Author Topic: 2021 FIRE Cohort  (Read 353341 times)

boarder42

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1250 on: June 09, 2021, 11:46:43 AM »
Guys, I’m 97 days into retirement and felt like I wanted a job today. ?!?! I looked at Craigslist and random local job boards to see if anything jumped out at me. I feel a little crazy. I dont regret quitting my shitty job and I don’t need to work. But I apparently am starting to feel ready for the next challenge or phase. As I write this, I have a Nintendo Switch in my lap so I’m probably not serious. I’m going to go play Hades now for a while. I’m finding this emotional FIRE journey fascinating.

i'm not sure 97 days into retirement is long enough to make any decisions.  Its a big life change and takes time to pivot to a slower pace regardless of your age.

Dreamer40

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1251 on: June 09, 2021, 11:59:22 AM »
Guys, I’m 97 days into retirement and felt like I wanted a job today. ?!?! I looked at Craigslist and random local job boards to see if anything jumped out at me. I feel a little crazy. I dont regret quitting my shitty job and I don’t need to work. But I apparently am starting to feel ready for the next challenge or phase. As I write this, I have a Nintendo Switch in my lap so I’m probably not serious. I’m going to go play Hades now for a while. I’m finding this emotional FIRE journey fascinating.

You could always get another job. What’s behind the impulse? Need a problem to solve? Social interaction? Anxiety about your plan?

I think the impulse might have come from wanting to be involved in something new. New environment, new people, new challenges. I’ve probably been spending too much time at home lately and my initial post-retirement projects are slowing down. Time to decide what I feel like doing next. A job is probably not the right step unless something truly interesting came along. I think I’m finally starting to unwind!

Arbitrage

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1252 on: June 09, 2021, 02:40:44 PM »
Just returned from my last day in the office, really just packing stuff up and tying up loose strings.  I still have to put in a couple of hours tomorrow, but will do it from home.  After that, I'm transitioning to part-time, and will be fully remote.  Moving in a couple of weeks.

It was pretty anticlimactic, actually.  Most people still aren't in the office, and I didn't speak to many.  My management is seemingly being a bit passive aggressive about the whole situation, as I know my boss's boss is less than thrilled with my new work situation (though he did agree to it).  No farewells of any sort planned.  Admittedly, I am still remaining with the company, in my current position.  I'm ok with the lack of fanfare, but it does seem a little odd that there's no real acknowledgement. 

I wasn't sure if packing things up would feel cathartic, and mostly it didn't.  The one twinge I had was a striking memory of all of the awful drives home in LA traffic, as I had my car today in order to transport my personal effects home.  I've been a full-time e-bike commuter for 3 years, but I still have scars from sitting in traffic every day. 

Dicey

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1253 on: June 09, 2021, 03:40:13 PM »
Just returned from my last day in the office, really just packing stuff up and tying up loose strings.  I still have to put in a couple of hours tomorrow, but will do it from home.  After that, I'm transitioning to part-time, and will be fully remote.  Moving in a couple of weeks.

It was pretty anticlimactic, actually.  Most people still aren't in the office, and I didn't speak to many.  My management is seemingly being a bit passive aggressive about the whole situation, as I know my boss's boss is less than thrilled with my new work situation (though he did agree to it).  No farewells of any sort planned.  Admittedly, I am still remaining with the company, in my current position.  I'm ok with the lack of fanfare, but it does seem a little odd that there's no real acknowledgement. 

I wasn't sure if packing things up would feel cathartic, and mostly it didn't.  The one twinge I had was a striking memory of all of the awful drives home in LA traffic, as I had my car today in order to transport my personal effects home.  I've been a full-time e-bike commuter for 3 years, but I still have scars from sitting in traffic every day.
They dont want anymore people to do the same thing. Shitty of them, but understandable if you're part of a soulless corporation.

Arbitrage

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1254 on: June 09, 2021, 05:42:03 PM »
Just returned from my last day in the office, really just packing stuff up and tying up loose strings.  I still have to put in a couple of hours tomorrow, but will do it from home.  After that, I'm transitioning to part-time, and will be fully remote.  Moving in a couple of weeks.

It was pretty anticlimactic, actually.  Most people still aren't in the office, and I didn't speak to many.  My management is seemingly being a bit passive aggressive about the whole situation, as I know my boss's boss is less than thrilled with my new work situation (though he did agree to it).  No farewells of any sort planned.  Admittedly, I am still remaining with the company, in my current position.  I'm ok with the lack of fanfare, but it does seem a little odd that there's no real acknowledgement. 

I wasn't sure if packing things up would feel cathartic, and mostly it didn't.  The one twinge I had was a striking memory of all of the awful drives home in LA traffic, as I had my car today in order to transport my personal effects home.  I've been a full-time e-bike commuter for 3 years, but I still have scars from sitting in traffic every day.
They dont want anymore people to do the same thing. Shitty of them, but understandable if you're part of a soulless corporation.

Yes, agreed.  I had also been pondering sending a pseudo-farewell email, but decided against it for that very reason; I'm pretty sure my current management would be greatly annoyed by it.  Since I'm basically employed in 6-month blocks now, I'd rather count my blessings and not annoy them too much more until I'm sure I want to be done.  We could get by without the job, but I'd like to give the new arrangement a whirl for a bit due to how much additional flexibility it will allow.  2 days of working from home, 5 day weekends still sounds like a pretty good gig to me.

Arbitrage

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1255 on: June 10, 2021, 09:59:17 AM »
And...done! 

Ok, unlike most of you, I'm just going coast-FI, but that's been the goal, so I'm sticking to it as my FI date.  I had previously tabbed early July as the date (that's when I'm officially done with full-time work), but I'm just going to be on vacation until then, so today was my last day of actual full-time work. 

Tons of work still to do with our impending interstate move, but I'm still feelin' good.

boarder42

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1256 on: June 10, 2021, 10:08:15 AM »
And...done! 

