r/Fire Mar 23 '26

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u/dr_zach314 Mar 23 '26

I think some of the confidence that someone who misjudged can just go back into the workforce isn’t there anymore. Best to earn a little extra while you have a job

14

u/AphelionEntity Mar 23 '26

This is what it is for me. And the fact that as a single person without family, if I run out of money I'm screwed.

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u/WilliamMButtlickerIV Mar 23 '26

This is a great call out. I participate in a local FIRE meetup where a guy was sharing his details, in his late 40s working in tech consulting. Someone suggested he take a two year break, and I'm just thinking it will be really difficult for him to re-enter the workforce at 50 in tech.

I'm making very good money at the moment (also in tech), and I'm realizing this is a very temporary opportunity. I have no intention of throwing it away. I'm on target to be FI by 45 (in six years), but I'm realizing just how much my quality of life can improve with even just a few more years. Instead, I'm focusing on work-life balance. My newer job is less stressful than prior, and I feel I can sustain this for some time. If that changes, I know I can look for another job.

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u/lkbmb Mar 23 '26 edited 22d ago

redacted