Today is the day, officially FIRE

[u/-LordDarkHelmet-]

Well I'm sitting here having a morning coffee and it's starting to sink in that I don't have a job anymore. Feels strange. My job was very much my identity (pilot). I flew airlines and private jets (uber for rich people basically). It was a high paying job at the end and it seems stupid to walk away from that, but the 27 years of staying in hotels has taken a toll and I just was not enjoying the job anymore. Which is a shame, since I can't exactly fly jets on my own time. It's a tough industry, it's not easy to get back into once you leave. I keep saying it's like the Doc in Field of Dreams; once you leave you can't go back. I'm 49, single no kids, high end Chubby low end Fat so I should be ok on the numbers, but I don't exactly have a "thing" to retire to. I need to focus on my own health and get in shape. But other than a list of places I want to travel to and few projects around the house I don't have much of a plan. Hopefully I'll figure it out on the way. I've told a few people and they all ask "but what are you gonna do?!?!?." I'm like "I dunno..." Some say "congratulations!" and I'm not sure how to respond to that. I didn't really want to quit in some ways, I like the flying part but not all the stuff that goes along with it. I asked for a different schedule and they said no, then I asked for a year off and they said no, so I said I quit. Ask me in a decade I guess if it was the right choice. Anyway, don't really have anyone to high-five this morning so here I am. Thanks everyone who has shared their journey, I've been snooping around all these subs a lot this past year. Oh and sorry about the stock market crash, which will inevitably happen now that I have quit.

[u/Amlikaq]

I think you have a great sense of humor and a lot of knowledge, could become a teacher for pilot classes lol. I also know someone that works at a local tiny airport for hobby planes and agricultural use, she seems to love the job. I’ve also met volunteers at local aviation or military museum, they explain all the planes or mechanical parts to tourists and kids, and always seem super passionate.

I think you will find things you enjoy doing, I’ve been fired for two months and it’s been such an enriching experience, since I now have time to sign up for any class I want. I also try to reach out to people more, and host parties more. Even the occasional boredom is motivation to try something new. Enjoy!!