Ok, unlike most of you, I'm just going coast-FI, but that's been the goal, so I'm sticking to it as my FI date.  I had previously tabbed early July as the date (that's when I'm officially done with full-time work), but I'm just going to be on vacation until then, so today was my last day of actual full-time work. 

Tons of work still to do with our impending interstate move, but I'm still feelin' good.

congrats! today is my last day for 12 weeks of FMLA - And i'll work 4 months then hang it all up in Jan. that's IF i can come back after this FMLA

amberfocus

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1257 on: June 10, 2021, 02:02:17 PM »
My management is seemingly being a bit passive aggressive about the whole situation, as I know my boss's boss is less than thrilled with my new work situation (though he did agree to it).  No farewells of any sort planned.  Admittedly, I am still remaining with the company, in my current position.  I'm ok with the lack of fanfare, but it does seem a little odd that there's no real acknowledgement.

I had the same exact experience with my boss's boss -- total silent treatment after my sabbatical request, even though it was officially approved (the painstakingly diplomatic line I got from HR was that "she wanted you to feel supported", which is notably distinct from "she supported you"). She never expressed interest in speaking to me about my sabbatical, deliberately avoided direct engagement with me in other contexts, never informed the three other managers at my boss's level that I was leaving, and skipped out on the farewell lunch that my small subgroup had with me at the last minute (by trotting out the 'kid's doctor appointment' excuse ten minutes before the lunch was over).

This shutdown/erasure was incredibly disconcerting, even if part of me was glad for the lack of fanfare, mostly because I didn't want to answer any more uncomfortable questions about why I'm going than I have to (up to and including the early retirement bit). But it definitely reinforced my decision to be done, because it's abundantly clear that the feeling is mutual. If she can't even pretend to give a damn, then why should I? And if she thinks I'm bluffing, well... the joke's on her.

Aethonan

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1258 on: June 10, 2021, 02:18:59 PM »
And...done! 

Ok, unlike most of you, I'm just going coast-FI, but that's been the goal, so I'm sticking to it as my FI date.  I had previously tabbed early July as the date (that's when I'm officially done with full-time work), but I'm just going to be on vacation until then, so today was my last day of actual full-time work. 

Tons of work still to do with our impending interstate move, but I'm still feelin' good.

In cooperation with my SO, we're coast-FI as well (mostly because we haven't figured out a drawdown strategy and have concerns about actual future expenses in advance of an upcoming international move).  So yeah, you're not alone :)

Malee55

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1259 on: June 10, 2021, 03:57:24 PM »
My boss and another colleague have both just resigned. So I'm feeling a tiny bit guilty about leaving (not that I have told anyone). But not enough to remain. I'm done with going to a job where I am counting down the hours every day. only 18 shifts to go.

nazar

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1260 on: June 14, 2021, 04:01:44 PM »
It finally feel real! My new date is October 1, allowing time for my position to be filled and for me to train them.  I had to tell my co-workers today since my position will be posted this week.  Everything is coming together.

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Eco_eco

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1261 on: June 15, 2021, 12:21:27 PM »
And...done! 

Ok, unlike most of you, I'm just going coast-FI, but that's been the goal, so I'm sticking to it as my FI date.  I had previously tabbed early July as the date (that's when I'm officially done with full-time work), but I'm just going to be on vacation until then, so today was my last day of actual full-time work. 

Tons of work still to do with our impending interstate move, but I'm still feelin' good.

Congrats on sticking to your plan. I think CoastFI or BarristaFI really are often the best option. You get the loss stress, easy to arrange lifestyle of not having to work in environments that you don’t like, but with all the benefits of working (social contact, professional growth, satisfaction from using your skill set, income). It’s a great way to use your money stack to build the lifestyle you want much earlier than slogging it out to full FI would take.

American GenX

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1262 on: June 17, 2021, 11:26:43 AM »

You can remove me from the 2021 list.  I've known that probably wouldn't happen for a while, but today, I'm feeling much better about 2022.

My FIRE in 2021 rested on hopes of an earlier ACA ruling (which didn't have until today) so that I could have put in notice at work at least 6 weeks ago and been off by early June with certainty about healthcare.  Since an earlier ruling didn't come, we're already into the latter part of June, and I've padded my summer work schedule with a lot of vacation days, so it will be more like a part time job through the summer with mostly four-day weekends, which is very nice despite not being FIREd yet.  I'm planning to hold off until spring of 2022 at his point so that I can have next summer completely off, unless something at work really pisses me off prior to that.

SmartyCat

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1263 on: June 17, 2021, 02:40:01 PM »
I'm in! My last workday will be in December 2021 - aiming for 12/17.

Need2Save

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1264 on: June 17, 2021, 05:54:41 PM »
Monday of this week, I was in a nasty mood about the whole thing because I really want to support a successful handoff to my replacement, but after 2.5 months, there was still no offer made to any of the candidates. It was making me anxious and a little pissed off. But then Tuesday, I found out that they did make an offer, and it was accepted.  Only down side is this person (the less qualified one) is on vacation next week, so that means we only have one week to cross-train, make introductions to the thousand vendors we work with (exaggeration of course), and also get her set up with a new computer, phone, meet the team, yadda yadda yadda.  Oh well, it is what it is, but thankfully they didn't have to ask me for another extension.  If I'm feeling nice about it, I could offer an additional 2-3 days (plus a paid holiday of course) since I'm dog sitting for a relative the following week and won't really be going anywhere special. But I have to weigh on the pros/cons.  It would have to be a silent partner kind of arrangement where I only assist the new person and my soon to be old boss, but everyone else thinks I'm already gone (so I don't keep getting new emails and shit).  Maybe....If not, I'm down to ten work days left! The count down is on people. 

AND, since ACA is going to be around, our health care plans are shaping up very nicely for 2022 and beyond.

@Malee55 - I'm so curious about your situation with your boss and coworker both jumping ship. How big is your team? When are you going to tell them? Will you have a new boss before you give your notice? How much notice are you giving?

