Author Topic: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now  (Read 8095 times)

duyen

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Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« on: March 23, 2020, 02:08:00 PM »
Life is so good with COVID induced stay at home life. Spending more time with kids. Making coffee at home instead of that starbucks latte. Cooking at home completely. Watching atleast one movie a day with the whole family. Spending much less overall.

Does anyone feel the same? I took a couple of weeks off work and am feeling like I am living my dream FIRE life

mm1970

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2020, 02:44:13 PM »
Two kids home for the duration, full time job still so no...working at home full time.

We are taking breaks, but I'm not sure how long this can go on.  It's hard to work with interruptions.

rantk81

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2020, 05:27:17 PM »
I don't share your sentiment, OP.

A couple years ago, I had a nasty cold/flu or "something" that made me cough a lot. Toward the end, when I coughed, I felt an intense pain in my chest -- not muscular/skeletal pain from the mechanism of coughing, but actual shooting pain through my lungs -- like a lightning bolt through my lungs when I coughed.  I recovered -- but I'm afraid I might have some damage that might make me more vulnerable to COVID19.  I also have hypertension (controlled with medicine.)

Due to those medical considerations, I am very afraid of contracting this.  I also live in a very dense urban area.  I have not left my building for approximately 10 days.  I have left my condo unit a couple of times (to get mail/packages, take trash out), but I really feel uncomfortable even doing that. (What if someone coughed a bunch in the elevator right before I got in it?)

I feel like I'm in jail right now. This is NOT how I picture "FIRE life" will be.  I have been trying to order anything I need online -- but many items I want to order are not available for shipping -- from any retailer at the moment. It's very frustrating.

Prior to this recent market crash, my investment account levels combined with my level of spending put me firmly at or below a 4% SWR.  I'm clearly no longer in that category. Thank goodness I did not pull the FIRE-trigger.  I am working from home in the meantime.  However, my employer is in an industry that is being hit EXTREMELY HARD by this economic shutdown.  I fully expected (still expect?) to lose my job.  Today I found out that the company is reducing everyone's salary for the next few months, in order to try to ride out this storm.  I feel very fortunate that this was the decision, instead of outright layoffs.  (I still think layoffs in the near future are a real possibility too, though.)

This is no picnic for me. :(

I take comfort in that my home is paid off, I have a lot of savings and investments (even still after this crash), and that I am still healthy.  I suppose it's unlikely that I've contracted it, since I've been home for 10 days without developing symptoms (or if I already had it, it's fortunately one of those 'asymptomatic cases'.)  But I'm certainly not enjoying the situation.

OtherJen

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2020, 05:31:32 PM »
Not enjoying this. I'm still working from home, as I always do. This time, it's accompanied by a lot more isolation, since all volunteer and social activities are canceled, and a decent level of anxiety about the health of many loved ones, particularly my husband and mother who were still at their workplaces until today, when our governor filed an executive order to stay home. Husband may still be able to work in the relatively safer company warehouse instead of a public store front (he's a retail manager), but if not, then we have to figure out how not to lose our health insurance in the middle of a pandemic.

This isn't a vacation for most of us.

Much Fishing to Do

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2020, 05:39:42 PM »
I've worked from home for the past dozen years or so, mostly running a business with stay at home employees scattered around the country, and now consulting for the company that bought me out and hired those employees on.  I spend most of my time at home, and most of the time not at home hiking or fishing or just puttering around the neighborhood.

Life has not really changed on my end with this virus (turns out I've self quarantined all these years without knowing it...) as far as what I do.  My investments have taken a hit, but I'm in no place to complain going from 102% FI to 82%, esp. given I'm still working from home. 

But the kids are home now (mostly older kids), and they are missing their lives (not so much yet....but they are starting to worry it may go on for quite some time).  My wife is freaked out by this whole thing which I feel horribly about as I sometimes speak more matter-of-factly about stuff than I probably should.  My youngest is an asthmatic, and when he was tiny I spent my most nightmarish nights holding him in a steamy shower telling him to breathe....so I would be lying to say I'm enjoying this turn of events.

PJC74

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2020, 07:10:35 PM »
I’m sorry, OP, I can’t see any joy in living like this. In fact, you have to be a sick individual to think this situation is healthy. You can live a mustachian lifestyle without it being forced on you.


