss Piggy
07/29/19     Lews Therin (29)
08/01/19     SugarMountain
09/01/19     2Birds1Stone  (32)
09/02/19     Cornbread OMalley  (42)  Date Confirmed
09/??/19     RetirementDreaming
09/??/19     dayzero
10/01/19     Linda_Norway
10/??/19     VoteCthulu  (39)
10/??/19     Trix76  (43)
10/??/19     MoMan  (55)
10/??/19     Dreamer
12/??/19     HBFI  (38)
12/??/19     luckyme13  (45)
12/27/19     moxie
12/31/19     texxan1  (47)

2019 Cohort with date TBD:
Lowerbills (40)
getoutsoon (52)
IPlawyer
MustacheAnxiety
forward

OMY:
Bateaux (51)
« Last Edit: January 11, 2019, 03:49:53 AM by Trifele »

Miss Piggy

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #1599 on: January 08, 2019, 08:41:36 AM »
@Trifele - thanks for keeping our list up to date!

Each time I see my name and date on the list, it gives me more confidence. I mean, if it's on the internet, it's gotta be true! I'm committed now!