2021 FIRE Cohort

[anotherAlias]

Are you sure your work coverage isn't through the end of the month? It seems kind of weird they'd kick you off the plan with three days to go.

Yep, I reviewed the plan documents after I chatted with 3 friends that used to work here.  My company self-insures, so that might play into it.

[tipster350]

Are you sure your work coverage isn't through the end of the month? It seems kind of weird they'd kick you off the plan with three days to go.

Yep, I reviewed the plan documents after I chatted with 3 friends that used to work here.  My company self-insures, so that might play into it.

It was the same at my employer. Coverage ends at midnight on your last day. I think coverage until the end of the month is becoming a thing of the past. They found another way to cut costs.

[simmias]

I guess I'm fortunate that mine lasts through the end of the month.

I'm pretty sure I did lose about a week and a half of vacation time, though, because I didn't remember that they changed the policy on vacation at end of employment about a year ago. Oops.

[Aethonan]

I really like my coworkers, my boss is okay. But I am tired most of the time and I have lost any enthusiasm for my work. Every day is a struggle.

@Malee55 you're not alone.  When you start feeling that stuck-in-mud feeling each morning, setting goals for how to get through the morning, the afternoon, the next hour... it's time for a reset of SOME kind.  I tried a 2-week vacation (and used that as motivation to "just make if a few more weeks!"), but found when I came back that I was as drained as before... if not more disengaged.  That feeling you describe is what finally inspired me to just throw in the towel.  You can also balance that concern about "do I really have enough for ever and ever" by treating it as a 6-12 month sabbatical.  Maybe you really are just burned out and need a reprieve.  You might, like it seems so many people do, feel renewed enthusiasm for projects that (shocker!) earn some money.  It's not worth struggling through if you're wishing your days away.

[Malee55]

Yesterday was not as bad as I feared and I felt okay by the end of the shift. Having good interactions with colleagues and patients make such a difference to my day. After today I have 4 days off which should allow me to go swimming and catch up with friends and recharge.

I have 10 shifts to go until 4 weeks annual leave. Then I will reappraise how I feel.

[moneypitfeeder]

Congrats to @Ottawa (and anyone else i've missed)! I'm in my 3rd month retired now and spending a lot more time in the garden. I've found I need some structure to my day and set reminders in my phone, but I am loving what not staring at a computer for 8 hrs a day plus decompressing for an hour or so after each day affords me.

[Jack0Life]

Congratulations to the newly-FIREd (since I last checked the forum) @Mrs. Healthywealth, @ronsbusa3 , @Trede , @HumanAfterAll , and @sailingTowardsFI . 

Here's a call-out to folks on the list who haven't confirmed or given an update on their status (and are maybe enjoying retirement too much to post): @fireflye , @Buffaloski Boris , @dreams_and_discoveries , @TheContinentalOp , @logjammin , and @Jack0Life (for the wife). 

I've been busy these past few weeks - clearly there isn't enough time in the day for a retired person to do what he wants and needs to do.  With the weather clearly moving into spring (although I'm holding out for a late blizzard) my days are likely to get even more productive as I add outside-the-house work to my list of "want to accomplish". 

I hope you still-working folks are keeping it together as you make your way to the exit.  Don't worry - the post-work life is swell.

 Leading up to my wife letting her boss know that she was quitting, she was a nervous wreck. Her boss really really like her. Hard to tell your boss you're quitting when he thinks so highly of you. She did it and since she wasn't heading for another job, he asked her if she can stay on a bit longer to help out the transition. She agreed to stay still July 31st. As luck would have it I tried getting her to quit in July because her 401k matching would be vested. Her boss got her to stay till July and I didn't have to say a word.
 As for myself, I got furloughed last March and then laid-off from a $120k job Dec 31st. Our plan was to take year(s) off traveling until our NW ever get down to $1 million. It's hovering pass $1.2 now. A funny thing happened. My company started recalling people myself included starting in April. Our company is not operating no where near 100% capacity. I won't be making $120k any time soon nor do I need to anymore. One thing I learn during the pandemic is how awesome it is with the free time. Even if my company get back to 100% capacity, I won't be working full time hours anymore.
  Officially wife is retiring at 38 on July 31st. I'm 48 and down to 2-3 days at my work. We will be coastFI. Realistically we could FIRE but my job is so flexible it does not hinder our plan to travel at all.