LuvSaving

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2020, 07:17:09 PM »
In defense of OP I believe they are just trying to remain optimistic during these challenging times. With all the negativity and uncertainty, we all should to do our best to find our own silver lining within each of our unique situations. It is important to keep a positive mindset when times are difficult.

Just my $0.02

Eurotexan

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #7 on: March 23, 2020, 07:21:09 PM »
This is no FIRE life, if it is screw FIRE. Like many of you I am luckier than most in that I have a paid off house, a good EF and investments. However:

I work in the entertainment/ restaurant field where my job is seriously at risk. I may have to let my department go/ furlough
I go outside once a day to go on a walk - we are on lockdown and I'm taking this seriously
My teenager is making the best of this but missing school and her friends
I am concerned about my parents who are in their 70s
Most of my friends are concerned about their job; many do not have savings or a paid off house. Layoffs will be devastating.

This is literally a nightmare and I am one of the lucky ones

OtherJen

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #8 on: March 23, 2020, 07:28:40 PM »
In defense of OP I believe they are just trying to remain optimistic during these challenging times. With all the negativity and uncertainty, we all should to do our best to find our own silver lining within each of our unique situations. It is important to keep a positive mindset when times are difficult.

Just my $0.02

There’s optimism, and then there’s tone-deafness.

I’m grateful that I can keep working at home, that we have no debts other than a relatively small mortgage, that I had the foresight to buy bulk packs of toilet paper, peanut butter, and coffee beans at Costco a few weeks ago, and that we have a few months worth of spending in our emergency fund. It doesn’t mean that any of this is fun or relaxing for me or for most people in the world.

Taran Wanderer

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #9 on: March 23, 2020, 08:31:58 PM »
Our kids are officially on Spring Break this week, which means I have scheduled time off. We are doing projects around the house and making good use of our time at home since we canceled a spring break adventure. I’m enjoying it, but not enjoying being forced to do it.

Last week, working from home sucked. At first I kind of enjoyed it, but I really missed the various little social interactions at work. Also, one of my FIRE ideas is to work from home, doing some consulting in my field. I don’t think I can do it. There are so many distractions working from home. Just looking out my window at my yard, I’m constantly reminded of other work I want to do. I wouldn’t want to work full-time from home like DW does.

And, as others noted, I never pictured FIRE to include worries about friends and family who are doctors, nurses, and firefighters; or my parents and in-laws; or the broader societal and economic risks and tragedies we are seeing and will see.

sui generis

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #10 on: March 23, 2020, 10:16:57 PM »
Yes, superficially this looks a lot like my actual FIREd life. My husband is working from home, so that's different, but on the average weekday, I wasn't going much of anywhere except groceries and similar anyway, in recent times. I now video conference multiple times per day for my volunteer gigs, so minor difference to being in person but still plenty (oh my god, soooo plenty) of social interaction. The weekend was a little more unusual because we usually do get out and about much more.

Beyond that superficiality, it feels a lot different. Unease and concern and trying to make plans that are just gonna have to change in two days when the world has flipped again. Nevertheless, my habit of being home a lot (where I workout, do most of my volunteering, take online Spanish lessons and enjoy some small amount of free time as a FIREd person) had prepared me some. I don't think I feel nearly as freaked out or trapped as a lot of people appear to. I'm not bothered by staying home, though I do wish I had some of this extra time so many people are finding themselves with! But the reasons for staying home do make it feel a lot different.

Zikoris

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #11 on: March 23, 2020, 11:08:35 PM »
Hmm... I'd like to think my FIRE life will involve being outside my apartment for more than 20 minutes once a week to grab supplies from across the street. But it's not so bad for us right now compared to a lot of people - we're well supplied, have a nice comfortable home, like each other's company, and have lots of books, video games, exercise equipment, and the internet. Our jobs are also not in any danger. I'd say we're about as good as we could reasonably be right now.

