2020 FIRE Cohort

[ysette9]

I have been pretty open with people I talk to that with a newly added fifth member of our family, two full time careers is too much to balance. It looks like I will be quitting due to family obligations. (Eek, sounds scary to say SAHM.) my husband wants to relocate with work, so that would add another year for him, putting him at mid-2021. We haven’t thought ahead of how to frame that, but we have talked about “sabbatical”.

Or maybe I’ll just start calling myself retired go see how people react. ;-)

[2sk22]

Heh - I get the first post to this topic in 2020 :-)

Just woke up at my usual 4am and feeling happy knowing that this is the year! Just one year ago, even the very concept of early retirement hadn't crossed my mind. Like @ysette9 I have a ton of family obligations - but mainly due to elderly parents rather than young children.

Had to add this: I have been learning German using Duolingo for several years now. I started on it for a vacation in Switzerland in 2017 but this project took on a life of its own. So anyway, in today's lesson, I came across this sentence:

Irgendwann reicht es
At some point it is enough

I'm not superstitious but is this a sign or what? :-)

[ysette9]

Very wise

[Linea_Norway]

01/01/2020     Linea_Norway's official day (@46)        CONFIRMED
01/01/2020     firebrand's official day                         CONFIRMED
01/01/2020     Nancy                                                CONFIRMED
01/07/2020     alienbogey's wife.                            CONFIRMED
01/15/2020     Nifty
01/15/2020     Nickel (@55)
01/31/2020     ATS (@52)
01/31/2020     DisplacedHoosier (@57)
01/??/2020     Farmgirl (@61)
01/??/2020     Now-non
1rst week/02/2020.   RetireAbroadAt35 (@35)
02/??/2020     Freedomin5 (@38)
03/01/2020     Katmandew (@54)
03/06/2020     CrazyIT   
03/??/2020      FInding_peace (@38)   
03/??/2020      Lucky13 (@44)
03/??/2020 or 04/??/2020     Padonak   
03/??/2020 or later 2020     Beeboy (@46)
03/31/2020     texxan1
04/03/2020     Maenad         
04/??/2020      DreamFIRE   
04/??/2020      Exit2019   
04/??/2020      Itchyfeet   
04/??/2020      Pennycounter   
04/??/2020 or 05/??/2020   aspiringnomad (@37)   
04/??/2020 or 05/??/2020   ysette9 (@38)
04/??/2020 or later 2020     robtown   
05/01/2020     Much fishing to do 
05/15/2020     SailingOnASmallSailboat's husband (@50/51)
05/??/2020      Rcc     
05/25/2020      Body Surfer   
05/??/2020      Lady Stash (@45)
06/01/2020     Albireo13 (@64)
06/05/2020     thelyon19
06/05/2020     rab-bit (@59)
06/??/2020      ixtap (date uncertain)     
07/01/2020     FireLane (@38)   
07/01/2020     Unique User (@50) 
07/01/2020     SpreadsheetMan (@58)
07/24/2020     SugarMountain
07/??/2020 or later 2020     MMM123
07/??/2020      bas5252 (@55)
07/??/2020      2sk22 
08/01/2020     HappyCheerE (@55)
08/??/2020      Bateaux   
10/??/2020      Rubyvroom   
11/01/2020     Alienbogey     
12/31/2020     BFGirl   
12/??/2020      david_shin   
12/??/2020      MoneyTree (@36)   
12/??/2020      Nora (@42)   
12/??/2020      Sand101   
12/??/2020      TheFIExplorer     
12/??/202?      desk_jockey
??/??/202?      Gumption   
??/??/2020      MarcherLady
??/??/2020      EscapeVelocity2020   
??/??/2020      apurplelife   
??/??/2020      BlueMR2     
??/??/2020      catccc   
??/??/2020      DadzillaGorilla (FI@35, RE@40)   
??/??/2020      FIREstache (@55)     
??/??/2020      LadyMaWhiskers   
??/??/2020      letsdoit   
??/??/2020      onlykelsey     
??/??/2020      tooqk4u22     
??//??/2020     Fresh Bread
?? /?? /2020     MrMoogle

 
To be decided: tipster350

OLY:   
meatgrinder   
Life in balance (end of 2019)
2Birds1Stone (autumn 2019)
Firebrand (second week of December 2019)
   
OMY:   
RedefinedHappiness   
FIREby2021 (Q1 2021)   
TheContinentalOp (2021)
   
FIREing later:   
FIPurpose (date to decided)   
ToughMother (date to be decided)

[Linea_Norway]

Ok, after many many delays I'm joining your class. We will be FI as soon as our house can be prepped and rented. The latest timeline has tenants in there by 1 March. Fingers crossed...

