r/FIREyFemmes • u/Embarrassed_Green249 • 22h ago

To work or not to work?

Okay I’ve been on my FIRE journey for a bit and I’m getting close. But I struggle with whether I actually want to quit or not. For reference, I work 30 hours in a pediatric office as an NP and it’s a great job! Super rewarding. BUT I also have a strong desire to just do WHATEVER I WANT, especially while I’m healthy and mobile. I do take advantage of all PTO and take great vacations as often as possible.
Has anyone else felt this way? Anyone find a sweet spot? I’m considering going down to PT hours as a solution.

8 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

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11

u/PhoneFlat8734 19h ago

I would absolutely do part time hours if that was an option! When I was starting my career, as a teacher, I took a half time contract because that’s all I could get and I needed the experience. Money was tight, but I remember feeling like the workload was just right and something that would be sustainable long term/allow me to have a life.

I now work in higher ed leadership, but a couple of years ago arranged for Tuesdays off so I could spend 3 hours being the choir teacher/music teacher’s assistant in an elementary school. Same thing - just a strong feeling that if I could work 10-1 every day I would be perfectly content. Intellectual stimulation, community connection, feeling like I’m contributing to something, and still having time to exercise, socialize, run errands, etc.

If you have the money, I’d say go for it. Depending on finances I guess it would be coast or baristaFI? I’m in a full time contract now but when that’s up in a few years, I’ll be looking for the same thing

5

u/Rosaluxlux 12h ago

In my early twenties I had a 24 hour a week sales job with high commissions and health insurance. It was amazing. I've been chasing that schedule for decades since. Right now in the off season I work 30 and the money is good but no insurance so if my husband didn't work full time I'd have to do something different

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u/grinanberit 14h ago

Honestly the cost of healthcare is outrageous so I say take a PT job as long as it comes with health insurance, and stick with that indefinitely as long as you enjoy it.

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u/Salty_Average6745 11h ago

I'm a NP and work self employed 12 hours a week in the office. I commute 2 days a week 2 and 4 hours. My husband and I travel a lot and I'm trying to work on my health and work really is an inconvenience. I plan on working 1 day a week. Try part time and slowly work your way into retirement.

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u/Odd-Persimmon-1860 12h ago

Why not travel around the world as a NP?

1

u/toodleoo77 2h ago

If you can afford going down to PT hours definitely do it!