Ryo

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #12 on: March 24, 2020, 12:32:24 AM »
I'm actually feeling similar to the OP, but I do recognize it's due to the following factors being in place:
- I'm in a country (Japan) where there is no lockdown and life outside is almost like normal.  School cancellation for a month is the biggest impact.
- My company was one of the few that quickly moved to full work-from-home.  Most people are still commuting.
- I have excellent job security.
- Being at home has freed me from a lot of the time wasting that went on at the office, and the commute. 
- My job entailed a lot of coordination work with overseas visitors, and that has dropped precipitously.
- Therefore, I can do what work remains in about an hour, and am essentially free to hang out with my family, go to parks or whatever for rest of the day.
- The weather is nice.
- I predicted the supplies run several weeks before it happened, so haven't needed to join the fights for toilet paper.
- Nobody around me has been infected.
- Finally, discovering this website several years ago led me on a path where I have enough savings that, despite taking a huge hit at the moment, I don't need to worry too much about short-term liquidity.  I shudder to think how the previous paycheque-to-paycheque version of me would've coped. 

I hope that doesn't sound tone deaf, because I do feel for others that are not as fortunate.





Cranky

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #13 on: March 24, 2020, 04:48:02 AM »
I’m enjoying having my dh working from home. Now when he takes a break he tackles some project around the house!

Otherwise, my life hasn’t changed much. I’m a homebody no matter what. I do get anxious about the grocery shopping situation but I think that will work out over time.

JSMustachian

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #14 on: March 24, 2020, 09:47:58 AM »
There have been some positives for our family since CIVID 19.

Both my wife and I are allowed to work from home because of the quarantine. I now have more time everyday to work out to improve my health and I get to see my 2 year old son all day. Our daycare costs have been eliminated in the short term and needless spending has stopped. Our savings rate has increased greatly.

thesis

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #15 on: March 24, 2020, 09:52:51 AM »
Not driving 90 minutes each day as part of my commute has been really nice. But that commute also broke up the monotony. A full 8 hours sitting at my home office desk can be brutal, not that I want to complain too much, considering I still have a relatively stable job. Is it wrong of me to kind of hope we switch to part-time...maybe just for a few weeks?

My travel plans have been smashed, but I don't want to use that vacation time because the chances of any of us getting sick will still probably rise before they begin to fall. I'd rather have that vacation time sitting around in case I catch this thing, too, though I plan to take every precaution to make sure I don't.

Missing store-bought french fries about now :( . Oh, well.

This lockdown is forcing me to reevaluate some things in my life.

Linea_Norway

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #16 on: March 26, 2020, 01:16:34 AM »
We did FIRE in 2020 amd have only enjoyed it for 2 months. Then we went back home for the home sale and right after, Corona broke out. We would have spent two months at our cabin, CC skiing every day. Instead we stay home. We are allowed to leave the house for a trip, but the local forest is still between winter/spring with too much snow to walk and too little snow to ski. It sucks being here in this time of the year. We are forbidden to visit our canin en discoyrayed to travel anywhere at all. It is boring.

Currently making plans for a small trip in our tent in out own community.

effigy98

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #17 on: March 26, 2020, 01:22:38 AM »
I'm looking forward to the free money that will replace my income and probably be a raise! I am never going back to work again until the benefits run out. What was it like 15 months in some states you could stay on unemployment last time around? That would be over a year off work and still getting paid! Perfect!

2Birds1Stone

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #18 on: March 26, 2020, 03:02:34 AM »
FIRE'd right before this whole mess started.....so we are definitely living a life that is very different from what we planned (12 month round the world honeymoon). Instead we are stuck in Portugal till further notice, and most likely getting locked down soon.

MrThatsDifferent

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #19 on: March 26, 2020, 05:31:49 AM »
How the hell is this like FIRE? First, I’m still working. If you’ve been fired or laid off, it’s a nightmare, cause it’s not like there’s lots of jobs. My FIRE dreams don’t involve not going to the gym or movies or sitting in restaurants or not having sex or dating or not meeting up with friends or worrying about people I love. FFS! Some of these posts are so remarkably selfish. You’ve got to reach Trump level of self delusion to celebrate this shitshow nightmare.

Metalcat

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #20 on: March 26, 2020, 06:09:49 AM »
I'm not overly stressed, and I'm really enjoying having DH home.

