Author Topic: 2019 fire cohort  (Read 793006 times)

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2400 on: May 16, 2019, 08:51:46 AM »
I met with my manager yesterday to talk about some issues that came up around my "final project." This project was supposed to be something light and fun, which it was until some of the stakeholders became hostile and combative over who was in charge. I was feeling frustrated and shared this with my manager. I'm going to paraphrase his wonderful response:

"At the end of day Parizade you don't report to them, you report to me, and if it was up to me you wouldn't have to do anything you don't want to do in these last few weeks. In my opinion you should be floating out the door on Cloud 9, not wrestling with hostile stakeholders. So do whatever you want to do now, and I will back you up on it!"

I work remotely so I couldn't give him a hug but I certainly did in my mind! He just gave me permission to float through the last month and I intend to do exactly that.

Smart boss :).  I's really had he has your back, even though you are leaving soon!!

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2401 on: May 16, 2019, 09:06:01 AM »
I met with my manager yesterday to talk about some issues that came up around my "final project." This project was supposed to be something light and fun, which it was until some of the stakeholders became hostile and combative over who was in charge. I was feeling frustrated and shared this with my manager. I'm going to paraphrase his wonderful response:

"At the end of day Parizade you don't report to them, you report to me, and if it was up to me you wouldn't have to do anything you don't want to do in these last few weeks. In my opinion you should be floating out the door on Cloud 9, not wrestling with hostile stakeholders. So do whatever you want to do now, and I will back you up on it!"

I work remotely so I couldn't give him a hug but I certainly did in my mind! He just gave me permission to float through the last month and I intend to do exactly that.

This is totally fabulous, @Parizade!  You deserve it!

Livingthedream55

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2402 on: May 16, 2019, 09:47:31 AM »
I met with my manager yesterday to talk about some issues that came up around my "final project." This project was supposed to be something light and fun, which it was until some of the stakeholders became hostile and combative over who was in charge. I was feeling frustrated and shared this with my manager. I'm going to paraphrase his wonderful response:

"At the end of day Parizade you don't report to them, you report to me, and if it was up to me you wouldn't have to do anything you don't want to do in these last few weeks. In my opinion you should be floating out the door on Cloud 9, not wrestling with hostile stakeholders. So do whatever you want to do now, and I will back you up on it!"

I work remotely so I couldn't give him a hug but I certainly did in my mind! He just gave me permission to float through the last month and I intend to do exactly that.

Outstanding - this is the way we all should be treated!

dude

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2403 on: May 16, 2019, 02:39:13 PM »
On deck for FIRE tomorrow we have dude.  How are you doing @dude?  Any big plans for tomorrow night after you leave work?


                                                           

So yeah, Friday was my last day in the office. This week I'm at a final work conference in Colorado (where I presented on federal retirement!) and it's been nice seeing colleagues from around the country for the last time. Lot of congratulations and well wishes. Today marks the end of that conference, so this is really the end of the line. Didn't do anything special last Friday. I'm not sure when it will actually sink in that I'm done working. Maybe Monday, but more likely after a 2-week vacation that wraps up on June 7.

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2404 on: May 16, 2019, 05:19:02 PM »
Congratulations on crossing the finish line @dude!   


2019 FIRE Cohort:

01/01/19     Bingeworker (52)          CONFIRMED
01/31/19     Trifele (51)                   CONFIRMED
02/01/19     Socmonkey (37)           CONFIRMED
02/01/19     August (54)                  CONFIRMED
02/01/19     Keeks (42)                   CONFIRMED
02/01/19     TheShinyHorse             CONFIRMED   
02/13/19     SeanTash (48)              CONFIRMED
02/28/19     nowwhat? (56)             CONFIRMED
03/15/19     Half Stached  (47)        CONFIRMED
03/15/19     FireHazard                   CONFIRMED
03/15/19     Luck12  (41)                CONFIRMED       
03/18/19     chasesfish (36)             CONFIRMED
03/18/19     Cycling Stache (43)       CONFIRMED
03/29/19     Loren Ver (36)              CONFIRMED
03/29/19     Mr. Ver (39)                  CONFIRMED
04/01/19     Ryder (39)                    CONFIRMED
04/04/19     PowerStache (43)          CONFIRMED
04/05/19     MissNancyPryor (50)      CONFIRMED SWAMI
04/06/19     Caroline PF                    CONFIRMED SEMI-FIRE
04/07/19     BTDRetire (64)              CONFIRMED 
04/19/19     Eric (42)                       CONFIRMED
04/26/19     FIRE 20/20  (42)           CONFIRMED
05/02/19     couponvan                    CONFIRMED
05/14/19     anonprof                       CONFIRMED
05/16/19     dude (53)                      CONFIRMED
05/??/19     MaybeBabyMustache                         
05/24/19     Prairie Stash (38)
05/31/19     Odiedog8590  (62)
05/31/19     Livingthedream55 (59)                     
05/31/19     Dibdab (56)
05/??/19     SamIAm38  (29)
05/??/10     snowdog (57)
06/07/19     DreamFire
06/15/19     Okonomiyaki (49)
06/15/19     2Birds1Stone  (32)
06/21/19     Parizade  (62)
06/29/19     Waffles  (52)
06/30/19     Pylortes  (42)
06/30/19     SHO (37)
06/??/19     Oldtoyota
07/03/19     Miss Piggy
07/05/19     StoaX (58)
07/29/19     Lews Therin (29)
07/??/19     Thedividebyzero  (45)
08/01/19     SugarMountain
08/30/19     MoMan  (55)
08/31/19     Gerard
09/02/19     Cornbread OMalley  (42)  Date Confirmed
09/13/19     dayzero
09/??/19     RetirementDreaming
10/??/19     VoteCthulu  (39)
10/??/19     Trix76  (43)
10/??/19     JumboShrimp
12/??/19     HBFI  (38)
12/??/19     luckyme13  (45)
12/19/19     Itchyfeet  (47)
12/27/19     moxie
12/31/19     texxan1  (47)
12/31/19     Nifty (31)