I'm going to keep my business going as a retirement "beard". It will stop the enevitable questions and I if I don't want to take on a job, I won't, so I'll work a couple of hours a week and then maybe 20-30hrs a few weeks a year.  I really enjoy coming up with and trying out little business ideas so really the very pared back business will be one part of my retirement hobbies.

I'm not really sure what my husband's plan is - he left his job last year but really he also needs a beard. I'm thinking he should say he's freelance but not actually take any jobs :D

Re the beard - I think I'm just embarrassed and don't want to talk money with friends. They are either in deep with large mortgages or haven't had the opportunities we've had and either way it's not comfortable to talk about it, it feels like boasting Anyone else going to be pretending to work hard?

Welcome.

Delay is only good when the original plan is really shaky. Otherwise it might be better to just jump in and enjoy your freedom.

[Linea_Norway]

HI everyone, it's New Year's Eve and I've decided my resolution is to quit my job and join the FIRE Class of 2020! 

I'm 44 y/o, FI since 2013, currently working FT in my original career. Add me as a March 2020 FIRE. Good luck all! STA$H CA$H!

Welcome.

[Linea_Norway]

I did it. I've finally given away my office pants. I've had these two pairs of pants since I started working post-college. The goal was that I'd use them until I FIREd. Yes, I also had other pants, but I wore both of these every single week. They made it till the end. Well done, pants!

Congrats!!! What a good idea to mark it by giving away your office pants.

[Linea_Norway]

@alienbogey

How is your wife doing? Has she given notice? Her planned FIRE date was the sixth of Jan.

[FireLane]

Happy FIRE year, everyone! Ready... set...

[MarcherLady]

Happy FIRE year everyone, there are a lot of us on that list!

I am wavering. It will be this year, but I don't think it will be January. There is still the slimmest of chances of managing to get a redundancy package from work, so I'm hanging in a bit longer. But it will be this year.

[ysette9]

I think my date will likely be April or May of this year, not December. Hell, I’m only mentally committed to making it through January and even that feels hard.

[FIREby2021]

Well 2020 cohort, this is the year we've been working toward!  Freaking weird :-)

December Highlights:

- Really a nice wrap-up to the year regarding our savings and financial progress goals.  I've done a comprehensive EOY review and revised our forward outlook; those details as it pertains to our FIRE journey will be covered in a separate note.  Extremely thankful and having that "it's starting to feel real" kind of feeling.

- December was marked by busy-busy EOY work close-outs then a couple of nice weeks at a slower pace, visiting family up North and enjoying quiet days here back home.  DW and I spent time reviewing our core values as it pertains to our 2020 goals (physical, spiritual, financial, relational, intellectual).  We are really excited to reflect back on a wonderful 2019, and look forward to a fresh calendar.  Given the likelihood that 2020 is our last full year living here, we're prepared to "soak in" all of the good things we enjoy and appreciate about this place and our community.

- As of today, our NW progress covers: a paid-off FIRE home, funded FIRE lump sums (giving, renovation budget, new car, etc.) and a WR of 4.10% based on our target annual spend (living expenses, taxes, home maintenance, travel, healthcare, etc.).

- Countdown: Assuming monthly progress remains on par with our historic averages, we should reach our FI goal of a 3.75% WR by Q4-2020.  My office whiteboard countdown tracker now shows 14 months left before our most-likely FIRE target timing of Q1-2021.

EOY 2015 = 53.8%
EOY 2016 = 67.8%
EOY 2017 = 75.5%
EOY 2018 = 81.6%
EOY 2019 = 94.1%

// FI target defined as 3.75% WR, mortgage-free + lump sums funded //

END OF MONTH PROGRESS:
JAN 2019  84.5%
FEB 2019  86.9%
MAR 2019 88.4%
APR 2019 89.0%
MAY 2019 86.1%
JUN 2019 89.3%
JUL 2019 89.6%
AUG 2019 88.6%
SEP 2019 90.3%
OCT 2019 91.2%
NOV 2019 92.0%
DEC 2019 94.1%

Happy New Year to you, the NOW COHORT!

FIREby2021

[MoneyTree]

Happy New Year everyone! This is the year!

We're on track to hit our number near the end of the year, so for everyone FIREing earlier throughout the year, please keep the stories coming to keep the rest of us motivated!

[Lucky13]

@Fresh Bread i haven't heard anyone call it "retirement beard" but I know exactly what you mean! I've worried a lot about not wanting to talk about money with other people, as you mentioned, but now I'm less afraid about that.

I've heard some FIRE'd people use the term "passive income" to explain how they can afford to live without a job, and I like that phrasing since for me, that really is the core of FIRE, not just saving money & investing in stocks etc. but doing it deliberately to set up a passive income stream that can fund my lifestyle, without income from a job. So it's like switching from one type of income to another, not pulling the plug, or at least that's what I keep telling myself. :D

[Maenad]

Happy New Year cohort!

