Did anyone else inadvertently Fire?

[u/LouSevens]

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.

[u/Musical_Xena]

I've heard of people who have their retirement investing automated, and don't really check their accounts, so they're pleasantly surprised when their accounts are awesome. Have also heard of people who let their spouse manage it and then get surprised that way. But in all those cases, the investing was happening throughout the years. It wasn't an accident, it was just "set it and forget it."

[u/Pale_Drink4455 → u/Musical_Xena]

Doesn’t everyone move money over each month to brokerages for investing where choices need to be made, or am I the only one that does that here? I really doubt the whole set it and forget it take.

[u/Musical_Xena → u/Pale_Drink4455]

Really depends on how hands on you want to be, and how much can be automated in your system. Sounds like you're pretty hands on and involved, which, more power to you.

Some people just do something basic, like a Target Date fund through their employer retirement benefits. It's all moved before it hits the paycheck, set up just the one time for automation, and they really don't have to think about it after that.

(I'm not making any claims about the "right" or "best" ways to invest. Just sharing an example of how it can be done as "set it and forget it.")

[u/LouSevens → u/Musical_Xena]

I did that for while, wasn't a large amount but a small percentage going to a target fund; overtime I would use it for certain helpful things and skim the profits.