2019 Cohort with date TBD:
Lowerbills (40)
getoutsoon (52)
IPlawyer
MustacheAnxiety
forward
BlindSquirrel
I'm Fred (51)
JoJo (45)
Edgema
Jfer_rose (41)
Gerardc  (35)

OMY/2MY/Etc:
Freedomin5 (38)
Roboturner  (30)
Bateaux (51)
Linda_Norway (45)
CryingInThePool  (44)
Albireo13  (61)
Cookie78
Enigma
exit2019  (40)
powersuitrecall  (47)

OLY
markbike528cbx  (55)      OLY -- CONFIRMED 6/1/18; checking in as OP
MoneyStacher  (50)         OLY -- CONFIRMED 2018
PhilB  (52)                      OLY -- CONFIRMED 10/24/18
sui generis  (41)              OLY -- CONFIRMED 8/17/18
TartanTallulah  (55)          OLY -- CONFIRMED 10/2018
cerat0n1a                       OLY -- CONFIRMED 2018 
Chairman                        OLY -- CONFIRMED 2018
Bognish (43)                   OLY -- CONFIRMED 11/16/18 
« Last Edit: May 17, 2019, 02:11:28 PM by Trifele »

tooqk4u22

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2405 on: May 17, 2019, 10:09:59 AM »
So maybe posting here in this cohort will make it more official, I must keep my word and all that.

Yep -- Give us a date.  We'll put you on the list @tooqk4u22 and support and cheer you to the finish line.

I read some of your other posts, and it sounds like you know you're there financially.  You're posting here now, so it sounds like you want to FIRE.  So go ahead and take the first step -- name a date.  You can do it.

ETA -- batsignal out to @markbike528CBX -- the best anti-OMY coach around.  :)


I am tired of the BS, I am tired of the increasing bureaucracy, I am tired of sitting in an office, I am tired of being out of shape, I am just tired, and mostly I am just tired of being tired with everything.   F'ck it, I am out.  OMY be damned or in any event it will be later in life if it does happen.   I am going to throw caution to the wind and irresponsible F'ck up our lives.

This is a fair warning to everyone on this forum - dump your stocks today bc I am giving notice on Monday.   And sure as shootin' the market will likely crash moments after I do it to f'ck with me.   

This is your final warning GET OUT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!!!!!!

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2406 on: May 17, 2019, 10:26:09 AM »
@Trifele - I will be officially on sabbatical, by EOD today!

2Birds1Stone

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2407 on: May 17, 2019, 10:43:24 AM »
@Trifele - I will be officially on sabbatical, by EOD today!

Congratulations!


28 days to go here. Feels surreal!

I'm shoe-stringing this with $475k in assets @ age 32, hoping to never have to work a FT/Office job again. Part of my plan does involve funding some discretionary spending with either side hustle, very PT work, or trading human capital in some form of barter.

Parizade

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2408 on: May 17, 2019, 12:17:02 PM »
F'ck it, I am out.  OMY be damned or in any event it will be later in life if it does happen.   I am going to throw caution to the wind and irresponsible F'ck up our lives.

Go for it @tooqk4u22! And congratulations @MaybeBabyMustache

« Last Edit: May 18, 2019, 10:06:00 AM by Parizade »

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2409 on: May 17, 2019, 02:05:58 PM »
Congrats @MaybeBabyMustache on the sabbatical!!!  Got you CONFIRMED.  Enjoy it!

and Whoa!!  Welcome to the group @tooqk4u22!  YEAH!!  Go you!!  Got you added as TBD; let us know when you settle on a date.  (Hopefully you don't really feel like it's irresponsible, or will f*ck up your life.) 


2019 FIRE Cohort:

01/01/19     Bingeworker (52)          CONFIRMED
01/31/19     Trifele (51)                   CONFIRMED
02/01/19     Socmonkey (37)           CONFIRMED
02/01/19     August (54)                  CONFIRMED
02/01/19     Keeks (42)                   CONFIRMED
02/01/19     TheShinyHorse             CONFIRMED   
02/13/19     SeanTash (48)              CONFIRMED
02/28/19     nowwhat? (56)             CONFIRMED
03/15/19     Half Stached  (47)        CONFIRMED
03/15/19     FireHazard                   CONFIRMED
03/15/19     Luck12  (41)                CONFIRMED       
03/18/19     chasesfish (36)             CONFIRMED
03/18/19     Cycling Stache (43)       CONFIRMED
03/29/19     Loren Ver (36)              CONFIRMED
03/29/19     Mr. Ver (39)                  CONFIRMED
04/01/19     Ryder (39)                    CONFIRMED
04/04/19     PowerStache (43)          CONFIRMED
04/05/19     MissNancyPryor (50)      CONFIRMED SWAMI
04/06/19     Caroline PF                    CONFIRMED SEMI-FIRE
04/07/19     BTDRetire (64)              CONFIRMED 
04/19/19     Eric (42)                       CONFIRMED
04/26/19     FIRE 20/20  (42)           CONFIRMED
05/02/19     couponvan                    CONFIRMED
05/14/19     anonprof                       CONFIRMED
05/16/19     dude (53)                     CONFIRMED
05/17/19     MaybeBabyMustache      CONFIRMED SABBATICAL                   
05/24/19     Prairie Stash (38)
05/31/19     Odiedog8590  (62)
05/31/19     Livingthedream55 (59)                     
05/31/19     Dibdab (56)
05/??/19     SamIAm38  (29)
05/??/10     snowdog (57)
06/07/19     DreamFire
06/15/19     Okonomiyaki (49)
06/15/19     2Birds1Stone  (32)
06/21/19     Parizade  (62)
06/29/19     Waffles  (52)
06/30/19     SHO (37)
06/??/19     Oldtoyota
07/03/19     Miss Piggy
07/05/19     StoaX (58)
07/08/19     Batljunk
07/08/19     Mathieu
07/29/19     Lews Therin (29)
07/??/19     Thedividebyzero  (45)
08/01/19     SugarMountain
08/30/19     MoMan  (55)
08/31/19     Gerard
09/02/19     Cornbread OMalley  (42)  Date Confirmed
09/13/19     dayzero
09/??/19     RetirementDreaming
10/??/19     VoteCthulu  (39)
10/??/19     Trix76  (43)
10/??/19     JumboShrimp
12/??/19     HBFI  (38)
12/??/19     luckyme13  (45)
12/19/19     Itchyfeet  (47)
12/27/19     moxie
12/31/19     texxan1  (47)
12/31/19     Nifty (31)