[Well Respected Man]

We're coming out of a long period of stress, having gone through everything in our too-large house, trashed, given away, sold, or stored most of it, moved into a two-bedroom apartment, and sold the house. The house sale closed on the 15th, the wires hit the account on the 16th, and the mortgage company sent me an email saying the mortgage is paid off yesterday. They also said they will be refunding us over $7k after totting things up -- sweet!

I planned out how to allocate the money in detail, so I'm filling up some CDs, setting aside money for a much more modest house in the country, and investing the rest per my target allocation over time. I love when a plan comes together.

I'm kind of hanging out at work for another 3+ months just for one last chunk of ESPP and RSU money.  I volunteered for a few different committees to keep it interesting, and my team is finally actually working on a somewhat modern project. So I don't mind too much. I may change my mind as the weather gets nicer and I'm once again (for the 37th consecutive summer!) stuck inside listening to my boss blather on.

[Malee55]

I am on 4 days off so pretty relaxed. I have been for a swim and am about to do some housework and then just read.

The last couple of days at work were not too bad. And just being able to get things off my chest on this forum helps.

Love hearing when everyone is retiring.

[anotherAlias]

Just three more working days left. I can't wait to be done with this nonsense.  Every day there is something that comes up that confirms it is time for me to go.

Interestingly enough, I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about my garden plans and couldn't go back to sleep.  I'm hoping I don't wind up making that a trend.  Hopefully some better exercise and eating habits will improve my sleep.

[simmias]

My sleep hasn't been that great yet (last day was Friday), but I blame that mostly on my cats.

I do still have some work dreams here and there, though.

[anotherAlias]

Yesterday a giant box got delivered for me.  I was surprised to find 2 big gift boxes of beer, cheese, sausage, crackers and chocolates from my employer as a retirement gift.  My manager said others in management were teasing her for what she chose to have HR order but I think it was the best gift I've gotten from the company in 13yrs.  So far I've been shocked at how supportive everyone has been about my retirement.  Pretty much everyone has said they were happy for me and more than a little jealous.  It's making the transition easier I think.  2 more working days!

[Ladychips]

Yesterday a giant box got delivered for me.  I was surprised to find 2 big gift boxes of beer, cheese, sausage, crackers and chocolates from my employer as a retirement gift.  My manager said others in management were teasing her for what she chose to have HR order but I think it was the best gift I've gotten from the company in 13yrs.

That sounds like a fantastic gift!! 

[Malee55]

What a gorgeous gift. A lovely memory to leave on.

[LightTripper]

Great gift. How lovely to finish on a high!

[Dicey]

Great gift. How lovely to finish on a high!

Hahaha, the beer will certainly help with that.

[Aethonan]

Update!  Last day of work will be May 14.  Three weeks and counting!  Not sure how it's possible to feel like I'm simultaneously completely confident that this is the best decision and also feeling periodic gut-wrenches that I'm making a huge mistake.  I think the fact of momentum (having told people and now having a firm date) means that it's no longer within my complete control to do/not do, which is terrifying.  But it's also momentum towards exactly what I wanted... so yeah.  That's good. :)

[Chaplin]

Update!  Last day of work will be May 14.  Three weeks and counting!  Not sure how it's possible to feel like I'm simultaneously completely confident that this is the best decision and also feeling periodic gut-wrenches that I'm making a huge mistake.  I think the fact of momentum (having told people and now having a firm date) means that it's no longer within my complete control to do/not do, which is terrifying.  But it's also momentum towards exactly what I wanted... so yeah.  That's good. :)

I'm with you! I have five weeks to go and I have that complete confidence combined with gut-checks too, although maybe not quite as bad as you're describing. Just let the momentum carry you along now.

[Malee55]

Good on you Aethenon and Chaplin. Getting closer and closer. I will tell people I am going to do a thing to help hold myself to account because it is sometimes so easy to not go through with it. So good on you. You have everything covered, you will enjoy not working. So close now.

[marque]

I believe my resignation is listed on this thread as July 2021. After discussions with my employer, it was obvious that things were not working out and that it would be best for us to part ways. April 8, 2021 was my last day.

It has not really sunk in yet since I am preoccupied with my online CPA practice during the tax season, and since I never travel anywhere at this time of the year. However, it feels great to be able to wake up in the morning and not have to log in to my work computer.