We hit our FI # just before July 4th (US Independence Day), and knew that we wanted to build a buffer for some larger capital expenses that are likely to come up in the first 5 years. Well, as of the last day of 2019, we are there!

I'm going to give notice after I get my bonus in March, so it really only feels like January and February to work before I'm pretty much just handing off my various duties. I'm so excited! I'll be retiring right at the beginning of spring, it'll definitely be a season of rebirth. :-)

[HappyCheerE]

Gulp... I'm taking the plunge and jumping ship from the 2022 cohort to this one! Plan is to give notice in February and work until August unless things get weird with my boss, in which case I can stop any ol' time. We're at 25x of spending and that doesn't count side hustles etc.; plus I'm 55 and DH is 57, so unless things change dramatically, there's some SS we could access soon-ish. Lots of nerves, not about the money part but about the social aspect, just like @Fresh Bread and @Lucky13 plus boss nerves. @Linea_Norway it's good to hear you felt relaxed after giving notice. More details down the road, just wanted to get this in on 1/1/2020 and be all official-like. Happy New Year with extra happy on top for all of us!

[Linea_Norway]

Gulp... I'm taking the plunge and jumping ship from the 2022 cohort to this one! Plan is to give notice in February and work until August unless things get weird with my boss, in which case I can stop any ol' time. We're at 25x of spending and that doesn't count side hustles etc.; plus I'm 55 and DH is 57, so unless things change dramatically, there's some SS we could access soon-ish. Lots of nerves, not about the money part but about the social aspect, just like @Fresh Bread and @Lucky13 plus boss nerves. @Linea_Norway it's good to hear you felt relaxed after giving notice. More details down the road, just wanted to get this in on 1/1/2020 and be all official-like. Happy New Year with extra happy on top for all of us!

Welcome. No need to wait an extra two years when you have hit the number.

[alienbogey]

@alienbogey

How is your wife doing? Has she given notice? Her planned FIRE date was the sixth of Jan.

She is doing very, very well, thank you for asking.  Her FIRE date is January 7th. 

Late last year she put 30 tick marks up on our kitchen white board to represent 30 work days to go.  There are 3 tick marks left to be erased.

[rab-bit]

It's exciting to see CONFIRMED next to some of our cohort's names!

For a variety of reasons, I've decided to delay my date by a few months. My new target date is June 5th, and I'll be 59 by then.

In the meantime, I'll be cheering as I see all of you hit your dates! ☺️

[TheContinentalOp]

I am going to bid adieu to the 2020 group. Going to stick it out OMY and join the 2021 folks. I'm already experiencing anxiety over the thought of not receiving a paycheck. I hope that over the next 14 months, I can over come my fears.

[Linea_Norway]

I am going to bid adieu to the 2020 group. Going to stick it out OMY and join the 2021 folks. I'm already experiencing anxiety over the thought of not receiving a paycheck. I hope that over the next 14 months, I can over come my fears.

Good luck in the new cohort. Having anxiety is not good, but don't keep doing OMYs in the future.

[SugarMountain]

01/01/2020     Linea_Norway's official day (@46)        CONFIRMED
01/01/2020     firebrand's official day                         CONFIRMED
01/01/2020     Nancy                                                CONFIRMED
01/07/2020     alienbogey's wife
01/15/2020     Nifty
01/15/2020     Nickel (@55)
01/31/2020     ATS (@52)
01/31/2020     DisplacedHoosier (@57)
01/??/2020     Farmgirl (@61)
01/??/2020     Now-non
01/??/2020 or 07/??/2020     SugerMountain
02/??/2020     Freedomin5 (@38)
03/01/2020     Katmandew (@54)
03/06/2020     CrazyIT   
03/??/2020      FInding_peace (@38)   
03/??/2020      Lucky13 (@44)
03/??/2020 or 04/??/2020     Padonak   
03/??/2020 or later 2020     Beeboy (@46)
03/31/2020     texxan1
04/03/2020     Maenad         
04/??/2020      DreamFIRE   
04/??/2020      Exit2019   
04/??/2020      Itchyfeet   
04/??/2020      Pennycounter   
04/??/2020 or 05/??/2020   aspiringnomad (@37)   
04/??/2020 or 05/??/2020   ysette9 (@38)
04/??/2020 or later 2020     robtown   
05/01/2020     Much fishing to do 
05/15/2020     SailingOnASmallSailboat's husband (@50/51)
05/??/2020      Rcc     
05/??/2020      Body Surfer   
05/??/2020      Lady Stash (@45)
06/01/2020     Albireo13 (@64)
06/05/2020     thelyon19
06/05/2020     rab-bit (@59)
06/??/2020      ixtap (date uncertain)     
07/01/2020     FireLane (@38)   
07/01/2020     Unique User (@50)   
07/??/2020 or later 2020     MMM123
07/??/2020      bas5252 (@55)
07/??/2020      2sk22 
08/01/2020     HappyCheerE (@55)
08/??/2020      Bateaux   
10/??/2020      Rubyvroom   
11/01/2020     Alienbogey     
12/31/2020     BFGirl   
12/??/2020      david_shin   
12/??/2020      MoneyTree (@36)   
12/??/2020      Nora (@42)   
12/??/2020      Sand101   
12/??/2020      TheFIExplorer     
12/??/202?      desk_jockey
??/??/202?      Gumption   
??/??/2020      MarcherLady
??/??/2020      EscapeVelocity2020   
??/??/2020      apurplelife   
??/??/2020      BlueMR2     
??/??/2020      catccc   
??/??/2020      DadzillaGorilla (FI@35, RE@40)   
??/??/2020      FIREstache (@55)     
??/??/2020      LadyMaWhiskers   
??/??/2020      letsdoit   
??/??/2020      onlykelsey     
??/??/2020      tooqk4u22     
??//??/2020     Fresh Bread