2019 Cohort with date TBD:
Lowerbills (40)
getoutsoon (52)
IPlawyer
MustacheAnxiety
forward
BlindSquirrel
I'm Fred (51)
JoJo (45)
Edgema
Jfer_rose (41)
Gerardc  (35)
tooqk4u22
Pylortes  (42) 

OMY/2MY/Etc:
Freedomin5 (38)
Roboturner  (30)
Bateaux (51)
Linda_Norway (45)
CryingInThePool  (44)
Albireo13  (61)
Cookie78
Enigma
exit2019  (40)
powersuitrecall  (47)

OLY
markbike528cbx  (55)      OLY -- CONFIRMED 6/1/18; checking in as OP
MoneyStacher  (50)         OLY -- CONFIRMED 2018
PhilB  (52)                      OLY -- CONFIRMED 10/24/18
sui generis  (41)              OLY -- CONFIRMED 8/17/18
TartanTallulah  (55)          OLY -- CONFIRMED 10/2018
cerat0n1a                       OLY -- CONFIRMED 2018 
Chairman                        OLY -- CONFIRMED 2018
Bognish (43)                   OLY -- CONFIRMED 11/16/18

« Last Edit: May 24, 2019, 03:55:07 AM by Trifele »

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2410 on: May 18, 2019, 08:51:52 AM »
Congratulations

@dude and @MaybeBabyMustache

WOOO HOOO!!!


Also, welcome to the group @tooqk4u22.  Things will be okay.  You are buying yourself more options.  Nothing needs to be the end or final or messed up.  Living life is about living.


itchyfeet

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2411 on: May 18, 2019, 09:15:57 AM »
Yey, congratulations gang!

Blindsquirrel

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2412 on: May 18, 2019, 09:52:13 AM »
     It is sooo good to see you go! From the bottom of my heart I wish you well. @MaybeBabyMustache  and @dude  Congratulations and this squirrel is kind of jelly as they say.

Luck12

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2413 on: May 19, 2019, 09:27:20 PM »
Just finished up the Southern Cal portion (702 miles) of the Pacific Crest Trail and waiting out the snow in the Sierra Nevada for some weeks and hanging out with friends and family in the meantime.    I didn't really make any real friends, but the experience has been awesome so far.  So much pretty scenery and everyone was so nice, chill, and helpful.  It's been challenging, but not overwhelmingly so, I can do 20+ miles a day without any problem at all and I'm not a super hiker or anything.   We've been fortunate with the weather too as it's been below average temperature 80%+ of the time.  Even on my worst day where there was so much route finding and uphill elevation and it was hot as hell not once did I think "hmm I'd rather be at work" LOL.    Been at my parents' place for 24 hours and already miss the trail. 

If anybody is even remotely thinking about doing something like this, I say do it, you will not regret it, whether you end up hiking 500 miles or make all the way to Canada.   
« Last Edit: May 19, 2019, 09:28:54 PM by Luck12 »

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2414 on: May 20, 2019, 05:15:31 AM »
Thanks for the check in @Luck12!  Updates like that are a breath of pure, fresh air -- and a peek through the window into the possibilities of FIRE.

On deck this week we have @Prairie Stash who is set to pull the trigger on Friday.  How are you doing PS?  Last minute jitters, or can't wait to run out that door?

This week we also have @tooqk4u22, who may be setting him/herself on FIRE today and handing in a resignation.  How are you doing? 

 

Linea_Norway

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2415 on: May 20, 2019, 06:29:15 AM »
Just finished up the Southern Cal portion (702 miles) of the Pacific Crest Trail and waiting out the snow in the Sierra Nevada for some weeks and hanging out with friends and family in the meantime.    I didn't really make any real friends, but the experience has been awesome so far.  So much pretty scenery and everyone was so nice, chill, and helpful.  It's been challenging, but not overwhelmingly so, I can do 20+ miles a day without any problem at all and I'm not a super hiker or anything.   We've been fortunate with the weather too as it's been below average temperature 80%+ of the time.  Even on my worst day where there was so much route finding and uphill elevation and it was hot as hell not once did I think "hmm I'd rather be at work" LOL.    Been at my parents' place for 24 hours and already miss the trail. 

If anybody is even remotely thinking about doing something like this, I say do it, you will not regret it, whether you end up hiking 500 miles or make all the way to Canada.

I would like to do a really long hike that takes you away for many weeks, maybe even 2 months. It is on my list of things to do after FIRE. But not the PCT, which is way too hot for us, as well as too far away. But maybe Norway in the length, or much shorter in the width, would be more suitable for us.

Pylortes

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2416 on: May 20, 2019, 10:49:49 AM »
Congratulations to those in this group that recently pulled the plug or are on the precipice of doing so!! 

Its been awhile since I've posted an update, but I've been extremely busy.   Since the fall/winter, work has not been going well and I've grown increasingly unhappy/stressed.  I got a new manager last year who wants to add a lot to my plate without taking anything away.   As my priorities have been changed, the tasks I spent my first 11 years or so here doing (and I feel I'm needed for) have been relegated to the back burner and this has caused some problems and increased my stress level.

