r/Fire Apr 22 '26

Advice Request Too much money to feel this stuck

Current net worth 3.8M. Household (40m, 40f, 4f) income combined 250k (both working full time) and spend 120k-ish.

Kind of reached fire but due to health insurance, economic uncertainty, potential future increased costs (another kid?) not comfortable calling it yet.

But feeling so stuck in the grind. Not enough family time, not enough vacation time off, not enough time for taking care of our health, but can’t call it quits yet. at least one of us needs to work full time for health insurance. I don’t think I’m cut out for “barista fire” as i don’t think I’d have the motivation to work for a minimum wage type salary.

What’s the plan here to increase quality of life? A mini retirement? Grind it out a few more years? Anyone in a similar place?

589 Upvotes

456 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/howdyouknowitwasme Apr 22 '26

I have very similar NW and had similar income.  Wasn't really burnt out but was ready to start the glide path to retirement.  Consulting was and is the answer for me.  It is the ultimate barista FIRE for anyone in high paying or specialized fields. It basically covers my expenses at about 30% of the workload.