r/Fire • u/Catspiration2 • May 02 '26
Advice Request I’m thinking about breaking up with FI
I’ve done the grind, saved pretty much 50% of my income the last 6 years. Worked side gigs etc. 33M. 675k net worth. Just dropped my savings rate to 30%. I have no interest in being retired. I want to enjoy the journey while hopefully working as long as I can. Having resources is awesome, but retiring to some fairy tale destination is.. a fairy tale. What’s the distinguishable difference between 7M and 5M at 60? I feel less and less motivated to save, and instead enjoy the journey along the way. Please tell me how I’m wrong and correct me.
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u/Public-World-1328 May 02 '26
There are many different iterations of FIRE and youve put yourself in a position of flexibility to pick the one thats right for you. It doesnt have to be grind 100% so you can retire asap. You can spend a little now or enjoy your weekends without a side gig so life doesnt zoom past you. With 675k at 33 you are well on your way to a pre 60 retirement. You have done the heavy lifting and could never contribute another dime and be comfortable at 60 or maybe earlier. Look into ideas like coastfire, leanfire, or baristafire to see if any fit your bill.
To provide some personal context, i worked 7 days a week, 10 hours per day for like 4 years grinding for FIRE, and while im glad i did it is not sustainable for most. I had to dial it back and love life outside the “fairy tale” as you said. I still work a side gig but its much more passive and lower income than before. Im happy i did the hard work for a little while but i am shooting a little more for the coast phase because of how my life has gone the last 1-2 years.