As the weather warms up and more countries open their borders, I will be able to take advantage of my freedom. This forum has certainly been an inspiration for me.

[sailingTowardsFI]

Update!  Last day of work will be May 14.  Three weeks and counting!  Not sure how it's possible to feel like I'm simultaneously completely confident that this is the best decision and also feeling periodic gut-wrenches that I'm making a huge mistake.  I think the fact of momentum (having told people and now having a firm date) means that it's no longer within my complete control to do/not do, which is terrifying.  But it's also momentum towards exactly what I wanted... so yeah.  That's good. :)

I'm with you! I have five weeks to go and I have that complete confidence combined with gut-checks too, although maybe not quite as bad as you're describing. Just let the momentum carry you along now.

I felt something like this too! I felt the gut-checks mostly as I was leading up to making my announcement at work, but got through it by looking at my spreadsheet almost daily - that helped me stay clear that we have a solid plan. I felt it less and less leading up to the final day on April 9, and since then I've not really worried about it. I guess knowing it's done plus feeling confident in the planning has helped mitigate those feelings.

I'm the type of person who can't hide from my subconscious - if I knew deep down that I was making a poor choice I'd be waking up in the middle of the night or having physical symptoms. None of THAT has happened at all, so I think it's just the cultural programming that I'm overcoming. It's good to know the feelings are shared by others in the same spot!

[Well Respected Man]

I'm kind of hanging out at work for another 3+ months just for one last chunk of ESPP and RSU money.  I volunteered for a few different committees to keep it interesting, and my team is finally actually working on a somewhat modern project. So I don't mind too much. I may change my mind as the weather gets nicer and I'm once again (for the 37th consecutive summer!) stuck inside listening to my boss blather on.

In another meeting now. I calculated the gravy that I'll be accumulating, and it adds up to over $1000 per remaining day of work (64 days left!) That's in addition to filling up the 401k and mega backdoor Roth and providing living expenses. I also ran our numbers through cFIRESim for the first time in about 4-5 months, and we're totally fine, and in fact can increase our expenses significantly if we choose. It's like OMQ syndrome instead of OMY now.

[Malee55]

I discussed my plans to retire this year with my husband and he has accepted that it is happening. He is not yet ready to retire which is fine. But I feel even more ready to leave work.

Each day at work I am counting down the shifts before my 4 weeks of annual leave, some days it is counting down the hours. Then when I go back to work after my leave I need to speak to my boss about my plans. Which I am nervous about. But what can he do - sack me!

[Mrs. Healthywealth]

Yesterday a giant box got delivered for me.  I was surprised to find 2 big gift boxes of beer, cheese, sausage, crackers and chocolates from my employer as a retirement gift. 

What an awesome gift! It helps to leave on a good note.  Congrats to you!!!

[lukebowles]

You can count me as a 2021 retiree.

Long story short, after 6 years with my current firm I was made redundant in January with a final working day of 1st July. This resulted in a decent payoff and along with cashing out on some small speculative investments gone good I find myself in the position where I probably don't need to work any more should I not want to. Surprising how quickly my retirement date has come (I'm 35 and for most of the last few years I expected 40 to be the earliest realistic date) and it feels good. There is a lot of change and flux in my life currently (newly unemployed soon, changing country, possibly having more children) and it is liberating to know I have so much opportunity to design a lifestyle that works for me rather than basing every decision around employment needs.

In reality my savings are at the lower end of sustainable and my wife currently does not work, so there is a good chance I do end up doing occasional three or four month contracts to supplement my income and keep my portfolio balance topped up. But it's a great feeling to technically be FI and able to retire, knowing that any work I do is because I choose to do it. I can be a lot more picky, a lot more able to walk away if I'm not enjoying it and will be able to enjoy the work a lot more knowing it is limited in duration. I also think working a fraction of the year may also help me enjoy freedom more than if it I literally never worked again.

Alternatively, maybe I can earn a bit more money doing something I'm actually interested in (ie, outdoor guide, working for a charity I'm interested in etc) instead of slaving away wasting my life on the daily trivialities of a corporate accountant.

Anyway, nice to have this thread and best wishes to the rest of you guys.

[Aethonan]

@lukebowls  Congratulations!!  That's a wonderful feeling and I totally relate.  It's such a gift to know that you can make choices based on something besides the need to find an income stream.

