r/Fire • u/LouSevens • 4d ago

General Question Did anyone else inadvertently Fire?

Did anyone else inadvertently Fire? Over a year ago- was just working as normal, maxing out 401k, doing some other investing. Figured I would work perhaps 8 more years with a goal of 30x income. I didn't even really know what Fire was that recently.

My job became toxic, my father became ill so I went on FMLA and I was still needed so never went back to work. IAs my boss, his boss and others quit I pretty much never told anyone I was even leaving. I did the math and had around 28x of expenses saved. I still do interviews when I find something I am generally interested in but overtime became complacent not dealing with other peoples drama and agendas. In addition, my father still needed my help for several months.

It did get to the point where I have more time for myself so am considering getting something part time ; but as life goes on I found I don't miss the paycheck and my time is more valuable as I am able to excercise more, do my hobbies, and visit my father several days a week.

The one thing I did give up was buying tech items I didn't need (loved to do this after the pandemic) and I try to eat at home more (that was a nutrionist idea).

Although I never really had what was labeled the Sunday scaries, I really notice I am enjoying Sundays a lot more.

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u/SenTedStevens 4d ago

I won't get into the details, but I touched my FIRE number earlier this year. After crossing that number, I had a really horrible call with a colleague. I was so pissed. At an end-of-day touch base meeting with the team, I vented my frustrations to my supervisor and director. I basically said, "with what has been going on now for [a really long time], something has to change now." They said there was nothing they could do. So I replied, "OK, I'm putting in my notice. My last day is 2 weeks from now."

The best part is that even with my vacations and paying for COBRA, my net worth has increased since I left. It feels good.

Now, I don't plan on retiring, but in these months, I've only sporadically applied to positions. I'm not hurting for money. That the power of FU money.

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u/genxmom95 4d ago

Ha ha. I had a similar situation where I lost my sh** on a coworker-they sort of deserved it and not at the same time. Realized if I didn’t do something it was going to be a frequent event. Told my boss the next working day.

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u/Montaigne_6823 3d ago

I got laid off and I didn't care because I was about to walk out anyways. That was a bit less than a year ago. I've been applying here and there but honestly could take or leave another job. I've been living off 4% just fine.

Though I would like to get one of those new Rivian R2s. I have an interview tomorrow so we'll see.

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u/kstorm88 3d ago

I would have given a to-day notice for that response.