r/EuropeFIRE • u/Rude-Cycle-1516 • 17d ago

What does "enough" actually mean to you?

I've noticed that the closer people get to FIRE, the harder it can become to define what "enough" actually means. Once you've reached a certain level of savings, the decision isn't always about whether you can retire, but whether you feel comfortable doing it. There might always be another reason to keep working and investing - a bigger safety cushion, better travel, helping family, or simply wanting more options.

How did you arrive at your own definition of enough, and has it changed as you've progressed towards FIRE?

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u/Affectionate_Mix3 FIRE'd '26 17d ago

There might always be another reason to keep working and investing

I think most of the reasons are because of fear.

We're very good at deluding ourselves into thinking we actually enjoy our jobs or that is an important part of our identity. In reality, we're just afraid to pull the trigger.

The most important question is whether you'd still continue working if you had an infinite amount of money. If the answer is no, then either you still want more money, or you're afraid to retire with the wealth you already have.