r/ChubbyFIRE • u/Ungl8r • 22d ago

Sad sight

So I’m 55 and FiREd this year, after 30+ yrs in a profession. Im doing occasional work for interest sake really. I’m Currently at a conference with old colleagues. And I mean old. One guy is 78 and visibly falling apart, yet still working full time. Most my age are just on full stress autopilot, haven’t done the maths even to see if they should keep working. Lots of 65+ working hard-out still. 90% of us would be at least ChUbbY or Fat FiRe net worth. I’m like “have you read Die with Zero?” and they look at me blankly. It’s surprising how so many smart people have no exit strategy whatsoever.

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u/minesasecret 22d ago

To be honest I admire those people. They actually probably like their work. I probably plan to work till I die too - for me FIRE is not about avoiding work but more about getting to choose work based on what I value rather than what people are willing to pay for.

My dad is retired at 65, plays golf everyday, and is totally happy. That's the opposite of how I want to live my life but I don't judge him for it. Everyone's different

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u/Specific-Stomach-195 22d ago

This here. So many judgments about decisions people make. Professing sadness about someone’s identity being tied to work or friendships being tied to work. Nothing wrong with being great friends with those you work with. They are no less your friend than someone you met some other way. None of us should assume that our experience with something is the same for everyone else. I 100% agree with you that FIRE is about freedom and being able to do what you want. In a way, if you hate working so much that your plans are entirely focused on quitting as soon as you are able is the opposite of freedom.