It's not that I'm not taking it seriously, just that I don't tend to stress about things that are outside my circle of influence.

ericrugiero

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #21 on: March 26, 2020, 07:28:36 AM »
How the hell is this like FIRE? First, I’m still working. If you’ve been fired or laid off, it’s a nightmare, cause it’s not like there’s lots of jobs. My FIRE dreams don’t involve not going to the gym or movies or sitting in restaurants or not having sex or dating or not meeting up with friends or worrying about people I love. FFS! Some of these posts are so remarkably selfish. You’ve got to reach Trump level of self delusion to celebrate this shitshow nightmare.

I haven't heard anyone say that they are happy this whole nightmare is happening.  It's obviously a terrible situation that is having negative and in many cases terrible consequences for much of the world.  Nobody is denying any of that. 

But, there isn't much any of us can do about it.  We should all do whatever is in our circle of control and then try not to worry too much about the rest of it.  The OP and some other people are pointing out that they have had some positive side effects.  No, it's not exactly what most of us would want from FIRE.  But, more time at home with family is a nice benefit and there isn't anything wrong with enjoying that.  For some of us, it may end up being the closest thing we get to a trial run of FIRE. 

soccerluvof4

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #22 on: March 26, 2020, 08:03:38 AM »
Were saving money for sure BUT while spending time with the kids and doing a lot of outdoor activities as a family they miss actual school , seeing there friends and there sports. So while there is some good , it for sure comes at a cost and one a lot more than what I mentioned when lives are being lost

bbates728

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #23 on: March 26, 2020, 08:39:40 AM »
I feel the same OP. I am working from home in a role that doesn't require constant productivity which means that I get to take a minute here or there and simply appreciate that my wife and animals are near me while the birds chirp outside. I try to make it a point to get out for a walk or bike ride most days which definitely helps me with feeling cooped up.

It is a bummer because we have had to cancel some social plans and I expect Camp Mustache probably won't happen. On the other hand, my wife and I make way more money than we need to survive. The likelihood of her being fired as a teacher is minimal and if I get fired it will just mean I am leaving a job that isn't a great fit anyway.

The way I see it is that the situation is objectively bad for many people. That said, there isn't much reason to stress about it, stress simply makes you more susceptible to disease! Without constantly worrying about the disease, the extra time and freedom that comes with working from home for the first time allows me to do many of the things that I have always said I would do when FIREd.

Take away the stress and this whole crisis makes me feel like I am doing my civic duty by living my best life at home. Add on to that the selfish idea that "stocks are on sale" while still early in my saving journey and I finally feel a sense of control over my surroundings.

Linea_Norway

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #24 on: March 27, 2020, 12:39:13 AM »
I get the impression that life can be positive for people who have kept their office job, but are working from home, without small children running around. One of my friends has found time to go horse riding in the middle of a working day. Those who have children that can't go to school or kindergartden have a much harder time.

For those us who have retired, it f***s up all travel plans. That sort of sucks, but has no big economic consequences. The crash effects our stash and maybe rental incomes for those who have that.

Those who have lost their job, or just their income, are really in deep s**t.

Villanelle

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #25 on: March 27, 2020, 01:44:03 AM »
I have moments where I enjoy the additional time with my husband.  Some of it is well-spent, some of it is wasted on our couch in front of the TV.

But I also have sick friends.  I'm scared and I'm worried and I'm stressed.  And then there are the musician friends who have no idea how they are going to pay their bills. The small business owners who I've actually gotten to know while patronizing their business, now either shuttered or nearly empty.

FIRE will be, in large part, about relaxation. Not doing nothing, but feeling more relaxed. I'm not relaxed when I'm afraid that my friends or my parents or my spouse or myself could suffer greatly.  Or worse.


bigblock440

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #26 on: March 27, 2020, 05:25:40 AM »
I get the impression that life can be positive for people who have kept their office job, but are working from home, without small children running around. One of my friends has found time to go horse riding in the middle of a working day. Those who have children that can't go to school or kindergartden have a much harder time.


I don't really understand this mindset.  I was working from home because of a mild cold for a few days, and it looked like we were going to be shut down (but apparently we're essential) and it was great.  Part of it was because I was able to spend much more time with my kids (3 and 5), and I'd much rather their interruptions because they wanted to "help" over the normal coworker interruptions.  I know it's better for a lot of the people to be working, but I was bummed when I was told we were going back, especially since we'd be getting paid anyway.  I could have got so much done in those 3 weeks.  Oh well, some day my time will be my own. 