I've been planning to pull the plug in late June, but I may need to look at pushing it forward for my sanity.   I had just a few financial goals that I wanted to accomplish in 2019 before I pulled the plug- with the biggest being to fully fund my 401k for the year.  I've been making good progress there and would be on track to do so by mid June, but if I leave earlier I may not get there (I could come close).  To add some complexity to the situation, I'm the only one in my company with a license to perform my specific role in my state and our contract with our client requires they employ a licensed person in the state.  My leaving would requiring unwinding a number of things with no replacement ready to pick up the tasks.  So I want to give somewhere in the neighborhood of 4-6 weeks notice.  However knowing the hiring process around here there's little chance a replacement would be found and in place even with 6 weeks so I won't be able to just smoothly transfer things over to someone else.   That's fine, I can leave regardless and just start running through a checklist of shut down items (If it takes longer for a replacement to be brought on board I could offer to come back to train them later- of course only for additional pay!).  I'm somewhat torn on moving up my date too much, I really don't want to screw my co-workers by leaving them suddenly and without the proper person on board to help them which could cause problems with our contract, but on the other hand I really want out of here to my freedom.

When I first committed to FIRE during 2019 my job was going relatively smoothly, I just was bored/tired and wanted a change from working so planned an exit.  Now the job is worse (at least in my mind).  I may have some senioritis- I know I'm leaving soon and I'm checking out and overwhelmed.  I need my freedom- and 80 something more days still seems like an eternity when you feel things are not going well and getting worse!

Back with an update-  and things have certainly changed since the last update.  My new manager abruptly resigned- he left for another position (yeah!). The company also brought in a new VP of our department (leadership has basically turned over almost completely which is a good thing). The new VP (who so far has said all the the right things and been listening to the team) began discussions with me about promoting me to answer directly to him and giving me leeway to design the job (there is one thing I would be asked to take on, but other items seem flexible).  Although I was torn about whether to even engage in a discussion given my impending FIRE goal, I decided it wouldn't hurt to have dialogue to see if there was a fit.  I had previously aspired to get promoted to a role such as what is being discussed 4-5 years ago, but had mostly given up on the idea and focused attention on my current job and preparing for FIRE.  Nothing like a late 11th hour possible change of plans. And no, I had not announced a retirement date or even hinted at my plans.  I've been keeping that close to the vest. 

The discussions are still ongoing, but won't be finalized until mid to late June at the earliest.  I have a couple of must have items on the list if I'm going to agree to stay that I won't get into here.  This decision is not primarily a financial one however.  It's great to have leverage of course, but the downside if I take the promotion is that I probably won't FIRE this year, and would need to push it out to next year at the earliest- or longer if I actually like the new job a lot and want to stay.   For now I'm leaving 2019 on the table but I'm going to let this process play out before a final decision.  That means earliest possible FIRE date is now late July for me, but probably shouldn't commit to a date at this point until I know more (I should probably move to date TBD for now). 



Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2417 on: May 20, 2019, 01:34:19 PM »
Thanks for the update @Pylortes.  Fingers crossed that this plays out well for you.  You have all the power, so if it isn't ideal you can walk.  Got you moved to TBD for now.

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2418 on: May 20, 2019, 05:04:33 PM »
@Luck12 Thank you for coming back to update.  I love hearing about what others are doing.  Sometimes I steal ideas :).  I've never really done any hiking other than a few hours.  I find the idea fascinating but also intimidating. 

@Pylortes You placed yourself in a very good position, so reaping the benefits of this isn't a bad thing.  Just don't let them stick you in the OMY if that isn't what you truly want.  If it is what you want (at least for now) then grab it with both hands and enjoy!

LV

Linea_Norway

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2419 on: May 21, 2019, 01:10:23 AM »
Congratulations to those in this group that recently pulled the plug or are on the precipice of doing so!! 

Its been awhile since I've posted an update, but I've been extremely busy.   Since the fall/winter, work has not been going well and I've grown increasingly unhappy/stressed.  I got a new manager last year who wants to add a lot to my plate without taking anything away.   As my priorities have been changed, the tasks I spent my first 11 years or so here doing (and I feel I'm needed for) have been relegated to the back burner and this has caused some problems and increased my stress level.

I've been planning to pull the plug in late June, but I may need to look at pushing it forward for my sanity.   I had just a few financial goals that I wanted to accomplish in 2019 before I pulled the plug- with the biggest being to fully fund my 401k for the year.  I've been making good progress there and would be on track to do so by mid June, but if I leave earlier I may not get there (I could come close).  To add some complexity to the situation, I'm the only one in my company with a license to perform my specific role in my state and our contract with our client requires they employ a licensed person in the state.  My leaving would requiring unwinding a number of things with no replacement ready to pick up the tasks.  So I want to give somewhere in the neighborhood of 4-6 weeks notice.  However knowing the hiring process around here there's little chance a replacement would be found and in place even with 6 weeks so I won't be able to just smoothly transfer things over to someone else.   That's fine, I can leave regardless and just start running through a checklist of shut down items (If it takes longer for a replacement to be brought on board I could offer to come back to train them later- of course only for additional pay!).  I'm somewhat torn on moving up my date too much, I really don't want to screw my co-workers by leaving them suddenly and without the proper person on board to help them which could cause problems with our contract, but on the other hand I really want out of here to my freedom.

When I first committed to FIRE during 2019 my job was going relatively smoothly, I just was bored/tired and wanted a change from working so planned an exit.  Now the job is worse (at least in my mind).  I may have some senioritis- I know I'm leaving soon and I'm checking out and overwhelmed.  I need my freedom- and 80 something more days still seems like an eternity when you feel things are not going well and getting worse!