Question for the group: How did you feel during your final few weeks at work?  Still being "around" but not part of the team is oddly isolating.  Not sure if this is inevitable, or just a reflection of the fact that, while I get along and respect most of my team, we would definitely not be friends outside of work.  It's pretty strange!

[lukebowles]

Thanks Aethanon.

To answer your question, I am in my final two months of work now and thoroughly enjoying it.

Especially as I'm working from home (Covid) my stress levels are essentially nil - still doing the bare basics not to mess anyone around, but zero pressure to do anything new or contribute more than I need to. Also helps that my departure is planned by the company (due to restructuring) so my workload has been downshifting significantly. To summarise, it's going to be a super easy ride to the finish line. My colleagues are all good people but not who I'd choose to hang out with in my personnel life, so no real sadness at the upcoming goodbyes.

Most stress in my life is actually how I restructure things once I'm not working anymore!

[Need2Save]

Mr.Need2Save's last day is today. Hooray! I'm so proud of him. He has been basking in a steady stream of accolades and well wishes from his colleagues the last couple weeks. I can visibly see the stress just leaving him and it makes me so happy. Today is the final drop off badge/laptop day and final check of his office for papers to shred, etc. His team had a virtual happy hour for him last evening and he really enjoyed it.

My tentative last day is still May 21, but likely I'll work into June as the recruiting for my replacement has been slow going. A couple more pay checks will help us pay for our health insurance for the rest of this year so it doesn't bother me. Most days it's pretty low-stress. A few days, like yesterday, are very busy but it feels good to be helping people with important projects while I still can. My boss doesn't seem all that appreciative (confirming that it's a good time for me to leave if I'm not valued like I should be), but my coworkers are very appreciative. Anything I do to support a smooth transition is for them, not my boss or the executive team.

I've curated a small list of people I want to keep in touch with after work life and connected with them from my personal email. I'd like to visit them if my travels bring me to their area and be reachable if they need a job reference or anything like that. Most people I'm happy to walk away from and will be fine if I never see/hear from them again.

[Aethonan]

To answer your question, I am in my final two months of work now and thoroughly enjoying it.

Thanks @lukebowles !  Sounds like you've got a great off-ramp set up. 

[phildonnia]

Next Monday, I'm planning to give one-month notice at work.  I am having no second thoughts.

Just recently, I mentioned to my father that I was retiring at 50.  I actually expected some skepticism and disapproval of the idea -- both of my parents worked until they were 70. 

To my pleasant surprise, he thought it was a great idea, and congratulated me on having the means while still (somewhat) young.

We have never, ever, talked about money or personal finances before; yet we both opened up on all sorts of details about our financial situations.  (My parents are also very well off).  And we generally agreed that it was the women in our lives that encouraged us to live simply and save for the future.

[FireLane]

Put me down for the end of June! I'll be 39.

My original plan was to FIRE last summer, but the pandemic threw a wrench in that. As long as I couldn't travel or see friends, there was no reason not to work a while longer and keep growing my stash. Plus, my job has been part-time and 100% work-at-home since March 2020, so it's been very low-stress.

But I've had my first vaccine shot, I'll have the second one soon, and my stash has grown well beyond the point where there's any plausible chance of running out of money. I can't justify working any longer when there's life to be lived and dreams to be chased!

[Malee55]

Congratulations on all those retiring. The 2021 cohort has really got into the retiring vibe.

Aethonan's question - I have not given notice yet and I have not definitely decided on a date, but I am on a committee at work and have been for a couple of years. I have always felt like it was a bit of a bullshit committee but now that I know I am leaving soon I really resent the time I have to spend during the meeting and then have to spend doing the work. And I am trying to make sure I will be doing the work during my normal work hours, not on my own time. I am happy to do extra hours to get the work done, but I better get paid for it.

I am a nurse and one of the issues I have had this year with being so tired and burnt out is that I felt like I had lost any empathy with my patients. So I had a great shift on Wednesday where I had the time and energy to listen to patients and really try to help and explain what was happening and what was going to happen. It is the main reason I became a nurse so it felt excellent to get that feeling back. Not that it will stop me retiring.

[zombiehunter]

Hi 2021ers -- just gave my notice at work this week!  I was expecting to feel pretty stoked, but it's definitely more mixed.