Linea_Norway

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #27 on: March 27, 2020, 07:45:37 AM »
I get the impression that life can be positive for people who have kept their office job, but are working from home, without small children running around. One of my friends has found time to go horse riding in the middle of a working day. Those who have children that can't go to school or kindergartden have a much harder time.


I don't really understand this mindset.  I was working from home because of a mild cold for a few days, and it looked like we were going to be shut down (but apparently we're essential) and it was great.  Part of it was because I was able to spend much more time with my kids (3 and 5), and I'd much rather their interruptions because they wanted to "help" over the normal coworker interruptions.  I know it's better for a lot of the people to be working, but I was bummed when I was told we were going back, especially since we'd be getting paid anyway.  I could have got so much done in those 3 weeks.  Oh well, some day my time will be my own.

I see on TV that some people are desperate for their children to go back to school. I have heard that unfortunately child abuse has increased since schools have closed. If you get along well with your children, that's very good.

Cassie

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #28 on: March 27, 2020, 11:54:36 AM »
This royally sucks! We are in a high risk group as are most of our friends. We have been retired 8 years and enjoy getting out. Mostly worried if we will live.

dividendman

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #29 on: March 27, 2020, 11:57:44 AM »
This royally sucks! We are in a high risk group as are most of our friends. We have been retired 8 years and enjoy getting out. Mostly worried if we will live.

Yeah, if anything this is teaching us to be more aggressive in FIRE because we never know when life is going to throw a curveball. I already FIRED once, went back to work just to try this new opportunity that opened up, but now, once this is over, I'm going to be out for real.

GuitarStv

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #30 on: March 27, 2020, 12:12:43 PM »
Two kids home for the duration, full time job still so no...working at home full time.

We are taking breaks, but I'm not sure how long this can go on.  It's hard to work with interruptions.

+1

Our kid is behaving pretty well, but with my wife and me working from home full time while looking after him it's pretty tough.  I basically end up doing an extra 3-4 hours of work each night to make up for the time lost from distractions/interruptions.

oldtoyota

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #31 on: March 27, 2020, 12:29:06 PM »
Life is so good with COVID induced stay at home life. Spending more time with kids. Making coffee at home instead of that starbucks latte. Cooking at home completely. Watching atleast one movie a day with the whole family. Spending much less overall.

Does anyone feel the same? I took a couple of weeks off work and am feeling like I am living my dream FIRE life

That's cool. You have a job when a lot of people are losing theirs and when others are dying.

Glad COVID is working out for you.


k290

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #32 on: March 28, 2020, 07:44:33 AM »
 For me there has been a bright side. I was trying to transition to a work from home job, and this has given me the opportunity to try it out before making the move. I sympathise with the tragedy of those losing their jobs though.

« Last Edit: March 28, 2020, 08:25:17 AM by k290 »

NaN

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #33 on: March 28, 2020, 08:11:43 AM »
I would agree with @OtherJen that there is a little tone-deafness going on with these kinds of "I'm glad I get to work from home!" statements. I think we can all realize this is a huge disaster and as with all disasters: they are never equitable. If you are feeling good because of a new routine, great! Opportunity through disruption. Stay healthy! A big part of this forum is to encourage people to put themselves in a position to survive these situations with less stress by stashing, living healthy, and moving towards FI (and RE). But, everyone has their own unique cases that make it harder/easier to achieve, and not everyone has maybe had the timing to do so.

sui generis

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #34 on: March 28, 2020, 08:29:55 AM »
I can see how some things seem tone deaf or maudlin. But at the same time showing gratitude or looking on the bright side of things is an important coping strategy. And from all my social media, even those in the most privileged positions appear to be having difficulty coping lately. So I don't begrudge folks the opportunity to express those sentiments here. I do know we can all hold that along with our concern and hopefully care for those less fortunate.

OtherJen

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #35 on: March 28, 2020, 08:33:05 AM »
I can see how some things seem tone deaf or maudlin. But at the same time showing gratitude or looking on the bright side of things is an important coping strategy. And from all my social media, even those in the most privileged positions appear to be having difficulty coping lately. So I don't begrudge folks the opportunity to express those sentiments here. I do know we can all hold that along with our concern and hopefully care for those less fortunate.