 
To be decided: tipster350

OLY:   
meatgrinder   
Life in balance (end of 2019)
2Birds1Stone (autumn 2019)
Firebrand (second week of December 2019)
   
OMY:   
RedefinedHappiness   
FIREby2021 (Q1 2021)   
TheContinentalOp (2021)
   
FIREing later:   
FIPurpose (date to decided)   
ToughMother (date to be decided)

Hmmm. I thought I'd been added to the list as "undefined".  Let's go ahead with a target of 7/24/2020 for me.  2020 is my 3rd cohort, so we'll see how it goes. lol

[FIREby2021]

I always take a look-back at the end of each year, examining our annual spend that the plan basis hinges on.  This 2019 was both an enjoyable year and one of great progress, and we have updated our annual side-by-side stats for calendar year comparison sake.  My DW and I started our FIRE journey in earnest in 2015 after years of so-so spending habits, and have kept our sights on 2020 as our target to reach FI.  Last year at this time, we finally had enough data whereby we dialed in our "RE" readiness to 2021, when we'd be able to choose if/how to depart the corporate world (on our terms) and make the move to our dream FIRE location!  The progress achieved in 2019 has confirmed those plans are still in tact.

KEY ANNUAL STATS (Net After-Taxes):

2015 Savings Rate = 51.0%
2015 Giving Rate = 11.2%

2016 Savings Rate = 65.5%
2016 Giving Rate = 12.5%

2017 Savings Rate = 64.4%
2017 Giving Rate = 11.5%

2018 Savings Rate = 63.0%
2018 Giving Rate = 12.0%

2019 Savings Rate = 54.0%
2019 Giving Rate = 15.4%

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

EOY 2015 FI Progress = 54.0%
EOY 2016 FI Progress = 68.0%
EOY 2017 FI Progress = 75.6%
EOY 2018 FI Progress = 81.6%
EOY 2019 FI Progress = 94.1%

// FI target defined as 3.75% WR, mortgage-free FIRE home + fully fund desired giving/lump sums //

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

We completed a DEEP-DIVE into our 2019 expenses (tracked every dollar), and now have the luxury of 2-years worth of data to lean on.  This past year we SAVED 54%, SPENT 31% and GAVE 15% of our after-tax dollars.  We saved less and spent more in 2019, driven by 3 things: 1) additional giving, 2) early renovation work for our FIRE home (HVAC, etc.), and 3) pre-paid some significant 2020 travel costs.  Now that we're well into a cost-tracking routine that isn't onerous, we'll repeat it again for 2020.  This is really helpful data!

Translating our actual spend to our future FIRE scenario, 2019's was within $1k of 2018's annual number -- both consistent and on target with normal inflation.  Our annual spend target includes a generous allocation for healthcare and travel, and largely mimics the ways we already enjoy living 'today'.  I'm sure there will be surprises, and we intend to spend time this year honing in on healthcare estimates and contingency small-business ideas we each have.

Referencing Big ERN's SWR ToolBox 2.0, we kept our planned WR at 3.75%, and current outlook shows us reaching that level Q4-2020, with a paid-off mortgage done and our desired giving/lump sums funded.  For a number of life reasons, it doesn't make sense for us to pull any triggers until Q1-2021 at the earliest.  We will also spend time this year exploring what the "RE" part of FIRE looks like for us as we transition to our new home and new life ... the possibilities seem nearly endless!


Key 2020 goals:

1. Resume an after-tax savings rate of >60%
2. Meet or exceed 100% of our FI target
3. Appropriately de-risk and rebalance to our desired AA
4. Research RE healthcare options
5. Continue traveling and enjoying life along the way (soak it in!)

Happy New Year!