Malee55

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1265 on: June 17, 2021, 06:50:48 PM »
I work in a small emergency department. My boss is leaving one month before the hospital has accreditation. My co worker is mid sixties and I think should have left at least a year ago.  The hospital has to replace nursing staff, so I will get covered. Though that is often by my colleagues working a double shift. I don't know how they will replace my boss. He shares a lot of his responsibilities with another person, but not all.

I now have 2 weeks off on stress leave. And when I get back will have 2 weeks until I have 3 1/2 months leave. And then I will either retire totally or go casual. I haven't decided what I will do so of course I have not told the hospital.

Reading about people leaving their jobs is so exciting. And inspiring. I love the stories.

ScreamingHeadGuy

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1266 on: June 17, 2021, 08:11:24 PM »
The roster is updated for everybody through post #1278.

So far we have 104 folks here who will be FIRE in 2021 and 5 have gone OLY into the 2020 Cohort. 

Average age of 2021ers is 45.14 (based on those 72 members who provided an age at FIRE date).  2020 average age was 48.32.  2019 average age was 47.38.

NameAge (at FIRE)FIRE Date
AldiEarly 50s1/23/2020 OLY
CrazyIT563/13/2020 OLY
Mmm_Donuts3/20/2020 OLY
Marcher Lady4912/15/2020 OLY
Zinnie 38 10/22/2020 OLY
Matz_70501/1/2021
BikeFanatic551/4/2021Confirmed
Sciurus1/8/2021Confirmed
ScreamingHeadGuy411/22/2021Confirmed
12321351/23/2021Confirmed
moneypitfeeder421/29/2021Confirmed
Sultan581/31/2021Confirmed
fireflye502/1/2021 
goat_music_generator272/2/2021Confirmed
dividendman382/5/2021Confirmed
texxan12/15/2021Confirmed
Buffaloski Boris562/28/2021 
dreams_and_discoveries39February 
fiStressRelief403/1/2021Confirmed
Dreamer40403/3/2021Confirmed
Farfetchd33 3/7/2021Confirmed
skyrefuge433/12/2021Confirmed
TheContinentalOP55 3/19/2021 
logjammin393/26/2021 
Mrs. Healthywealth423/26/2021Confirmed
Blindsquirrel3/31/2021Confirmed
ronsbusa3504/1/2021Confirmed
HumanAfterAll444/2/2021Confirmed
Trede514/2/2021Confirmed
marque474/8/2021Confirmed
sailingTowardsFI434/9/2021Confirmed
Abe Froman4/16/2021Confirmed
simmias474/16/2021Confirmed
Ottawa494/16/2021Confirmed
OmgLmg4/16/2021Confirmed
Tipster350604/16/2021Confirmed
justchristine4/27/2021Confirmed
bluebelle4/30/2021 
Need2Save (Mr.)4/30/2021Confirmed
FireTheWorldOver424/30/2021Confirmed
LightTripper45April 
force majeure45April 
traveler5/3/2021Confirmed
LD_TAndK295/6/2021Confirmed
Peter Parker5/7/2021Confirmed
cdn5cents535/8/2021Confirmed
Geographer305/10/2021Confirmed
aethonan13335/14/2021Confirmed
MoStash535/14/2021Confirmed
amberfocus365/22/2021Confirmed
SheWhoWalksAtLunch565/28/2021Confirmed
Chaplin475/28/2021Confirmed
CoffeeR555/31/2021Confirmed SWAMI
Mrs. SlothMayConfirmed
gary341130April/May 
WildJager35May 
80Westy50May 
EricEng36May 
rightstuff556/1/2021Confirmed
ItalianGirl52 6/1/2021
phildonnia506/2/2021Confirmed
JoJo486/4/2021Confirmed
icebox92366/4/2021 
crazy jane556/7/2021Confirmed
Sisto526/7/2021 
Arbitrage436/10/2021Confirmed Coast-FI
Newstart103406/11/2021 
YoungGranny316/30/2021 
mld33June
SunniDJune 
FireLane39June 
Ladychips557/1/2021 
lukebowles7/1/2021 
Need2Save487/2/2021 
Eurotexan7/2/2021 
Jack0Life ('s wife)327/31/2021 
CarolinaGirl50July 
highlandterrier477/16/2021   
NorskyJuly   
Dusty Dog RanchJuly   
asauer43August   
Bownyboy499/7/2021   
Well Respected Man569/10/2021
ospreyjp569/27/2021
frugalecon9/30/2021
GBRS36September
Malee5555July-October
Nazar10/1/2021
the_fixer4910/1/2021
damoOctober
Boyband37October
4tify54October
Money Badger5312/1/2021
snowball4012/1/2021
SmartyCat12/17/2021
Accountant0074812/23/2021
Ulysses Everett McGill5512/31/2021
dblaace60 12/31/2021
NoVa 12/31/2021
effigy9843December
WadimanDecember
mindfulrun43spring
lightmyfireJune-Sept
monarda61TBD
lemonlymanTBD
dswTBD
MoneyTreeTBD
exit2019 TBD
zombiehunter TBD
« Last Edit: June 17, 2021, 08:15:50 PM by ScreamingHeadGuy »

ScreamingHeadGuy

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1267 on: June 17, 2021, 08:20:41 PM »
Here's a big group congratulations to @SheWhoWalksAtLunch @CoffeeR @Chaplin @Geographer @Mrs. Sloth @crazy jane @Arbitrage @rightstuff @phildonnia @JoJo - you are all awesome and have earned your reward.

Welcome to the cohort @newstart103  and @SmartyCat

General updates made to the list. 

Mrs. Sloth

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1268 on: June 18, 2021, 12:19:38 AM »
Here's a big group congratulations to @SheWhoWalksAtLunch @CoffeeR @Chaplin @Geographer @Mrs. Sloth @crazy jane @Arbitrage @rightstuff @phildonnia @JoJo - you are all awesome and have earned your reward.

Welcome to the cohort @newstart103  and @SmartyCat

General updates made to the list.

Thank you so much for keeping the list updated!!!

boarder42

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1269 on: June 18, 2021, 03:46:03 AM »
The roster is updated for everybody through post #1278.