I agree that appreciating the good things in one's life is important, especially as things continue to worsen. I don't think that's tone-deaf at all.

I do think it is tone-deaf to claim that one is now living one's best life because of COVID-19.

Shane

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #36 on: March 28, 2020, 08:34:23 AM »
Don't really understand the angry responses to OP. Everyone's situation is different. OP simply stated a fact, that they are enjoying being off work and spending more time at home with the family. What's tone deaf about that? YMMV, and that's fine. Why get all nasty just because somebody else is having a good time? Other than staying home and minimizing outside contact, there's not much most of us can do about this situation, other than wait and try to enjoy each day as best we can. You never know when your time's going to be up. Might as well make the best of a bad situation. No sense stressing about something we have no control over.

Metalcat

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #37 on: March 28, 2020, 11:16:57 AM »
I really don't get the backlash either.

You can register and respect the severity of a situation while still being grateful and enjoying the positives for yourself.

If that's tone deaf because of our privilege, then isn't it suuuuuper tone deaf to excitedly celebrate when stocks are on sale when the factors behind that often represent hard economic times for others?

I for one have no problem being delighted that I'm getting some time with my DH, who has been working 6-7 days a week for the past several months.

LightStache

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #38 on: March 28, 2020, 12:07:15 PM »
I think the pandemic sucks and wish it weren't occurring. I'm worried about my at-risk relatives, people out of work, the economy, and friends cooped up in small apartments with young kids.

Having said that, I am personally benefiting from the situation like OP. Working from home has not been a bad change. And a couple dreaded personal obligations this year are likely to be canceled. I feel guilty thinking that way, but there is a substantial plus side for me.

It's also galvanized my desire to become FI even more. Add pandemics to the list of risks against which a nice pile of money can protect you.

renata ricotta

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #39 on: March 28, 2020, 01:21:59 PM »
I am grateful that so far, I am playing quarantine on "easy mode" - I'm a natural homebody so not experiencing negative emotions, my family are all careful and so far healthy, I can work from home easily, I am not needing to simultaneously teach/care for stir crazy kids, I have my apartment to myself, I have pets, many of my hobbies can be done comfortably at home, etc. etc. etc. I am finding moments of personal lifestyle satisfaction right now despite the crisis.

But, I think it's important to take that as gratitude in an otherwise ugly time and avoid anything that sounds like glee or gloating. I think it's that tone that rubs a lot of people the wrong way, given the staggering global physical and economic suffering happening right now.

GreenSheep

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #40 on: March 28, 2020, 02:22:02 PM »
As introverts, and with one of us FIREd and the other already working at home, there hasn't been much of a change for us. A couple of cancelled trips. Still hoping to do our big international trip in the fall, but we'll see.

But my husband made an interesting observation yesterday when I mentioned that some of my extroverted friends are climbing the walls. He suggested that I imagine a scenario in which the only way to avoid a virus is to constantly be out socializing, partying, networking, etc. If you go home to get away from it all, or even just quickly pop into the bathroom alone, you're putting yourself at risk. Introvert hell. So now I think I can understand, at least a little bit, why extroverts are having such a hard time with the social isolation. Of course, they do still have phones and the internet, which help, but it's not the same as in-person interaction.

Villanelle

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #41 on: March 30, 2020, 01:42:03 AM »
As to the anger at OP, I think a lot of it has to do with tone (which is of course tough via typed word).  An acknowledgement that of course there is suffering and no one decent would ever wish for this situation, even if it has some perks here and there, would have gone a long way.  But so too might have some benefit of the doubt for the OP.

If I set aside the concern for everyone I care about and all the other massive implications, it still not awesome for me.

I think much of this depend on what one imagines for their FIRE life.  Ours includes much travel and while we are both introverts, it also includes much time spent with our small circle of close friends.  Clearly, those things are out.  There are other aspects of FIRE life, like having a dog and a nice back yard in which to spend time, that we don't currently have.

So, I'm not "living the FIRE life" or, if I am, I am going to be pretty disappointed in FIRE.



