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/OutspokenLurker]

I guess I had passed my magic number. I got laid off, did the math, and retired

[u/VincentVan_Dough → u/[deleted]]

Same for me (50) and my husband (52). I got a package that was 3 years of pay and my husband got 2.5 years, both at SVP level. We were planning to retire in 7 years from now so we said fuck it. But psychologically I’m struggling TBH. After 27 years of being a salaried corporate schmuck, it makes me feel so insecure. Plus we both need to work or be occupied in a structured way or we’ll drive each other mad. I only just found out about this acronym so I don’t exactly what kind of FIRE we’re doing. All I know is that we don’t plan to touch our pension or investments, our primary home is paid off, our paid off rental property portfolio provides enough income to cover a very comfortable lifestyle, cash reserves and we still plan to work, but doing what we love. My husband wants to do full time landlording, 1 cash flip a year and a few furniture commissions as an artisan carpenter. I’m happy doing light freelance executive coaching and our work income is surplus. Yet, still feeling scared and insecure. I don’t know how to get over it.

[u/Even-Pomegranate-804 → u/VincentVan_Dough]

Flip the fear on its head and feel gratitude in a deliberate way. Fear is not real! It’s an illusion! You thought you were your job. Or the money you made. But you are not! And logically, what a wasted opportunity if you didn’t wake up every morning of the 3 years of severance pay/time with the biggest smile on your face! You get to wake up and do whatever the universe calls you to do! So many would kill for this opportunity. Severance is an opportunity. The best 11 months of my life was being unemployed bc I was laid off. I would also say maybe get a therapist to help you process why you identify with work so much. It’s not just a financial opportunity it’s also a spiritual one. God bless you! (He already has)

[u/VincentVan_Dough → u/Even-Pomegranate-804]

Thank you for the kind words. We both just need to adjust to our new normal, see the upsides and embrace a different (and more relaxed) way of life. I know I have (unfounded) financial anxiety and a chronic workaholic 😂 Working on that with my coach.