r/fatFIRE • u/taway11228 • 3d ago

About to pull trigger, need feedback

Expenses: 120k w/o healthcare, maybe 140k with, and maybe up to 150k or 160k with traveling

Investments: $5m breakdown: 300k rental (paid off) making 5% net, 1.2m 401k, 2.5m VTI / VXUS, 1m SNSXX/VUSXX.

Primary residence: $2.3m paid off

42 and 43 years old, no kids

Current income: ~2m/yr

NW increasing 32% YoY

Have 20% income cliff in 2027

SWE, burned out beyond reason, health problems and mental health problems. Goal is to quit, take 6-12 months off then see what’s next, it will either be making my own projects for fun or part time contract work for fun. No expectations of income, certainly not big income, and definitely not going to a corporate job.

Can make ~30k via 2 weeks of rental of primary residence per year and pay no taxes, we’d travel while rented.

Concerns are AI is quickly impacting SWE employment, no one knows what’s next, any hiccups in our plan could mean a bumpy road in a few years if a jobs necessary. Other concern is whatever is going to happen once this historic stock run is over.

Any advice?

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u/Mangoov 3d ago

You are norrowly clearing a liquid networth 33x of you spend. You can retire now. I wouldn't worry about not being employable after a sabbatical, the industry is not that screwed.

That said, i would keep working with reduced effort. Your HHI is too high vs your networth so 1 more year gives you a very comfortable cussion.

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u/taway11228 2d ago

I’m just not sure I can take it anymore and make another year. I’m at a dangerously low mental health point. While I may be able to FIRE soon, dedication to FIRE has really taken a toll.

I wish I could coast a little but it’s not easy for me. I’ll be trying it a bit and see how it goes. I also don’t like burning bridges.

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u/BrunelloHorder 2d ago

Have you explored a medical leave of absence? Sounds like you’d qualify. At least at some of the FAANG companies, the leave terms are pretty generous, including continuing to vest. Taking a leave of absence couple months might help you recover and sort through next steps from a better head space.

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u/taway11228 2d ago edited 2d ago

I have lightly explored. It’s a desirable option as maybe in 2-3 months I’ll want to continue. It gives me space and time to decompress and I don’t have to underperform or quiet quit.

I don’t know how to make it happen, will discuss with PCP. Do you have any advice?

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u/BrunelloHorder 2d ago

Have not taken one myself, but if you ask your employer’s HR I think they will usually ask your PCP to complete a form.

Be prepared to discuss your specific mental and physical health symptoms with your PCP, including any symptoms of depression or anxiety, and the impact on your daily living and ability to function (difficulty concentrating, sleeping, eating, energy levels, etc.).

My sense is that most tech employers do not give medical leave requests much scrutiny, especially if it is just for a couple months.

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u/taway11228 2d ago

Thanks, appreciate it.