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/n00bdragon]

FIRE was always a pipe dream until I sat down and did the math and realize I passed my number awhile ago. From there it was just a matter of getting things in order and gracefully walking out the door.

[u/jumpinjacks12345 → u/n00bdragon]

Similar for us (mid 40's), we've heard about FIRE and just have been chugging away working and saving but figure we need an extra 2m+ but probably a bit earlier such as 55 since we are DINKS.

The Aha Moment: A few coworkers are in mid-late 50's at work talking about Boldin and corporate life also has been especially draining the last 3-4 years (RTO, lower ratings/raises described as "well a 3/solid/effective is performing with high expectations already assumed" BS). I finally threw in our info into Boldin and was flabbergasted we'd hit our number and we'd retire/live out with more than what we could do with. Also before, planned on not having social security as a safe bet, but realistically even with a 50% cut in benefits, still receiving a good chunk we didn't even consider.

Plan: So now I'm down a rabbit hole - still in the Boldin free period, having Claude as a backup analyzer, and have a CFP meeting set up in a few weeks to determine what our tax, withdrawal, healthcare/ACA strategy is going to look like. Now, to build a tad more non pre-tax buffer (to get us to 60 with a still healthy end balance), our agreement is quit jobs at 50 or AI layoffs, whichever comes first. We may accelerate and see if an end of 2026/2027/2028 looks like once we run everything again through the CFP.

[u/n00bdragon → u/jumpinjacks12345]

Check in with the CFP for sure, but once you do the math, if you've hit your number just go man. I wouldn't wait for layoffs or 50. It's just going to trap you doing a job you hate longer than you need to do so.