Back with an update-  and things have certainly changed since the last update.  My new manager abruptly resigned- he left for another position (yeah!). The company also brought in a new VP of our department (leadership has basically turned over almost completely which is a good thing). The new VP (who so far has said all the the right things and been listening to the team) began discussions with me about promoting me to answer directly to him and giving me leeway to design the job (there is one thing I would be asked to take on, but other items seem flexible).  Although I was torn about whether to even engage in a discussion given my impending FIRE goal, I decided it wouldn't hurt to have dialogue to see if there was a fit.  I had previously aspired to get promoted to a role such as what is being discussed 4-5 years ago, but had mostly given up on the idea and focused attention on my current job and preparing for FIRE.  Nothing like a late 11th hour possible change of plans. And no, I had not announced a retirement date or even hinted at my plans.  I've been keeping that close to the vest. 

The discussions are still ongoing, but won't be finalized until mid to late June at the earliest.  I have a couple of must have items on the list if I'm going to agree to stay that I won't get into here.  This decision is not primarily a financial one however.  It's great to have leverage of course, but the downside if I take the promotion is that I probably won't FIRE this year, and would need to push it out to next year at the earliest- or longer if I actually like the new job a lot and want to stay.   For now I'm leaving 2019 on the table but I'm going to let this process play out before a final decision.  That means earliest possible FIRE date is now late July for me, but probably shouldn't commit to a date at this point until I know more (I should probably move to date TBD for now).

If your boss is such a good listener, would it be an idea to tell him you would like to downsize in the near future and that it could be smart to start looking for a replacement for you? Or train someone to get the right license.

My DH was in a bit of a similar situation where he first worked in an absolutely toxic environment and then suddenly got a new boss who he reports directly to and who is a good boss and listens to him. After half a year DH announced that he wanted to step down from his management position in a couple of months (due to health reasons). The boss heard him and immediately started looking for a replacement, who might soon have signed a contract. DH will be around to train this new person, if that is necessary. But he won't feel too bad to retire soon after that. He boss doesn't know that part yet.

Pylortes

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2420 on: May 21, 2019, 09:41:08 AM »
Yes- getting someone hired with a similar license to mine and me training them will be a key part of the discussion.  I'm reluctant to bring up possible retirement in the near future unless I need to play that card in negotiations to get what's needed.  Assuming I can get a desired arrangement for a new position and my current position backfilled with a qualified person, my thought would be to table things on that front for 6-9 months while I get to training and working in the new position.  At that point I'd probably have a good idea whether I am tired of the new role and still want to FIRE (if so create a checklist again and rapidly work right down it until pulling the plug) or if at 6+ months in I feel re-energized (I'm skeptical at the moment, but you never know!) then I'll just keep rolling until I'm not.   There's also a potential wildcard lurking, my spouse is still working and wants to continue at least short to mid-term.  If she gets recruited away from her position or moved, I may just immediately pull the trigger.

With so many balls in the air, I'm going to play it by ear.  I have always been pretty adaptable, but the uncertainty of letting this play out has been a little draining even for me.  I have not taken any 2019 vacation days this year so that I could get a payout when I left (I took some leftover 2018 days in Febr/Mar). I do admit to being a little down considering I was thinking I'd be gone early this summer and now I may allow that goal to pass.  I allowed myself to make a few small material purchases recently that I never would have done.  I told my wife I needed to buy something "shiny" to perk me up.  She was like -I don't even know you anymore-  hah ha.   When June/July rolls around and I'm still here it may be difficult. I'm thinking if I decide to stick around I may go ahead and schedule a long vacation for mid to late summer to help refresh me.  I appreciate the support of this group even if I may end up dropping out.  I will at least try to live vicariously thorough you guys!


Prairie Stash

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2421 on: May 21, 2019, 12:59:30 PM »

On deck this week we have @Prairie Stash who is set to pull the trigger on Friday.  How are you doing PS?  Last minute jitters, or can't wait to run out that door?
It was a long weekend and I felt anxious. I coud barely sleep with second guessing myself, I'm exhausted today. Keeping the emotions in check is hard, I developed a nervous twitch in my eye that's bugging me incessantly.

I have several backup plans, including doing fun work both in and out of my field (I got a lead about a 3-day job in a greenhouse). I have a lovely wife who is willing to work, if she needs to, in case things go bad and we need to invoke the emergency plans. I can cut my WR to 3% for a few years and go lean for a bit. We have a lot of backup plans and I'm still nervous, it helps to remind myself constantly about the backup plans, particularly as the date looms closer.

However, I'm more sure then before. Yesterday I spent time with my older daughter, I went for an hour walk in the afternoon. We talked about whatever was on her mind while we held hands. It was nothing really, normal stuff, but that's what I want the most. Over the years I've become very good at my job which tends to keep me away from human interactions, I stare at computers far too much. I want to feel connected to people, in just a few days it's all going to change.

Parizade

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2422 on: May 21, 2019, 02:30:21 PM »
Yesterday I spent time with my older daughter, I went for an hour walk in the afternoon. We talked about whatever was on her mind while we held hands. It was nothing really, normal stuff, but that's what I want the most. Over the years I've become very good at my job which tends to keep me away from human interactions, I stare at computers far too much. I want to feel connected to people, in just a few days it's all going to change.

This is kind of beautiful Prairie Stash, I'm moved!

batljunk

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2423 on: May 21, 2019, 04:10:28 PM »
Hi everyone. I'm joining this cohort today. And today I gave my notice.

I've been doing the OMY thing a bit to get my numbers up and had some planned mini-retires along the way, but it is time.
Now I will have to decide if I want to work P/T or just rip the band-aid off altogether. My employer will likely ask me to carry on a while. I think it makes sense and can always use the benefits cushion to postpone decisions about health insurance. That's PLAN B.
Of course, if negotiation doesn't go that way, it's PLAN A, FI date: July 8.

PS--I've enjoyed reading everyone's stories while lurking here in the background...

SwordGuy

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2424 on: May 21, 2019, 04:57:59 PM »
Hi everyone. I'm joining this cohort today. And today I gave my notice.