I walked away from the "opportunity" to earn $500k this year as a corporate lawyer - but the personal cost is so high.  It takes 12+ hr days (and often weekends) to hit the billable hours.  I have no time for hobbies, outside interests or hardly to exercise.  And generally makes me into a stressed-out asshole - hoping that will change when I can decompress!  Having just gone through it in 2020, I just couldn't do one-more-year.  Certainly a bad case of golden handcuffs, but I've decided that some things are more important than money. 

I'm not planning on a full FIRE as I don't have the 'stach for 100% coasting, but planning on starting a small BNB / farm.  It's been my dream for years, so surprised that it's causing stress to know I'll need to continue to earn a small monthly income (ballpark $800-$1,000 per month).  But, I think I would be able to jump back in in a couple years if it doesn't go as planned. 

Is anyone else in a similar boat - FIREing but planning on working part time?  Is there an acronym for that, like LeanFIRE and FatFIRE? 

[FireTheWorldOver]

I have been lurking here for 5 years, but finally FIRE'd after suffering through 3 OMYs.  I would like to officially join a cohort after reading so many others posting these the last few years.  Please add me as confirmed 4/30/2021, age 42. 😎 woohoo!!

[MoneyTree]

Is there an acronym for that, like LeanFIRE and FatFIRE?

I've heard this referred to as CoastFIRE or BaristaFIRE

[Ladychips]

I have been lurking here for 5 years, but finally FIRE'd after suffering through 3 OMYs.  I would like to officially join a cohort after reading so many others posting these the last few years.  Please add me as confirmed 4/30/2021, age 42. 😎 woohoo!!

@FireTheWorldOver welcome to the cohort and congratulations!!

[Trifle]

Hi 2021ers -- just gave my notice at work this week!  I was expecting to feel pretty stoked, but it's definitely more mixed.

I walked away from the "opportunity" to earn $500k this year as a corporate lawyer - but the personal cost is so high.  It takes 12+ hr days (and often weekends) to hit the billable hours.  I have no time for hobbies, outside interests or hardly to exercise.  And generally makes me into a stressed-out asshole - hoping that will change when I can decompress!  Having just gone through it in 2020, I just couldn't do one-more-year.  Certainly a bad case of golden handcuffs, but I've decided that some things are more important than money. 

I'm not planning on a full FIRE as I don't have the 'stach for 100% coasting, but planning on starting a small BNB / farm.  It's been my dream for years, so surprised that it's causing stress to know I'll need to continue to earn a small monthly income (ballpark $800-$1,000 per month).  But, I think I would be able to jump back in in a couple years if it doesn't go as planned. 

Is anyone else in a similar boat - FIREing but planning on working part time?  Is there an acronym for that, like LeanFIRE and FatFIRE?

@zombiehunter -- I FIREd a couple years ago from an in-house legal position.  I kept a small consulting side gig I've had for a while.  It was extreme lean-fire, so I was glad to have the part time side gig.  The markets have done so well that it looks like I didn't even need it. 

It definitely feels weird at first to go from full-on legal work to something less taxing.  Take your time to decompress and get your health back.  Huge congratulations!

[bownyboy]

4 months to go now for me. Really struggling with motivation these days especially on Monday mornings, ugh!

I think part of it is zoom fatigue, its been 14 months working remote now with two different contracts having not met any of the ‘little people’ on my screen.

But as a contractor I’m paid very well, hours are great and its low stress, so I keep reminding myself how lucky I am and to think of the extra cash going towards the stash.

I’m definitely not going to have any issues adjusting to the de accumulation phase of life. This last year has proven I enjoy the simple things in life and its been great spending more time with my wife.

We do miss travel and live gigs though, so really looking forward to things opening up again soon (UK).

[Arbitrage]

Hi 2021ers -- just gave my notice at work this week!  I was expecting to feel pretty stoked, but it's definitely more mixed.

I walked away from the "opportunity" to earn $500k this year as a corporate lawyer - but the personal cost is so high.  It takes 12+ hr days (and often weekends) to hit the billable hours.  I have no time for hobbies, outside interests or hardly to exercise.  And generally makes me into a stressed-out asshole - hoping that will change when I can decompress!  Having just gone through it in 2020, I just couldn't do one-more-year.  Certainly a bad case of golden handcuffs, but I've decided that some things are more important than money. 