FIREby2021

[Nancy]

Thanks, @RWTL! Making games out of things is my life :)

[dan23]

Did not want to type anything until I got my eoy bonus (in case I am identifiable).  September 2020 planned for me.

[Body Surfer]

I am retiring around Memorial Day weekend when my contract ends. We've hit our number. I want out now badly. This is going to be the longest 5 months of my life lol

[ysette9]

I am retiring around Memorial Day weekend when my contract ends. We've hit our number. I want out now badly. This is going to be the longest 5 months of my life lol

I feel your pain. I have to promise myself I’ll take it one month at a time to be able to face going back.

[itchyfeet]

I am getting a bit sick of myself, but there is a chance I won’t be FIREing for a few years..... I wish I was less indecisive.

Over XMas I have still been stressing about stopping work. There are many reasons, mostly face punchable, but at the heart of a lot of it is a whole lot of uncertainty about what I want to do with my life. I am 48 and I still have zero idea of where I am going... a bit pathetic.

Sure, I have the cash to run away from my job and career, but what am I running to? I have no idea.

Last week I received an email that potentially gives me an escape route from carrying through with FIRE.

I don’t want to disclose to much detail, but I could have a very good job to go to back in Australia, with all my repatriation costs paid for (I am currently working in the Middle East).

I feel some comfort that I could have certainty on where I will be going on my return to Australia. Just the moving back is a big change, and not knowing where in Australia DW and I were going to end up living is causing some angst. A part of me feels we need to make some uncertainties certain before FIRE.

Taking the job will allow us to take one step at a time and get our self better prepared for Our post FIRE life. Also the additional stash will allow us to push below 4% WR. FIREing this year we were contemplating ~4.5%, albeit with a lot of flexibility in spending, and significant potential to move into cheaper housing down the line if necessary. There is also a high likelihood that DW will continue to work on a casual basis.

I am not saying I am not FIREing in 2020.... not yet.... One day at a time... 😬

[Linea_Norway]

I am getting a bit sick of myself, but there is a chance I won’t be FIREing for a few years..... I wish I was less indecisive.

Over XMas I have still been stressing about stopping work. There are many reasons, mostly face punchable, but at the heart of a lot of it is a whole lot of uncertainty about what I want to do with my life. I am 48 and I still have zero idea of where I am going... a bit pathetic.

Sure, I have the cash to run away from my job and career, but what am I running to? I have no idea.

Last week I received an email that potentially gives me an escape route from carrying through with FIRE.

I don’t want to disclose to much detail, but I could have a very good job to go to back in Australia, with all my repatriation costs paid for (I am currently working in the Middle East).

I feel some comfort that I could have certainty on where I will be going on my return to Australia. Just the moving back is a big change, and not knowing where in Australia DW and I were going to end up living is causing some angst. A part of me feels we need to make some uncertainties certain before FIRE.

Taking the job will allow us to take one step at a time and get our self better prepared for Our post FIRE life. Also the additional stash will allow us to push below 4% WR. FIREing this year we were contemplating ~4.5%, albeit with a lot of flexibility in spending, and significant potential to move into cheaper housing down the line if necessary. There is also a high likelihood that DW will continue to work on a casual basis.

I am not saying I am not FIREing in 2020.... not yet.... One day at a time... 😬

Make yourself a Life Tree. (Google it for examples). You might discover some things you liked to do, or want to do.

[Lucky13]

Sure, I have the cash to run away from my job and career, but what am I running to? I have no idea.

I was stuck on this question too, but now I look at it differently. I'm not so much leaving work, as returning to my primordial state of not having a job, like when I was a kid, or in college when I didn't need or want to work FT. Except now I have way more money. And don't have to go to class, do homework, or take tests. :)   

[itchyfeet]

Sure, I have the cash to run away from my job and career, but what am I running to? I have no idea.

I was stuck on this question too, for years actually, so don't feel bad if you end up leaving our cohort (but FIRE Class of 2020 is the BEST!! Don't you want in?? haha)  But now I look at it differently. I'm not so much leaving work, as returning to my primordial state of not having a job, like when I was a kid, or in college when I didn't need or want to work FT. Except now I have way more money. And don't have to go to class, do homework, or take tests. :)   

Funnily enough, one idea in my mind for post FIRE is to do more study.

I had my first after school job when I was 14. I did my 2 degrees through night school. I haven’t been unemployed since I was 14, I struggle to imagine returning to being a primordial 13 again. I def don’t want to spend my weeks lying on the sofa,

In FIRE we will travel a bit, but I can’t imagine travelling more than 2- 3 months a year long term.

I will enjoy long walks and camping with my dog.

I’ll get back into consistent regular exercise.

I will volunteer some time - not exactly sure where but have some foggy ideas. Some will be active stuff outdoors, but also being on some NFP Boards is a possibility given my professional background.