I've been doing the OMY thing a bit to get my numbers up and had some planned mini-retires along the way, but it is time.
Now I will have to decide if I want to work P/T or just rip the band-aid off altogether. My employer will likely ask me to carry on a while. I think it makes sense and can always use the benefits cushion to postpone decisions about health insurance. That's PLAN B.
Of course, if negotiation doesn't go that way, it's PLAN A, FI date: July 8.

PS--I've enjoyed reading everyone's stories while lurking here in the background...


If you're going to retire mid year, I would recommend keeping employer healthcare thru the end of June (if you're in the US).   You can use COBRA to keep your current insurance if you need to for 18 months, which means you start ACA insurance in January instead of December.

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2425 on: May 21, 2019, 05:03:51 PM »
Welcome @batljunk!  Got you added to the list above^ for a July 8 FIRE.  Fingers crossed your Plan A works out for you.  That's cool that you've been reading along.  To all you other lurkers, come join us!

Parizade

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2426 on: May 21, 2019, 06:20:45 PM »
Hi everyone. I'm joining this cohort today. And today I gave my notice.

I've been doing the OMY thing a bit to get my numbers up and had some planned mini-retires along the way, but it is time.
Now I will have to decide if I want to work P/T or just rip the band-aid off altogether. My employer will likely ask me to carry on a while. I think it makes sense and can always use the benefits cushion to postpone decisions about health insurance. That's PLAN B.
Of course, if negotiation doesn't go that way, it's PLAN A, FI date: July 8.

PS--I've enjoyed reading everyone's stories while lurking here in the background...

Welcome @batljunk. Here's my vote


batljunk

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2427 on: May 21, 2019, 06:36:48 PM »
Thanks to @Parizade  @SwordGuy and @Trifele for your comments. Loved the GIF for sure. As you may know, it's a bit of a fragile time until the dust settles. I will be using COBRA nonetheless to get me to 2021 if possible. This is happening.

tooqk4u22

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2428 on: May 22, 2019, 07:48:08 AM »
Thanks for the check in @Luck12!  Updates like that are a breath of pure, fresh air -- and a peek through the window into the possibilities of FIRE.

On deck this week we have @Prairie Stash who is set to pull the trigger on Friday.  How are you doing PS?  Last minute jitters, or can't wait to run out that door?

This week we also have @tooqk4u22, who may be setting him/herself on FIRE today and handing in a resignation.  How are you doing?

I resigned on Monday, they didn't accept it though (not that it matters), but they are trying to think of some alternatives that might make it more palatable for me...we will see but my guess is it ends they way I intended. 

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2429 on: May 22, 2019, 08:19:50 AM »
So, my first day of sabbatical was. .. interesting. My husband found out that his product is being decommissioned, and he + entire team has six months to find a new job. Our goal has been for me to take something much more flexible in the long term, while my husband continues down the career path & is the source of health care.

A few thoughts:
-Grateful that we have a huge, huge emergency fund. So facepunch worthy large.
-Also grateful that i took a sabbatical vs quit out right. If nothing else, it reduces pressure for my husband during his job search
-Changes like this slow down his career/promotion trajectory (not his fault, just the reality of the situation). He is getting burned out. We work for the same company, but this has been his second decommissioned project. Despite his protests, I can tell that he's losing interest in fighting the political battles required to keep going in this career. What that means for the long term is going to require a bunch more thought. We may need to revisit our 5, 7 & 10 year  plans.

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2430 on: May 22, 2019, 08:25:14 AM »
Thanks for the check in @Luck12!  Updates like that are a breath of pure, fresh air -- and a peek through the window into the possibilities of FIRE.

On deck this week we have @Prairie Stash who is set to pull the trigger on Friday.  How are you doing PS?  Last minute jitters, or can't wait to run out that door?

This week we also have @tooqk4u22, who may be setting him/herself on FIRE today and handing in a resignation.  How are you doing?

I resigned on Monday, they didn't accept it though (not that it matters), but they are trying to think of some alternatives that might make it more palatable for me...we will see but my guess is it ends they way I intended.


I didn't know they could really do that....  I've only seen that on TV shows....


@Prairie Stash sounds like you are making the right decision.  Isn't it neat how those things come into focus so much more when the timing is close?  Good luck!  Get sleep, it will help!  Even now that I have been FIRED since April, I still run numbers to make sure I didn't mess something up.  A little late to find it now, but I keep checking :).

@batljunk great announcement from a lurker!  I am so glad you decided to join us.  July will be here before you know it, and take forever to get here.

As for me, I spent over an hour riding my bike, part of that in the rain.  It would have been longer, but the rain was getting worse.  I much prefer riding in the morning after breakfast, than at night after dinner :).

Parizade

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2431 on: May 22, 2019, 09:08:01 AM »
oh @MaybeBabyMustache, I'm so sorry for the "black fly in your chardonnay" but it sounds like everything is under control at least.

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2432 on: May 22, 2019, 10:28:51 AM »
Thanks, @Parizade . It's definitely a surprise, but I feel lucky I have the emotional bandwidth right now to help him with this, vs being caught in my own work stress vortex. Also, super grateful we've made a lot of other conservative financial decisions that give us a lot of flexibility.

FIRE 20/20

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2433 on: May 22, 2019, 11:17:26 AM »
I resigned on Monday, they didn't accept it though (not that it matters), but they are trying to think of some alternatives that might make it more palatable for me...we will see but my guess is it ends they way I intended.

Wait, what?  I'm trying to imagine how this went:

tooqk4u22 - Hey boss, I resign.  My last day will be <whenever>
boss - No, you're not quitting.
tooqk4u22 - um, yes I am.
boss - Nah, I'm pretty sure you be here after <whenever>

In all seriousness, if I remember your prior posts correctly you have plenty to FIRE but due to family obligations and the same fears most of us have you've been trying to hold out longer and longer.  Eventually you got fed up and decided you were done.  Is it possible that they can fix the things that pushed you over the edge?  I know that once I decided I was done I only got more confident in that decision.  Now that I'm out and waiting to hear about my first consulting gig I'm dreading going back - even though it's a great opportunity. 