I'm not planning on a full FIRE as I don't have the 'stach for 100% coasting, but planning on starting a small BNB / farm.  It's been my dream for years, so surprised that it's causing stress to know I'll need to continue to earn a small monthly income (ballpark $800-$1,000 per month).  But, I think I would be able to jump back in in a couple years if it doesn't go as planned. 

Is anyone else in a similar boat - FIREing but planning on working part time?  Is there an acronym for that, like LeanFIRE and FatFIRE?

Yep, we're both dropping down to part-time work (and relocating to where we want to be).  Our stash is just on the borderline of being sufficient for fill FIRE, but doing part-time work for a bit to ease the transition and give us a bit more peace of mind.  We're definitely spending more than originally planned on the new house (including fixing it up, buying some furniture), so the part-time job feels like a lifeline for now.  After we've moved, gotten used to our new lifestyle, and our costs stabilize, we can decide how long we want to keep up with the jobs.

[zombiehunter]

Hi 2021ers -- just gave my notice at work this week!  I was expecting to feel pretty stoked, but it's definitely more mixed.

I walked away from the "opportunity" to earn $500k this year as a corporate lawyer - but the personal cost is so high.  It takes 12+ hr days (and often weekends) to hit the billable hours.  I have no time for hobbies, outside interests or hardly to exercise.  And generally makes me into a stressed-out asshole - hoping that will change when I can decompress!  Having just gone through it in 2020, I just couldn't do one-more-year.  Certainly a bad case of golden handcuffs, but I've decided that some things are more important than money. 

I'm not planning on a full FIRE as I don't have the 'stach for 100% coasting, but planning on starting a small BNB / farm.  It's been my dream for years, so surprised that it's causing stress to know I'll need to continue to earn a small monthly income (ballpark $800-$1,000 per month).  But, I think I would be able to jump back in in a couple years if it doesn't go as planned. 

Is anyone else in a similar boat - FIREing but planning on working part time?  Is there an acronym for that, like LeanFIRE and FatFIRE?

@zombiehunter -- I FIREd a couple years ago from an in-house legal position.  I kept a small consulting side gig I've had for a while.  It was extreme lean-fire, so I was glad to have the part time side gig.  The markets have done so well that it looks like I didn't even need it. 

It definitely feels weird at first to go from full-on legal work to something less taxing.  Take your time to decompress and get your health back.  Huge congratulations!

Awesome thanks for the feedback! 

Hi 2021ers -- just gave my notice at work this week!  I was expecting to feel pretty stoked, but it's definitely more mixed.

I walked away from the "opportunity" to earn $500k this year as a corporate lawyer - but the personal cost is so high.  It takes 12+ hr days (and often weekends) to hit the billable hours.  I have no time for hobbies, outside interests or hardly to exercise.  And generally makes me into a stressed-out asshole - hoping that will change when I can decompress!  Having just gone through it in 2020, I just couldn't do one-more-year.  Certainly a bad case of golden handcuffs, but I've decided that some things are more important than money. 

I'm not planning on a full FIRE as I don't have the 'stach for 100% coasting, but planning on starting a small BNB / farm.  It's been my dream for years, so surprised that it's causing stress to know I'll need to continue to earn a small monthly income (ballpark $800-$1,000 per month).  But, I think I would be able to jump back in in a couple years if it doesn't go as planned. 

Is anyone else in a similar boat - FIREing but planning on working part time?  Is there an acronym for that, like LeanFIRE and FatFIRE?

Yep, we're both dropping down to part-time work (and relocating to where we want to be).  Our stash is just on the borderline of being sufficient for fill FIRE, but doing part-time work for a bit to ease the transition and give us a bit more peace of mind.  We're definitely spending more than originally planned on the new house (including fixing it up, buying some furniture), so the part-time job feels like a lifeline for now.  After we've moved, gotten used to our new lifestyle, and our costs stabilize, we can decide how long we want to keep up with the jobs.

We're in a similar boat as we are relocating, so the "expenses" in our new location (in addition to furnishing and renovating the new house) are very much just estimates, which makes calculating the 4% amount more difficult.  And on top of that relocating to a new country/new tax regime in France that adds another layer of complexity! 

[Aethonan]

I'm not planning on a full FIRE as I don't have the 'stach for 100% coasting, but planning on starting a small BNB / farm.  It's been my dream for years, so surprised that it's causing stress to know I'll need to continue to earn a small monthly income (ballpark $800-$1,000 per month).  But, I think I would be able to jump back in in a couple years if it doesn't go as planned. 