I’d love to get some metal work/ woodwork/ mechanic skills.... but showed zero aptitude in this for my whole life so am pretty sceptical about this becoming a part of my life long term.

DW wants to grow a lot of food, so I’ll be helping her with that.

I honestly feel I need/ want some tasks to keep my brain working, so returning to study is an option.

[Fresh Bread]

Sure, I have the cash to run away from my job and career, but what am I running to? I have no idea.

I was stuck on this question too, for years actually, so don't feel bad if you end up leaving our cohort (but FIRE Class of 2020 is the BEST!! Don't you want in?? haha)  But now I look at it differently. I'm not so much leaving work, as returning to my primordial state of not having a job, like when I was a kid, or in college when I didn't need or want to work FT. Except now I have way more money. And don't have to go to class, do homework, or take tests. :)   

Funnily enough, one idea in my mind for post FIRE is to do more study.

I had my first after school job when I was 14. I did my 2 degrees through night school. I haven’t been unemployed since I was 14, I struggle to imagine returning to being a primordial 13 again. I def don’t want to spend my weeks lying on the sofa,

In FIRE we will travel a bit, but I can’t imagine travelling more than 2- 3 months a year long term.

I will enjoy long walks and camping with my dog.

I’ll get back into consistent regular exercise.

I will volunteer some time - not exactly sure where but have some foggy ideas. Some will be active stuff outdoors, but also being on some NFP Boards is a possibility given my professional background.

I’d love to get some metal work/ woodwork/ mechanic skills.... but showed zero aptitude in this for my whole life so am pretty sceptical about this becoming a part of my life long term.

DW wants to grow a lot of food, so I’ll be helping her with that.

I honestly feel I need/ want some tasks to keep my brain working, so returning to study is an option.

Hi Itchyfeet,

If you will spend any amount of time in Sydney, The Bower Reuse Centre has a one day woodworking intro at Redfern. I did it and really enjoyed it. They also have a few other one day repair type courses. There's also short courses at another centre, at Marrickville I think, for more advanced woodwork, and an intro to welding, which I'm doing soon.

[Linea_Norway]

Sure, I have the cash to run away from my job and career, but what am I running to? I have no idea.

I was stuck on this question too, for years actually, so don't feel bad if you end up leaving our cohort (but FIRE Class of 2020 is the BEST!! Don't you want in?? haha)  But now I look at it differently. I'm not so much leaving work, as returning to my primordial state of not having a job, like when I was a kid, or in college when I didn't need or want to work FT. Except now I have way more money. And don't have to go to class, do homework, or take tests. :)   

Funnily enough, one idea in my mind for post FIRE is to do more study.

I had my first after school job when I was 14. I did my 2 degrees through night school. I haven’t been unemployed since I was 14, I struggle to imagine returning to being a primordial 13 again. I def don’t want to spend my weeks lying on the sofa,

In FIRE we will travel a bit, but I can’t imagine travelling more than 2- 3 months a year long term.

I will enjoy long walks and camping with my dog.

I’ll get back into consistent regular exercise.

I will volunteer some time - not exactly sure where but have some foggy ideas. Some will be active stuff outdoors, but also being on some NFP Boards is a possibility given my professional background.

I’d love to get some metal work/ woodwork/ mechanic skills.... but showed zero aptitude in this for my whole life so am pretty sceptical about this becoming a part of my life long term.

DW wants to grow a lot of food, so I’ll be helping her with that.

I honestly feel I need/ want some tasks to keep my brain working, so returning to study is an option.

Hi Itchyfeet,

If you will spend any amount of time in Sydney, The Bower Reuse Centre has a one day woodworking intro at Redfern. I did it and really enjoyed it. They also have a few other one day repair type courses. There's also short courses at another centre, at Marrickville I think, for more advanced woodwork, and an intro to welding, which I'm doing soon.

It could also be an idea to start working parttime already now, so that you could get used to having more time off.

[SpreadsheetMan]

I’m officially adding myself to 2020, I had “the talk” with my CEO back in December and set a date of 07/2020. Fits with the end of various major projects, so a natural break point.

I’ll be 58, so not a very early ER, but I’ve done everything I want to do involving work so the time feels right to walk away. DW has already left her full-time job and is doing short-term lecturing contracts in subjects she enjoys.

We plan a 1year chill-out before a property shift to a different area (still UK). Not a downsize as such as the house will be a little larger and detached, but in a cheaper, more rural area.

[Linea_Norway]

I’m officially adding myself to 2020, I had “the talk” with my CEO back in December and set a date of 07/2020. Fits with the end of various major projects, so a natural break point.

I’ll be 58, so not a very early ER, but I’ve done everything I want to do involving work so the time feels right to walk away. DW has already left her full-time job and is doing short-term lecturing contracts in subjects she enjoys.