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2434 on: May 22, 2019, 01:02:13 PM »
It's definitely a surprise, but I feel lucky I have the emotional bandwidth right now to help him with this, vs being caught in my own work stress vortex. Also, super grateful we've made a lot of other conservative financial decisions that give us a lot of flexibility.

Very well said @MaybeBabyMustache.  And a great demonstration of the power of FI/RE.  It sounds like the two of you have everything covered, but I'm sending good thoughts your way.     

Half Stached

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2435 on: May 22, 2019, 09:08:03 PM »
I've been FIREd just over 2 months now, and it has been great! The best is getting to yoga 5-6 days a week, and I've also enjoyed lots of cooking, and playing games. I've finished up all of the home projects that I avoided over the past two years, and it feels good to have them done. That being said.... I do feel a bit restless. I've had a couple of offers to do some part time consulting, and each time they come up I get happy and excited. I haven't committed to anything, and I want to see how the summer goes with some out of state trips as well as visitors coming here for a few weeks. I also have jury duty at the end of the summer - I've never done it before, and doing it without worrying about work sounds great.

Anyway, I'm curious... anyone else ever feel restless?

SwordGuy

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2436 on: May 23, 2019, 12:28:26 AM »
I've been FIREd just over 2 months now, and it has been great! The best is getting to yoga 5-6 days a week, and I've also enjoyed lots of cooking, and playing games. I've finished up all of the home projects that I avoided over the past two years, and it feels good to have them done. That being said.... I do feel a bit restless. I've had a couple of offers to do some part time consulting, and each time they come up I get happy and excited. I haven't committed to anything, and I want to see how the summer goes with some out of state trips as well as visitors coming here for a few weeks. I also have jury duty at the end of the summer - I've never done it before, and doing it without worrying about work sounds great.

Anyway, I'm curious... anyone else ever feel restless?

Yeah, but then I take a nap.   Or read a book.  Or make some art.   Or watch a good movie.  Or take a walk or a drive.    Or chat with my wife.  Or...

Parizade

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2437 on: May 23, 2019, 12:35:11 AM »
The best is getting to yoga 5-6 days a week...

This is what I'm looking forward to most, having adequate time for self-care for the first time in decades.

Linea_Norway

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2438 on: May 23, 2019, 12:42:45 AM »
This is what I'm looking forward to most, having adequate time for self-care for the first time in decades.

+1

Trifle

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2439 on: May 23, 2019, 05:29:06 AM »
Anyway, I'm curious... anyone else ever feel restless?

As @SwordGuy said, I think there are many different types of restlessness, depending on what you feel is lacking.  I have definitely NOT felt any restlessness or longing for my former work.  I HAVE however felt a lot of physical restlessness.  I have more energy now that I'm not sitting at a desk job all day, and I can exercise as much as I want to scratch that itch.  I feel great.

Another type of restlessness is the travel bug.  When I first FIREd in January I had no desire to travel anywhere and just focused on getting my fitness back and working around the house/garden.  But now four months in, the travel bug is back.  We're going to Europe in the fall -- can't wait!  I'm having so much fun planning the details. 

@Half Stached, if consulting makes you feel happy and excited, go for it.  But as @PhilB and others would say, beware the slippery slope of part time work.  It can be tricky to manage that at a small level where you get the fun, but none of the stress or encroachment on the rest of your life.   
     
« Last Edit: May 23, 2019, 06:31:14 AM by Trifele »

tooqk4u22

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2440 on: May 23, 2019, 08:15:45 AM »
I resigned on Monday, they didn't accept it though (not that it matters), but they are trying to think of some alternatives that might make it more palatable for me...we will see but my guess is it ends they way I intended.

Wait, what?  I'm trying to imagine how this went:

tooqk4u22 - Hey boss, I resign.  My last day will be <whenever>
boss - No, you're not quitting.
tooqk4u22 - um, yes I am.
boss - Nah, I'm pretty sure you be here after <whenever>

In all seriousness, if I remember your prior posts correctly you have plenty to FIRE but due to family obligations and the same fears most of us have you've been trying to hold out longer and longer.  Eventually you got fed up and decided you were done.  Is it possible that they can fix the things that pushed you over the edge?  I know that once I decided I was done I only got more confident in that decision.  Now that I'm out and waiting to hear about my first consulting gig I'm dreading going back - even though it's a great opportunity.

Yeah it kind of went like that.  In their court to see if there are alternatives - doubt it but i appreciate the effort and will listen if they do come up with something. 

Summer off, part time/remote work structure upon return could be appealing option to help me ease into FIRE transition.

But like you, since giving my resignation I have been relaxed and at ease and even less interested in the BS (if that was even possible). On the other hand i have actually been pretty busy at work this week with a bunch of the stuff I like - if I could work in more of that and less of the BS (probably not possible) and the other stuff above I could see OMY. 

For now, as far as I am concerned I am out!

Half Stached

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2441 on: May 23, 2019, 09:12:17 AM »
Anyway, I'm curious... anyone else ever feel restless?

As @SwordGuy said, I think there are many different types of restlessness, depending on what you feel is lacking.  I have definitely NOT felt any restlessness or longing for my former work.  I HAVE however felt a lot of physical restlessness.  I have more energy now that I'm not sitting at a desk job all day, and I can exercise as much as I want to scratch that itch.  I feel great.

Another type of restlessness is the travel bug.  When I first FIREd in January I had no desire to travel anywhere and just focused on getting my fitness back and working around the house/garden.  But now four months in, the travel bug is back.  We're going to Europe in the fall -- can't wait!  I'm having so much fun planning the details. 

@Half Stached, if consulting makes you feel happy and excited, go for it.  But as @PhilB and others would say, beware the slippery slope of part time work.  It can be tricky to manage that at a small level where you get the fun, but none of the stress or encroachment on the rest of your life.   
   