So far we have 104 folks here who will be FIRE in 2021 and 5 have gone OLY into the 2020 Cohort. 

Average age of 2021ers is 45.14 (based on those 72 members who provided an age at FIRE date).  2020 average age was 48.32.  2019 average age was 47.38.

NameAge (at FIRE)FIRE Date
AldiEarly 50s1/23/2020 OLY
CrazyIT563/13/2020 OLY
Mmm_Donuts3/20/2020 OLY
Marcher Lady4912/15/2020 OLY
Zinnie 38 10/22/2020 OLY
Matz_70501/1/2021
BikeFanatic551/4/2021Confirmed
Sciurus1/8/2021Confirmed
ScreamingHeadGuy411/22/2021Confirmed
12321351/23/2021Confirmed
moneypitfeeder421/29/2021Confirmed
Sultan581/31/2021Confirmed
fireflye502/1/2021 
goat_music_generator272/2/2021Confirmed
dividendman382/5/2021Confirmed
texxan12/15/2021Confirmed
Buffaloski Boris562/28/2021 
dreams_and_discoveries39February 
fiStressRelief403/1/2021Confirmed
Dreamer40403/3/2021Confirmed
Farfetchd33 3/7/2021Confirmed
skyrefuge433/12/2021Confirmed
TheContinentalOP55 3/19/2021 
logjammin393/26/2021 
Mrs. Healthywealth423/26/2021Confirmed
Blindsquirrel3/31/2021Confirmed
ronsbusa3504/1/2021Confirmed
HumanAfterAll444/2/2021Confirmed
Trede514/2/2021Confirmed
marque474/8/2021Confirmed
sailingTowardsFI434/9/2021Confirmed
Abe Froman4/16/2021Confirmed
simmias474/16/2021Confirmed
Ottawa494/16/2021Confirmed
OmgLmg4/16/2021Confirmed
Tipster350604/16/2021Confirmed
justchristine4/27/2021Confirmed
bluebelle4/30/2021 
Need2Save (Mr.)4/30/2021Confirmed
FireTheWorldOver424/30/2021Confirmed
LightTripper45April 
force majeure45April 
traveler5/3/2021Confirmed
LD_TAndK295/6/2021Confirmed
Peter Parker5/7/2021Confirmed
cdn5cents535/8/2021Confirmed
Geographer305/10/2021Confirmed
aethonan13335/14/2021Confirmed
MoStash535/14/2021Confirmed
amberfocus365/22/2021Confirmed
SheWhoWalksAtLunch565/28/2021Confirmed
Chaplin475/28/2021Confirmed
CoffeeR555/31/2021Confirmed SWAMI
Mrs. SlothMayConfirmed
gary341130April/May 
WildJager35May 
80Westy50May 
EricEng36May 
rightstuff556/1/2021Confirmed
ItalianGirl52 6/1/2021
phildonnia506/2/2021Confirmed
JoJo486/4/2021Confirmed
icebox92366/4/2021 
crazy jane556/7/2021Confirmed
Sisto526/7/2021 
Arbitrage436/10/2021Confirmed Coast-FI
Newstart103406/11/2021 
YoungGranny316/30/2021 
mld33June
SunniDJune 
FireLane39June 
Ladychips557/1/2021 
lukebowles7/1/2021 
Need2Save487/2/2021 
Eurotexan7/2/2021 
Jack0Life ('s wife)327/31/2021 
CarolinaGirl50July 
highlandterrier477/16/2021   
NorskyJuly   
Dusty Dog RanchJuly   
asauer43August   
Bownyboy499/7/2021   
Well Respected Man569/10/2021
ospreyjp569/27/2021
frugalecon9/30/2021
GBRS36September
Malee5555July-October
Nazar10/1/2021
the_fixer4910/1/2021
damoOctober
Boyband37October
4tify54October
Money Badger5312/1/2021
snowball4012/1/2021
SmartyCat12/17/2021
Accountant0074812/23/2021
Ulysses Everett McGill5512/31/2021
dblaace60 12/31/2021
NoVa 12/31/2021
effigy9843December
WadimanDecember
mindfulrun43spring
lightmyfireJune-Sept
monarda61TBD
lemonlymanTBD
dswTBD
MoneyTreeTBD
exit2019 TBD
zombiehunter TBD
Mrs b42 34 July 7 2021
B42 35 12 31 21
I may push to 1/5/22 depends on company actions the next 6 months.

SmartyCat

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1270 on: June 20, 2021, 05:27:12 PM »
I'm not RE by MMM standards, but am celebrating nonetheless. I'll be 59 when I exit the day job.

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Dicey

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1271 on: June 21, 2021, 08:43:59 AM »
I'm not RE by MMM standards, but am celebrating nonetheless. I'll be 59 when I exit the day job.

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Those 6+ years of early freedom will still taste delicious.  Congratulations!

FireLane

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1272 on: June 21, 2021, 08:27:50 PM »
It's looking likely that my FIRE date is going to slip into July - not because I want to work longer, just because I can't get a hold of my manager to deliver the news!

I'd prefer to tell him in person, rather than electronically. It feels more courteous to do it that way. But our company is just starting to bring people back to the office, so far on a strictly voluntary basis, and he keeps changing his mind about when he'll be in.

It's no big deal to me if I end up working a little past the end of June. Still, if I haven't caught up with him by the first week of July, I'll just have to tell him over Zoom. I can't wait around forever.

goat_music_generator

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1273 on: June 22, 2021, 08:25:49 AM »
It's looking likely that my FIRE date is going to slip into July - not because I want to work longer, just because I can't get a hold of my manager to deliver the news!

I'd prefer to tell him in person, rather than electronically. It feels more courteous to do it that way. But our company is just starting to bring people back to the office, so far on a strictly voluntary basis, and he keeps changing his mind about when he'll be in.

It's no big deal to me if I end up working a little past the end of June. Still, if I haven't caught up with him by the first week of July, I'll just have to tell him over Zoom. I can't wait around forever.

I wouldn't worry about it. I gave notice over Zoom, and I'm sure many other people have done the same in this crazy year. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Good luck, however you end up doing it!