We plan a 1year chill-out before a property shift to a different area (still UK). Not a downsize as such as the house will be a little larger and detached, but in a cheaper, more rural area.

Welcome to the cohort.

[ATS]

I have 19 working days left - It was difficult to come back after the holidays.

These last couple of months are more stressful and anxiety-ridden than I expected, which is a surprise to me because I'm usually pretty easy-going.  If I had to do it over again I wouldn't have had such a long runway to leave, two weeks and then out is my recommendation.

January is always a busy month with year-end close, add in training replacement and general anxiety about taking such a big step - it is weighing more heavily on me than it should. 

I'm confident in my decision, I keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time and on February 1st everything is someone else's problem.

Did I mention only 19 days left?

[RetireAbroadAt35]

Can I join the 2020 party?

I've started the conversation informally at work and am looking at a 4 week timeline to make it official.  This is a high-stress time for us at work so it may be a bit rocky.

[Linea_Norway]

Can I join the 2020 party?

I've started the conversation informally at work and am looking at a 4 week timeline to make it official.  This is a high-stress time for us at work so it may be a bit rocky.

Welcome.
Sure, what date/period do you want me to write on the list? Beginning of Feb?

[Linea_Norway]

I have 19 working days left - It was difficult to come back after the holidays.

These last couple of months are more stressful and anxiety-ridden than I expected, which is a surprise to me because I'm usually pretty easy-going.  If I had to do it over again I wouldn't have had such a long runway to leave, two weeks and then out is my recommendation.

January is always a busy month with year-end close, add in training replacement and general anxiety about taking such a big step - it is weighing more heavily on me than it should. 

I'm confident in my decision, I keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time and on February 1st everything is someone else's problem.

Did I mention only 19 days left?

19 days left! Good for you.
I felt my last few weeks go by slowly. But these will be the last weeks you actually work. You will survive those 19 days. And then: FREEDOM!

[RetireAbroadAt35]

Welcome.
Sure, what date/period do you want me to write on the list? Beginning of Feb?

First week of Feb.  Hold me to it :)

[CrazyIT]

I have 19 working days left - It was difficult to come back after the holidays.

These last couple of months are more stressful and anxiety-ridden than I expected, which is a surprise to me because I'm usually pretty easy-going.  If I had to do it over again I wouldn't have had such a long runway to leave, two weeks and then out is my recommendation.

January is always a busy month with year-end close, add in training replacement and general anxiety about taking such a big step - it is weighing more heavily on me than it should. 

I'm confident in my decision, I keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time and on February 1st everything is someone else's problem.

Did I mention only 19 days left?

65 days for me.  I feel the same way some days I wish I would have just given a 2 week notice.  One nice thing for me is that many people I work with are in other regions and I don't see them but maybe once a quarter.  Giving a long notice I have been able to catch up and say my goodbyes to many good people I wouldn't have with a shorter notice.

The days will go by fast!!

[alienbogey]

My wife's last day was today as planned.  We just got back from our celebratory dinner out.

:)

[aspiringnomad]

I have 19 working days left - It was difficult to come back after the holidays.

These last couple of months are more stressful and anxiety-ridden than I expected, which is a surprise to me because I'm usually pretty easy-going.  If I had to do it over again I wouldn't have had such a long runway to leave, two weeks and then out is my recommendation.

January is always a busy month with year-end close, add in training replacement and general anxiety about taking such a big step - it is weighing more heavily on me than it should. 

I'm confident in my decision, I keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time and on February 1st everything is someone else's problem.

Did I mention only 19 days left?

65 days for me.  I feel the same way some days I wish I would have just given a 2 week notice. 

This is interesting. I've got the urge to get it over with and give notice this week, mainly so that it's done with and off my mind. But I'm also partly thinking it would better for the company and also selfishly hoping I don't get any important tasks once I do. As it is, I'm planning to give ~three months notice towards the end of this month, so bumping it up a week or two shouldn't make much of a difference either way.

[Linea_Norway]

My wife's last day was today as planned.  We just got back from our celebratory dinner out.

:)

Congrats.

[ysette9]

This feels weird to say on this thread, but I return to work today from my maternity leave. I am anticipating a tough transition so keeping in mind that this is temporary is helpful.

[Linea_Norway]

This feels weird to say on this thread, but I return to work today from my maternity leave. I am anticipating a tough transition so keeping in mind that this is temporary is helpful.

Good luck in your remaining working period.
If the could manage without you, they should also be able to when you will quit working.

[MrMoogle]

2020 is my date.  I'll turn 35.  I'll jump from 60% to 100% vesting.  I'll have ~5 years of spending to know my actual annual expenses.  Right now it's estimated, since I've been living overseas.  Also, it gives time for ACA to settle out, so I can estimate that more accurately. 