It's definitely not the travel bug. I much prefer to explore the area around my home than spend a bunch of time going places. That being said, it is sometimes a necessary evil to enjoy getting to see someone (or something). I'm also happy for you that you're going to Europe this fall - that's awesome!

I'll be careful of the slippery slope of part time work. I know that now I don't have to work, so anything I do will have to be fun and fulfilling - otherwise I'll skip it. Regardless, this summer is looking quite full already, and perhaps that will clear out my restlessness on its own.

Loren Ver

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2442 on: May 23, 2019, 09:28:31 AM »
This is what I'm looking forward to most, having adequate time for self-care for the first time in decades.

+1

+2

FIRE 20/20

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2443 on: May 23, 2019, 10:52:11 AM »

Yeah it kind of went like that.  In their court to see if there are alternatives - doubt it but i appreciate the effort and will listen if they do come up with something. 

Summer off, part time/remote work structure upon return could be appealing option to help me ease into FIRE transition.

But like you, since giving my resignation I have been relaxed and at ease and even less interested in the BS (if that was even possible). On the other hand i have actually been pretty busy at work this week with a bunch of the stuff I like - if I could work in more of that and less of the BS (probably not possible) and the other stuff above I could see OMY. 

For now, as far as I am concerned I am out!

That's awesome - it's good to know you're valued enough that they'll try to work with you to fix things that suck at work just to keep you.  Congrats - that's what FIRE-money plus the skills, talent, and reputation you've built up buy you.  You have done the hard work of getting to a stage in life where you can choose to either live free as you choose or your company will make work so much better that you choose to stay there instead of FIRE.  Pretty awesome!

I found that I was really engaged my last 2 weeks as I tried to transition everything.  However, my first 4 (!) weeks of FIRE have been so great that I'm dreading the potential call to support a project for 6-8 weeks as I previously agreed to.  I can't go back on the commitment I made because I couldn't live with myself for breaking it and I really like the people I'd be working with.  But I really wish I had just broken free completely.  Your situation is different than mine, but I would recommend that if they offer something like the summer off that you make it clear you might not be back.  I feel like I'm living in the alternative universe where Dr. Doom (livingAFI) didn't get on the treadmill in this post - https://livingafi.com/2015/03/22/quitters-never-win-except-when-they-do-33/

Livingthedream55

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2444 on: May 23, 2019, 11:50:37 AM »
I can't believe that after next week, going to work ever again will be completely optional for me!


Parizade

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2445 on: May 23, 2019, 12:23:52 PM »
I can't believe that after next week, going to work ever again will be completely optional for me!
You're out of the woods, you're out of the dark, you're out of the night,
Step into the sun, step into the light.
Keep straight ahead for the most glorious place on the face of the earth or the sky.
Hold onto your breath, hold onto your heart, hold onto your hope,
March up to that gate and bid it open....OPEN!




2Birds1Stone

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2446 on: May 23, 2019, 12:44:41 PM »
One of my big fears is pulling the plug on a high income right as we enter a recession/bear market. I've only flirted with $500k asset level during the most recent market highs. Doing this on a shoe string budget has it's ups and downs, I guess I wouldn't need a high income to replace a portion of my living expenses with work, but finding a good job in a bad economy could be very difficult.

Never the less, 3 weeks to go!

Mathieu

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2447 on: May 24, 2019, 02:39:27 AM »
Count me in!

July 8 is my last day.

Reached our FI target in July 2018 but we didn't want to rush as school year was about to start. So worked an extra 12 months which gave us plenty of time to carefully plan our relocation to Canada in details.

Trifle

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    • In The Garden
Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2448 on: May 24, 2019, 04:02:00 AM »
Welcome @Mathieu!  Got you added to the current list.  It sounds like you have an interesting story.  You're relocating to Canada from where?

@Prairie Stash -- You're right at the door.  Time to step through!  Good luck today.  :)

tooqk4u22

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Re: 2019 fire cohort
« Reply #2449 on: May 24, 2019, 05:53:11 AM »

Yeah it kind of went like that.  In their court to see if there are alternatives - doubt it but i appreciate the effort and will listen if they do come up with something. 

Summer off, part time/remote work structure upon return could be appealing option to help me ease into FIRE transition.

But like you, since giving my resignation I have been relaxed and at ease and even less interested in the BS (if that was even possible). On the other hand i have actually been pretty busy at work this week with a bunch of the stuff I like - if I could work in more of that and less of the BS (probably not possible) and the other stuff above I could see OMY. 

For now, as far as I am concerned I am out!

That's awesome - it's good to know you're valued enough that they'll try to work with you to fix things that suck at work just to keep you.  Congrats - that's what FIRE-money plus the skills, talent, and reputation you've built up buy you.  You have done the hard work of getting to a stage in life where you can choose to either live free as you choose or your company will make work so much better that you choose to stay there instead of FIRE.  Pretty awesome!

I found that I was really engaged my last 2 weeks as I tried to transition everything.  However, my first 4 (!) weeks of FIRE have been so great that I'm dreading the potential call to support a project for 6-8 weeks as I previously agreed to.  I can't go back on the commitment I made because I couldn't live with myself for breaking it and I really like the people I'd be working with.  But I really wish I had just broken free completely.  Your situation is different than mine, but I would recommend that if they offer something like the summer off that you make it clear you might not be back.  I feel like I'm living in the alternative universe where Dr. Doom (livingAFI) didn't get on the treadmill in this post - https://livingafi.com/2015/03/22/quitters-never-win-except-when-they-do-33/.

They got back to me, and like I expected "It's difficult to give sabbaticals or rework a role for revenue producing employees."  Ha.   My response was "Thanks for the effort and for validating one of the reasons why I am leaving banking - it just lacks any creativity and is filled with bureaucracy."  I am sure @chasefish could attest to this. 


« Last Edit: May 24, 2019, 05:59:01 AM by tooqk4u22 »