FireLane

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1274 on: June 24, 2021, 04:08:37 PM »
It's looking likely that my FIRE date is going to slip into July - not because I want to work longer, just because I can't get a hold of my manager to deliver the news!

I'd prefer to tell him in person, rather than electronically. It feels more courteous to do it that way. But our company is just starting to bring people back to the office, so far on a strictly voluntary basis, and he keeps changing his mind about when he'll be in.

It's no big deal to me if I end up working a little past the end of June. Still, if I haven't caught up with him by the first week of July, I'll just have to tell him over Zoom. I can't wait around forever.

I wouldn't worry about it. I gave notice over Zoom, and I'm sure many other people have done the same in this crazy year. ¯\_(?)_/¯

Good luck, however you end up doing it!

Thanks for the reassurance. I could be off-base about this, but it just feels discourteous to me, like breaking up with someone over text. Like, it seems more respectful to deliver bad news in person, you know?

However, I still haven't been able to catch my manager in-person, so it's very likely going to be on Zoom regardless!

highlandterrier

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1275 on: June 25, 2021, 04:19:15 AM »
Well, that’s my last half-day worked, and I am out! Cannot believe this day is here. As I took the dog around the loch this morning an overwhelming sense of calm came over me as I realised I had made it. I never need to deal with those same stresses again and I could physically feel them drift away. I got there.

Good chat with teammates from over the years yesterday rounded things off well sharing memories, doing it virtually was fine, less fuss which suits me.
Delighted to see Windows 11 being announced as we they are still struggling to introduce Windows 10 in the organisation. So that’s a future headache I won’t need to work through.

Going away for a short break next week then some family visits for the next few weeks as the new chapter begins.

Here’s a couple of classics that I’ve had on today that feel appropriate :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQetemT1sWc&ab_channel=TheBeatlesVEVO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edwk-8KJ1Js&ab_channel=BostonVEVO

PS Official leaving date still 16th July last few weeks are holidays

Ladychips

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1276 on: June 25, 2021, 05:11:25 AM »
Well, that’s my last half-day worked, and I am out! Cannot believe this day is here. As I took the dog around the loch this morning an overwhelming sense of calm came over me as I realised I had made it. I never need to deal with those same stresses again and I could physically feel them drift away. I got there.

Good chat with teammates from over the years yesterday rounded things off well sharing memories, doing it virtually was fine, less fuss which suits me.
Delighted to see Windows 11 being announced as we they are still struggling to introduce Windows 10 in the organisation. So that’s a future headache I won’t need to work through.

Going away for a short break next week then some family visits for the next few weeks as the new chapter begins.

Here’s a couple of classics that I’ve had on today that feel appropriate :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQetemT1sWc&ab_channel=TheBeatlesVEVO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edwk-8KJ1Js&ab_channel=BostonVEVO

PS Official leaving date still 16th July last few weeks are holidays

Congratulations!

Morning Glory

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1277 on: June 25, 2021, 07:48:05 AM »
I've been lurking in this thread for a while but have been hesitant to join because so many things could go wrong. My house just sold and with our proceeds invested and new lower expenses we are FI. My work contract ends in December so I'm setting that as my tentative FIRE date.

asauer

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1278 on: July 01, 2021, 06:05:36 AM »
Just set a date!  Giving notice 8/9 with last day planned as 8/20.  I had known it would be August but had not determined the date.  I have a week vaca the first week of Aug and want to get paid for that.

Eurotexan

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1279 on: July 01, 2021, 07:48:11 AM »
Today is my last day! Feels weird that it's finally here after an 8 week notice period! Feels good though, I have done a thorough transition and left everything in as good a shape as I could. I have also enjoyed some leaving drinks and fun with my soon to be ex colleagues.

Still haven't decided if this is FIRE or a sabbatical but I have plenty of time to figure that out. Not a bad place to be in!

asauer

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1280 on: July 01, 2021, 08:53:52 AM »
Today is my last day! Feels weird that it's finally here after an 8 week notice period! Feels good though, I have done a thorough transition and left everything in as good a shape as I could. I have also enjoyed some leaving drinks and fun with my soon to be ex colleagues.

Still haven't decided if this is FIRE or a sabbatical but I have plenty of time to figure that out. Not a bad place to be in!

Congratulations!  Can't wait to hear updates.

Dicey

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1281 on: July 01, 2021, 10:32:39 AM »
Today is my last day! Feels weird that it's finally here after an 8 week notice period! Feels good though, I have done a thorough transition and left everything in as good a shape as I could. I have also enjoyed some leaving drinks and fun with my soon to be ex colleagues.

Still haven't decided if this is FIRE or a sabbatical but I have plenty of time to figure that out. Not a bad place to be in!

Congratulations!  Can't wait to hear updates.
Ditto!

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1282 on: July 01, 2021, 07:46:28 PM »
My husband and I both retired yesterday.  Our departures were very different.  His was very emotional with crying and heartfelt goodbyes.  Mine was me trying not to cackle as I walked out the door for the last time!

We spent today at the cancer doctor's office.  The doctor says he looks great, and we'll go back in four months.  Pretty dang good for a guy who is six months past his original prognosis and right at his 2nd prognosis.  He looks good and he feels good.  We will absolutely take that!

The market for the last few years has been crazy, we have more money than I ever dreamed of. 

The future looks bright...because for us, the future is one day at a time (or really, 4 months at a time!) and we don't take any of it for granted.

dblaace

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1283 on: July 01, 2021, 08:36:28 PM »
My husband and I both retired yesterday.  Our departures were very different.  His was very emotional with crying and heartfelt goodbyes.  Mine was me trying not to cackle as I walked out the door for the last time!

We spent today at the cancer doctor's office.  The doctor says he looks great, and we'll go back in four months.  Pretty dang good for a guy who is six months past his original prognosis and right at his 2nd prognosis.  He looks good and he feels good.  We will absolutely take that!

The market for the last few years has been crazy, we have more money than I ever dreamed of. 

