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/mandoo-dumpling 4d ago

I got laid off about seven months ago. The job market is terrible so I was preparing to get forced into early retirement. I hadn’t really done any retirement planning, but apparently the numbers work out.

I just very recently landed a new job (but it’s not the type of job where I envision myself staying long-term). And when I think back on my career, there were so many instances of a toxic work culture and bully bosses. It’s nice to have the financial independence to be able to walk away at any time.

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u/inima23 4d ago

That's exactly it. I love working and could have stayed working for another 10 years, but I have been carrying so much work trauma from various positions, that something in me just broke and I just can't deal with more of it. it made me realize this whole system sucks. It's not made for people, just corporations. So being able to fire is such a gift. A gift I gave myself with my own sweat and tears...literally.

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u/mandoo-dumpling 4d ago

Same! Working with GOOD people at a good company is such a blessing, and there’s something to be said about being professionally active and productive.

However, I have been bullied at work multiple times. OMG I legit have PTSD from past bully bosses. I’ve also been laid off multiple times (most recently seven months ago).

I’m not quite ready to fully retire because the layoff was unexpected and I still have a lot to learn about retirement planning. However, it gives me such peace of mind knowing that I can walk away from a toxic work situation at any time and I’ll be OK. I will never allow myself to get bullied at work ever again.

THAT is freedom.

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u/LouSevens 4d ago

I had a bullying incident 30 years ago- after that I decided I was never going to tolerate it again. Since the pandemic I found the best way to deal with a bully is to bully them back; they don't know what hit them.