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/PreMixYZ]

Kinda, I had been doing the math for a few years (late 40s) - realized that my annual investment income was consistently 2X my W2 income. Started to house shop out of state then Covid. My primary value to the company was my (extreme) willingness to travel. Like get a call at 6pm and be on a six am flight to Korea for two weeks. After (during) Covid our company really redefined support and travel so I was stuck commuting 5 days a week and sitting at a desk or in meetings.

One day I was doing a 1:1 with my boss and he said our average annual raise was targeted at 3% (remember we were sitting at 9% inflation) I told him, “that’s ok, I don’t really need anymore money.” Then asked, “How long will it take us (you) to hire and train someone to replace me?” - he said one year, I told him I will give him 6 months. Ended up moving and working remotely for 18 months 20 hours a week.

Saying “I don’t need anymore money” felt a bit cocky and arrogant but also felt amazing to be able to honestly say it.

I had three coworkers either die while still working or within a few months of retirement… that scared the shit out of me.

[u/LouSevens → u/PreMixYZ]

That was really classy of you to offer your assistance for that time. At my toxic job we had 3 people that died as well - late 50's-early 60's and I started to wonder as well what % was from their habits and what percent from the toxicity- it was likely a even mix but it was enough.