The future looks bright...because for us, the future is one day at a time (or really, 4 months at a time!) and we don't take any of it for granted.

Congratulations!

swaneesr

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1284 on: July 01, 2021, 08:49:14 PM »
My husband and I both retired yesterday.  Our departures were very different.  His was very emotional with crying and heartfelt goodbyes.  Mine was me trying not to cackle as I walked out the door for the last time!

We spent today at the cancer doctor's office.  The doctor says he looks great, and we'll go back in four months.  Pretty dang good for a guy who is six months past his original prognosis and right at his 2nd prognosis.  He looks good and he feels good.  We will absolutely take that!

The market for the last few years has been crazy, we have more money than I ever dreamed of. 

The future looks bright...because for us, the future is one day at a time (or really, 4 months at a time!) and we don't take any of it for granted.
Wow. That is wonderful. Congratulations!  Good luck and keep that positive outlook! 

Swanee


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force majeure

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1285 on: July 01, 2021, 11:39:10 PM »
Confirmed exit date is 08/11/21

It was harder than I expected, the psychological aspect of resigning, only decided one hour before doing it.
Work colleagues were shocked.

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1286 on: July 03, 2021, 09:10:57 AM »
I've decided to do one less month...my last day will be Nov 4 instead of Dec 1.

Can't move the date any sooner than that and still be professional about it;  my contract requires four months of notice.  Things are coming together now in terms of my successor's start date and training plan, and looks like we'll have a very orderly transition where I have some overlap time with my successor, which I am happy about for the sake of my colleagues, but I still kind of wish I could just sail off into the wild blue yonder now...

Need2Save

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1287 on: July 03, 2021, 12:16:02 PM »
Congrats Ladychips! I should have been walking out with you yesterday, but I did not. (hangs head in shame)  Why? I am WAY too nice. I agreed to one more week which only involves three working days and one paid holiday (we have every other Friday off).  So my new (and final) last day is July 8. Only three work days to go and it was on my terms: almost everyone thinks I am gone. I have to just wrap up two or three important tasks and be available for training/consulting my replacement to help answer questions, etc. It will be light and breezy. So pretty good exchange to net $2,200 (after taxes) in additional pay.

My department assembled an in-person surprise lunch this week to send me off properly (everyone had been vaccinated) and it was immensely satisfying (and emotional) to see most of my colleagues one last time. A couple of them I didn't really care to see, but they showed up with sour faces and played as if they cared I was leaving. Many of my teammates are still skeptical that I'm really retiring.

To highlight how much it sucks at working at a heartless corporate job, not a single executive (other than my direct boss) has reached out to say goodbye, thank you, good luck, nothing. Nadda! What assholes. I have managed over $100M worth of annual company costs for over 9 years. Saved them millions of dollars (literally). Handled numerous personal problems for each of these people and not a single one of them can say 'thank you for service and good luck to you'.  A bunch of greedy, self-focused dicks. I got a better send-off from several former executives, two of which called me to offer me jobs!  I guess I'm already dead to them. That's fine, you are dead to me too! Shamelessly, I hope the person you hired, which as I stated previously was not the best qualified person for my job, crashes and burns or leaves you after figuring out that people only seem nice in the honeymoon phase.  Give it a few months and you'll see people's true colors. She has an enormous uphill battle ahead of her and a huge learning curve. Ironically, I figured out she is over 61.  The reason my boss didn't give the job to the best candidate (who was closer to my age of 48) was because she thought she'd job hop on out of here after three years. How long do you think this one is sticking around? Who knows, maybe she'll stay 9+ years but I'm doubting it.

With that off my chest, I will report back on the 8th with gleeful joy and jubilation.

Dicey

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1288 on: July 03, 2021, 12:43:19 PM »
Congrats Ladychips! I should have been walking out with you yesterday, but I did not. (hangs head in shame)  Why? I am WAY too nice. I agreed to one more week which only involves three working days and one paid holiday (we have every other Friday off).  So my new (and final) last day is July 8. Only three work days to go and it was on my terms: almost everyone thinks I am gone. I have to just wrap up two or three important tasks and be available for training/consulting my replacement to help answer questions, etc. It will be light and breezy. So pretty good exchange to net $2,200 (after taxes) in additional pay.

My department assembled an in-person surprise lunch this week to send me off properly (everyone had been vaccinated) and it was immensely satisfying (and emotional) to see most of my colleagues one last time. A couple of them I didn't really care to see, but they showed up with sour faces and played as if they cared I was leaving. Many of my teammates are still skeptical that I'm really retiring.

To highlight how much it sucks at working at a heartless corporate job, not a single executive (other than my direct boss) has reached out to say goodbye, thank you, good luck, nothing. Nadda! What assholes. I have managed over $100M worth of annual company costs for over 9 years. Saved them millions of dollars (literally). Handled numerous personal problems for each of these people and not a single one of them can say 'thank you for service and good luck to you'.  A bunch of greedy, self-focused dicks. I got a better send-off from several former executives, two of which called me to offer me jobs!  I guess I'm already dead to them. That's fine, you are dead to me too! Shamelessly, I hope the person you hired, which as I stated previously was not the best qualified person for my job, crashes and burns or leaves you after figuring out that people only seem nice in the honeymoon phase.  Give it a few months and you'll see people's true colors. She has an enormous uphill battle ahead of her and a huge learning curve. Ironically, I figured out she is over 61.  The reason my boss didn't give the job to the best candidate (who was closer to my age of 48) was because she thought she'd job hop on out of here after three years. How long do you think this one is sticking around? Who knows, maybe she'll stay 9+ years but I'm doubting it.

With that off my chest, I will report back on the 8th with gleeful joy and jubilation.
I'd be so tempted to write each of them a nice note, telling them how much you enjoyed managing their money and saving them millions. Thank them for the opportunity. Rub their noses in it in the nicest possible way. However, it's likely that after two, maybe three weeks days of FIRE you won't care any more. Congratulations on winning the game!