Is anyone else in a similar boat - FIREing but planning on working part time?  Is there an acronym for that, like LeanFIRE and FatFIRE?

@zombiehunter -- I FIREd a couple years ago from an in-house legal position.  I kept a small consulting side gig I've had for a while.  It was extreme lean-fire, so I was glad to have the part time side gig.  The markets have done so well that it looks like I didn't even need it. 

It definitely feels weird at first to go from full-on legal work to something less taxing.  Take your time to decompress and get your health back.  Huge congratulations!

That's awesome zombiehunter!  I'm also transitioning to semi-FIRE state from a full-time law firm job (though I had already jumped ship from biglaw to a small firm in a secondary market years ago for work/life balance reasons).  I'm taking a full-on 6-month "reset" break, but will either pick up some part-time legal work or something else for funsies for another few years.  I never thought my identity was particularly wrapped up in "being a lawyer," but I've been sensing lately that it might, in fact, be more of an emotional transition than anticipated.  Given that your transition seems WAY more abrupt (my current job has been relatively humane, so dropping to zero work hours is less of a cliff-edge), I would imagine you'll be experiencing a more extreme version of those feelings!

Wishing you all the best and looking forward to hearing how it goes!

[crazy jane]

Four more Mondays!!!

[phildonnia]

Meeting was had with manager,
Email was sent to co-workers,
Bank balances looking fine,
The trigger has been pulled! 
Four weeks until FIRE!

I kinda teared up a little, but I have no regrets.  And my manager was very supportive and offered to be a future reference and everything.

By the way, if anyone's keeping score, I'm on track for 6/2, not 6/1 as originally planned.  "OMD", I guess?

[Arbitrage]

Meeting was had with manager,
Email was sent to co-workers,
Bank balances looking fine,
The trigger has been pulled! 
Four weeks until FIRE!

I kinda teared up a little, but I have no regrets.  And my manager was very supportive and offered to be a future reference and everything.

By the way, if anyone's keeping score, I'm on track for 6/2, not 6/1 as originally planned.  "OMD", I guess?

Congrats!  Now you need to re-run the numbers to see how much greater a chance of success your plan has with that extra day of working.  Your retirement is one day shorter as well, so not only will your stash be bigger, your retirement will be one day shorter and your money won't have to last as long.  Such much allure to OMD!

[LD_TAndK]

Well I'm now officially FIRE. It feels crazy leaving a perfectly cushy programming job, my family certainly thinks so, my friends seem to understand.
I'm only 29! Time to start my real life's work, whatever that may be

[Malee55]

congratulations. now you can go on and find what you really want to do. may you have lots of fun doing so.

[amberfocus]

By the way, if anyone's keeping score, I'm on track for 6/2, not 6/1 as originally planned.  "OMD", I guess?

Congrats!  Now you need to re-run the numbers to see how much greater a chance of success your plan has with that extra day of working.  Your retirement is one day shorter as well, so not only will your stash be bigger, your retirement will be one day shorter and your money won't have to last as long.  Such much allure to OMD!

OMG, I'm *dying*. LMAO! (And congrats to you, phildonnia!)

And quick check-in... Two weeks plus one day left to go for me. Last day is May 21st. All the big projects that I thought I'd be bum-rushing to the bitter end have, through no fault/sabotage of my own, run out the clock -- so to my eternal surprise, I'm actually coasting to the exit. I just got my second Covid vaccine this week, so I'll be fully vaccinated just in time for FIRE. I'm already daydreaming about the haircut I'm getting.

Now does anyone know how to decline recurring meetings in Outlook, but only after a certain (ahem) date? Asking for a friend. ;)

[Peter Parker]

Today is the day!  Surreal, scary, exuberant, elation, gratitude...That and more are the feelings that are running through me.

The wife's last day was yesterday--we are going out together.  Excited to get this show on the road!!!

[Ladychips]

@Peter Parker - whoohoo!

@SheWhoWalksAtLunch - I hope you'll keep us posted.  Every step of the way!

[Ladychips]

I completed my 3rd and final step in the retirement process this week.  My part is done as far as the paperwork goes.  Giving notice in a week and a half (my boss is on vacation next week so I need to wait until he gets back).  Then I can start packing up my office. 

DH's retirement process is also moving right along in a timely fashion.  We are going the same day.

We are super excited!