I hit 25x my estimated expenses this year, so I would jump on an offer to switch to part time.  I want more than 25x for a 60 year retirement, and if I have a family one day, it will no longer be 25x.

Well, a lot has changed in 5 years.  Mostly, I've had an illness which has increased my expenses.  It caused me to take a year off, where I had a lot of medical expenses.  I am 100% vested, and the company I work for was sold, and my stocks in it increased dramatically.  The year off and the selling of the company have mostly canceled out, so I'm close to where I wanted to be 5 years ago.  I'm not sure where my expenses are right now, so I still need to do some number crunching.

I did switch to part time last year, so I've made progress towards not working.  I like my work and the people I work with, so it's not a big deal to work a bit longer.  I need to do some planning before I make the leap, but it's still possible it'll be 2020.

[MarcherLady]

01/01/2020     Linea_Norway's official day (@46)        CONFIRMED
01/01/2020     firebrand's official day                         CONFIRMED
01/01/2020     Nancy                                                CONFIRMED
01/07/2020     alienbogey's wife                                CONFIRMED
01/15/2020     Nifty
01/15/2020     Nickel (@55)
01/31/2020     ATS (@52)
01/31/2020     DisplacedHoosier (@57)
01/??/2020     Farmgirl (@61)
01/??/2020     Now-non
01/??/2020 or 07/??/2020     SugerMountain
02/??/2020     Freedomin5 (@38)
02/??/2020     RetireAbroadAt35
03/01/2020     Katmandew (@54)
03/06/2020     CrazyIT   
03/??/2020      FInding_peace (@38)   
03/??/2020      Lucky13 (@44)
03/??/2020 or 04/??/2020     Padonak   
03/??/2020 or later 2020     Beeboy (@46)
03/31/2020     texxan1
04/03/2020     Maenad         
04/14/2020     MarcherLady
04/??/2020      DreamFIRE   
04/??/2020      Exit2019   
04/??/2020      Itchyfeet   
04/??/2020      Pennycounter   
04/??/2020 or 05/??/2020   aspiringnomad (@37)   
04/??/2020 or 05/??/2020   ysette9 (@38)
04/??/2020 or later 2020     robtown   
05/01/2020     Much fishing to do 
05/15/2020     SailingOnASmallSailboat's husband (@50/51)
05/??/2020      Rcc     
05/??/2020      Body Surfer   
05/??/2020      Lady Stash (@45)
05/??/2020      Aspiringnomad
06/01/2020     Albireo13 (@64)
06/05/2020     thelyon19
06/05/2020     rab-bit (@59)
06/??/2020      ixtap (date uncertain)     
07/01/2020     FireLane (@38)   
07/01/2020     Unique User (@50)   
07/24/2020     SugarMountain
07/??/2020 or later 2020     MMM123
07/??/2020      bas5252 (@55)
07/??/2020      2sk22 
07/??/2020    SpreadsheetMan
08/01/2020     HappyCheerE (@55)
08/??/2020      Bateaux   
09/??/2020      Dan23
10/??/2020      Rubyvroom   
11/01/2020     Alienbogey     
12/31/2020     BFGirl   
12/??/2020      david_shin   
12/??/2020      MoneyTree (@36)   
12/??/2020      Nora (@42)   
12/??/2020      Sand101   
12/??/2020      TheFIExplorer     
12/??/202?      desk_jockey
??/??/202?       Gumption   
??/??/2020      EscapeVelocity2020   
??/??/2020      apurplelife   
??/??/2020      BlueMR2     
??/??/2020      catccc   
??/??/2020      DadzillaGorilla (FI@35, RE@40)   
??/??/2020      FIREstache (@55)     
??/??/2020      LadyMaWhiskers   
??/??/2020      letsdoit   
??/??/2020      onlykelsey     
??/??/2020      tooqk4u22     
??//??/2020     Fresh Bread

 
To be decided: tipster350

OLY:   
meatgrinder   
Life in balance (end of 2019)
2Birds1Stone (autumn 2019)
Firebrand (second week of December 2019)
   
OMY:   
RedefinedHappiness   
FIREby2021 (Q1 2021)   
TheContinentalOp (2021)
   
FIREing later:   
FIPurpose (date to decided)   
ToughMother (date to be decided)


I've set a date: 14th April. I think I've added in everyone who joined or gave a date on this page, but I wasn't sure what your date is @CrazyIT?

@Nifty and @Nickel, you are up next, how are you feeling?

[Freedomin5]

I think we are going to adjust our date to the end of this year - 12/31/2020 (from 02/2020 currently). There may be a few major changes coming up, and we want to see how things shake out.

[Farmgirl]

Need to adjust my "finally out of the cube" date to June, 2020.  Might be sooner, but June is probably more realistic.