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1289 on: July 04, 2021, 11:34:52 AM »
Last week I was questioning whether or not I should stay retired or try to find a low stress job.  I was feeling bored and restless since my aching Achilles was keeping me from most of the projects I wanted to do this summer.  As I was thinking about what kind of jobs I might want, my mom's Dr told her she needed to be admitted to the hospital for a nasty leg infection.  So I packed my suitcase and drove the 4hrs to help out and visit her.  For the past 4 days, I've been running errands, visiting the hospital and getting the house ready for her return.  Not once did I have to worry about getting time off or working through the evening to make up hours or any such nonsense.  She called, I packed and hit the road with no idea how long I would be at her house.  Yep I think i timed this retirement thing just right.  I'm definitely ready to sleep in my own bed again tomorrow but happy I could easily drive here to help and be with her.  Score 1 for retirement.

Dicey

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1290 on: July 04, 2021, 11:40:49 AM »
Last week I was questioning whether or not I should stay retired or try to find a low stress job.  I was feeling bored and restless since my aching Achilles was keeping me from most of the projects I wanted to do this summer.  As I was thinking about what kind of jobs I might want, my mom's Dr told her she needed to be admitted to the hospital for a nasty leg infection.  So I packed my suitcase and drove the 4hrs to help out and visit her.  For the past 4 days, I've been running errands, visiting the hospital and getting the house ready for her return.  Not once did I have to worry about getting time off or working through the evening to make up hours or any such nonsense.  She called, I packed and hit the road with no idea how long I would be at her house.  Yep I think i timed this retirement thing just right.  I'm definitely ready to sleep in my own bed again tomorrow but happy I could easily drive here to help and be with her.  Score 1000 for retirement.
FTFY. Still might have scored it too low. Good on you!

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1291 on: July 04, 2021, 02:45:05 PM »
Yep I think i timed this retirement thing just right. 

Right on!  A similar thing happened to me about two months after I retired.  Emergency phone call that my dad was in the hospital.  I just packed a bag and went.  We talk a lot about how great FIRE is for US, but it's just as good for our loved ones.
That freedom is priceless. 

FireLane

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1292 on: July 06, 2021, 04:06:54 PM »
I put in my notice today, woohoo! FIRE, here I come!

I wrote about it in my journal, but the quick summary is it was one of the most nerve-wracking things I've ever done. I've been at my job 15 years, and I've gotten comfortable. It's really tough to break free from a safe, familiar, well-paid routine and take that leap into the unknown. I can really understand how people wind up working a lot longer than they need to, just because it's the path of least resistance.

I haven't settled on an official last day. It'll probably be two weeks plus a few days, which will give me enough time to finish my current projects and use up my remaining vacation days. July 30 is a good outer-limit estimate.

boarder42

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1293 on: July 06, 2021, 08:44:46 PM »
Mrs b42 is done as of today

Dicey

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1294 on: July 06, 2021, 09:46:26 PM »
Woo-hoo! Congratulations to @FireLane and Mrs. @boarder42

Aethonan

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1295 on: July 07, 2021, 06:59:08 PM »
Wow, just catching up on the awesome departures and updates from folks these last couple of weeks -- so amazing!  Congratulations to those who pulled the plug!!

I wanted to update because a funny thing happened.  After leaving my job mid-May (under the auspices of "I've been here long enough, I'm burned out, I'm taking an indefinite break to hike + volunteer + chill" -- all true), my old employer reached out to see if I could help out on a contract basis doing roughly the same job I used to have for roughly twice the pay (while there are no benefits, there are also no useless team meetings).  It's a short-term gig for just one month until they (at long last) get my replacement in place and another person comes back from leave.  Great project, my favorite supervisor, flexible hours (20-30/wk, WFH, on my own schedule).  Heavenly by all objective measures.

So I've been doing this for 1.5 weeks now, and a few takeaways:
(1) I don't miss it.  I knew when I left that I had an awesome gig, which is what made it hard to leave.  But I have not once missed it.  The parts of my job that I liked (writing, editing, researching), I've been able to do on my own terms since leaving anyway.  Doing it all again (maybe because it's so soon?) has reminded me that... nope, I was happy when I wasn't doing this anymore. 
(2) Even telling myself this will be "fun money," I can't get myself to spend much more than we usually do.  I did tell my spouse to buy an extra couple of video games.  We're not super frugal, but apparently we have our set-point.
(3) The money doesn't really matter to me.  I know, I know, we're FI.  But my spouse still works, so I thought I'd feel more motivated to help him get to his exit date sooner.  Not sure if this is a failure of imagination, compassion, or what, but even with the doubled rate I'm not inclined to put in any more hours than I absolutely need to.  So I guess I'm feeling more financially free than I realized (yay?).  (Also, to be clear, he wasn't super excited about me working for these folks again.  I have a hard time with boundaries sometimes.  Work in progress.)
(3) Leverage is awesome.  Intellectually I knew I've had it for a while now.  But when I can say, "yes I'll do parts A and C for X hours/week, but no to part B," is super satisfying.  What's that word... control?  Control is nice. :)
(4) Even limiting my work to the very best parts of what I liked about my old job (which this fortunately is), it's shockingly hard to feel motivated.  I still don't need to be doing this, and that's a huge loss of motivation right there!

So, you may ask, why on earth am I doing this?  Three reasons.  First and foremost, I'm young.  I'm 33 and have no idea if I'll want to work again.  (To be clear, I was off for barely more than a month when this gig started, so haven't exactly decompressed yet.)  It seems prudent to keep my options open.  I work in a small specialty field and the place I worked (work? oh no!) is one of the best in the business.  So if I wanted to be able to dip my toe back into things in a year, they'd be who I'd go to for contract work.  Taking them up on this keeps the door open (and let's me see what the life of a free-wheeling contractor is like!).