Cassie

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #42 on: March 30, 2020, 10:33:13 AM »
We had a month trip to Europe planned for August which I doubt will happen. My kids aren’t working and we aren’t even seeing them. Missing our friends too. I don’t think this is going to end anytime soon either.

asauer

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #43 on: March 30, 2020, 10:41:39 AM »
I am enjoying working from home and having no after-work commitments and we're still getting paychecks (thank goodness!).  However, that's where the enjoyment stops.  I'm scared of contracting the virus, I'm more scared of my children, parents and sister contracting it since all are immunocompromised.  Now I have to fulltime homeschool and fulltime work.  Work has actually ramped up since I'm in a people-focused department and I'm supporting work situation changes and pay changes etc.  Fortunately, not laying off any staff.  Plus, helping my two 13-year olds who are confused, scared and angry that they can't attend school or be with their friends.  Nightly meltdowns are tough emotionally.  I'm drained, my husband is drained and my kids are drained. We've been lucky so far and will get through it but it's just hard right now.

talltexan

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #44 on: April 01, 2020, 06:20:25 AM »
I grew two businesses while caring for small children & financially supporting immediate and extended family for over a decade. I've seen tragedy, suicide, addiction, terrible diseases & their terrible ongoing treatments.

This really seems easy.

I am grateful for the mindset change that came with MMM (and others) a few years ago.

The worst you can do when things get hard is begin a downward mental spiral, because when they get even harder, you will look back and regret not enjoying the better times.

I fully understand the difficulty of working with small children and other dependents. The investments you make now in parenting will pay off. Teach them to be a part of the solution.

Thank you for this post.

John Galt incarnate!

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #45 on: April 01, 2020, 12:57:07 PM »

As introverts, and with one of us FIREd and the other already working at home, there hasn't been much of a change for us.

I am an  introvert-extrovert  hybrid and so is SO.

We like lots of quiet time alone so we live in separate houses.

SO is staying with me for a few months  so we worked out a "solitude rule."

We have separate bedrooms.

When the door to a bedroom is shut it means "I am in solitude mode;  do not disturb and please be quiet."

So far it's worked perfectly.







« Last Edit: April 01, 2020, 12:59:54 PM by John Galt incarnate! »

HPstache

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #46 on: April 01, 2020, 12:58:08 PM »
If this is what the FIRE'd life feels like... I want out.

John Galt incarnate!

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #47 on: April 01, 2020, 01:55:40 PM »

the broader societal and economic risks and tragedies we are seeing and will see.

I've been ruminating  about  the pandemic's dire ramifications.

Certainly there are  some I haven't thought of.

I know I can't even begin to quantify the economic disruptions, financial losses, wrenching dislocations, shattered aspirations, family stresses, etc.

 For the rationalist I am I've been subdued which is unusual but not I think a state of mind that warrants self-criticism for in my lifetime this pandemic is the worst thing that has ever occurred in the world.





« Last Edit: April 01, 2020, 01:59:38 PM by John Galt incarnate! »

Plina

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #48 on: April 06, 2020, 01:36:49 PM »
I understand the sentiment expressed. I have worked from home for a couple of weeks and enjoyed a lot more freedom then normally and I am on homevacation currently. For me the wfh allows taking walks during lunch so I am actually exercising more now. I end my work day more fresh than normally because I can skip most of the chitchat and still get my work done. I am an introvert and a homebody so I don't find it difficult to stay at home or outside on the balcony.

I realized that I am privileged to be able to work from home and not having a risk to loose my job. The social security system in my country and my saving would ensure that even if I lost my job or I got sick I would not be in financial trouble. I am worried about my family that lives in another part of country and my grandfather and other relatives that live in a neighboring country but I can't do more than stay away from them now. I am more often in contact with my family and friends so the social distancing is not bothering me.

talltexan

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Re: Thanks to COVID, living the FIRE life now
« Reply #49 on: April 09, 2020, 08:11:36 AM »
It's generally been more difficult for us because of the breakdown of school/childcare/kid's activities.

But yesterday my wife said she wanted to make Indian Food (we are not ethnically South Asian, but enjoy the food), and we wound up making Naan basically from scratch, with the kids taking on significant responsibility for rolling and shaping the dough. It was the kind of intense cooking project that I imagine you FIRE people are able to do every day (we also had Chicken Tikka Masal in the crockpot, which is comparatively easy).

It's amazing what a little extra confidence in the kitchen can yield.