Second, and I know this will sound pollyannaish, but I like and respect both the person I'm working for and the client we're helping.  I want to help them out.  The small amount of motivation I've been able to find (aside from bribing myself with extra coffee) has really come down to that.  I know they're a company, and I despise family metaphors in workplaces, so it's not about that.  I just feel good being helpful.  So really, I'm doing it for me. :)

Third, ego.  It's nice to be wanted. ;)

TL;DR: RE fail after 1 month to do 1 month of PT contract work for old job twice pay; not regretting it, but also feeling validated that leaving was the right move!  Still, will be back on the 2021 FIRE wagon after this.  Hopefully this helps reinforce the "you never know what will happen" mantra I've seen so often on this forum!

boarder42

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1296 on: July 08, 2021, 09:18:16 AM »
Wow, just catching up on the awesome departures and updates from folks these last couple of weeks -- so amazing!  Congratulations to those who pulled the plug!!

I wanted to update because a funny thing happened.  After leaving my job mid-May (under the auspices of "I've been here long enough, I'm burned out, I'm taking an indefinite break to hike + volunteer + chill" -- all true), my old employer reached out to see if I could help out on a contract basis doing roughly the same job I used to have for roughly twice the pay (while there are no benefits, there are also no useless team meetings).  It's a short-term gig for just one month until they (at long last) get my replacement in place and another person comes back from leave.  Great project, my favorite supervisor, flexible hours (20-30/wk, WFH, on my own schedule).  Heavenly by all objective measures.

So I've been doing this for 1.5 weeks now, and a few takeaways:
(1) I don't miss it.  I knew when I left that I had an awesome gig, which is what made it hard to leave.  But I have not once missed it.  The parts of my job that I liked (writing, editing, researching), I've been able to do on my own terms since leaving anyway.  Doing it all again (maybe because it's so soon?) has reminded me that... nope, I was happy when I wasn't doing this anymore. 
(2) Even telling myself this will be "fun money," I can't get myself to spend much more than we usually do.  I did tell my spouse to buy an extra couple of video games.  We're not super frugal, but apparently we have our set-point.
(3) The money doesn't really matter to me.  I know, I know, we're FI.  But my spouse still works, so I thought I'd feel more motivated to help him get to his exit date sooner.  Not sure if this is a failure of imagination, compassion, or what, but even with the doubled rate I'm not inclined to put in any more hours than I absolutely need to.  So I guess I'm feeling more financially free than I realized (yay?).  (Also, to be clear, he wasn't super excited about me working for these folks again.  I have a hard time with boundaries sometimes.  Work in progress.)
(3) Leverage is awesome.  Intellectually I knew I've had it for a while now.  But when I can say, "yes I'll do parts A and C for X hours/week, but no to part B," is super satisfying.  What's that word... control?  Control is nice. :)
(4) Even limiting my work to the very best parts of what I liked about my old job (which this fortunately is), it's shockingly hard to feel motivated.  I still don't need to be doing this, and that's a huge loss of motivation right there!

So, you may ask, why on earth am I doing this?  Three reasons.  First and foremost, I'm young.  I'm 33 and have no idea if I'll want to work again.  (To be clear, I was off for barely more than a month when this gig started, so haven't exactly decompressed yet.)  It seems prudent to keep my options open.  I work in a small specialty field and the place I worked (work? oh no!) is one of the best in the business.  So if I wanted to be able to dip my toe back into things in a year, they'd be who I'd go to for contract work.  Taking them up on this keeps the door open (and let's me see what the life of a free-wheeling contractor is like!).

Second, and I know this will sound pollyannaish, but I like and respect both the person I'm working for and the client we're helping.  I want to help them out.  The small amount of motivation I've been able to find (aside from bribing myself with extra coffee) has really come down to that.  I know they're a company, and I despise family metaphors in workplaces, so it's not about that.  I just feel good being helpful.  So really, I'm doing it for me. :)

Third, ego.  It's nice to be wanted. ;)

TL;DR: RE fail after 1 month to do 1 month of PT contract work for old job twice pay; not regretting it, but also feeling validated that leaving was the right move!  Still, will be back on the 2021 FIRE wagon after this.  Hopefully this helps reinforce the "you never know what will happen" mantra I've seen so often on this forum!

Thanks for the update I reached out to Sol via pm when I rejoined and he had similar feelings going back for a bit and was like nah this isn't worth it. I'm worried/not really worried that it will be next to impossible to go back this fall just to get my bonus. May cut my hours more. We'll see

Malee55

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1297 on: July 08, 2021, 03:56:33 PM »
I have 5 shifts left to go. Then 3 1/2 months off on leave. Then either completely retire or go casual and work maybe 1 night duty a week. But either way after Sunday week it will be no more permanent work.

I have just had 2 weeks off on stress leave cos I am so burned out. Then when I was walking in to work on Wednesday I was contemplating actually going back to work in October after leave finished. By the end of the shift I had a stinking headache, and the day reinforced that I am making the right move.

The end is in sight!!

dblaace

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1298 on: July 10, 2021, 08:04:01 AM »
I found out yesterday that they have hired my replacement. I had told them the end of the year.

Might be sooner.

Pylortes

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Re: 2021 FIRE Cohort
« Reply #1299 on: July 11, 2021, 05:46:26 PM »
Not officially in this group yet, but my last day was 7/9. Can I join belatedly??  Gave notice in mid June.  I’m drained/exhausted after a 4 week notice period and I still didn’t even get everything totally transitioned!  Oh well.  Someone’s else problem now I guess.

I’m 44 years old and a drop out from 2019, so didn’t want to jinx things by committing to a class again in advance.  But I pulled the plug finally on that shit.  Quitting is hard, but I got nothing but supportive messages from colleagues and management when I told them my plans. I had individual conversation with over 40 people (I was at my job for well over a decade so had a lot of long standing relationships).  I wanted my colleagues to hear it straight from the horses mouth and not second hand, so that process of communicating with everyone took a long time and was pretty draining.  I did not message it as retirement but rather a long break to travel and spend time with family before I figure out my future plans next year.  Truth is I do expect to work for some money again but not at a white collar type office job.  People I spoke with seemed to really relate to and understand a long break vs. calling it retirement.   I had a number of supportive messages from people who have taken time away.  I also got 3 informal job offers from various people outside my company as well, so even though I have zero interest in those jobs, it was a nice compliment.