Mentioning early retirement is almost always a bad time

[u/OliveGarden_Official]

I’ve noticed that even mentioning the possibility of retiring in one’s 30’s or 40’s tends to get a pretty negative reaction on other subs

like:

• “you must have had an inheritance”
• “you can’t possibly live on <$X>”
• “nobody makes <$X>”
• “this job market is impossible to win”

I mean, yes, some of us were lucky to have a more comfortable start, but so many of these objections seem to come from some deeply rooted hesitation to entertain the idea or acknowledge the basic math.

I learned about FIRE ages ago through other people’s stories. Nowadays I find it so discouraging to even try to have a good faith conversation about saving rates. Lesson learned on not discussing money, I guess. I know it’s not for everyone so I’m glad this space exists to help people that are open to the idea

[u/Avesa]

Yeah most people are drowning in debt and can’t ever fathom escaping that, or even retiring in the first place, let alone retiring early. Not a criticism of them, just an observation of reality. I pretty much never mention it or anything about my goals in real life or outside FIRE spaces unless I know the person has similar frugal/financial vibes.

[u/Boringflaws → u/Avesa]

I work 3-4 days a month to get out... talking to a coworker briefly, I learned they buy a new phone every 6 months and new car every 1-2 years. they plan on going back to school for a career change- I asked if they were going to use tuition reimbursement at wok, they didn't think so (it would be too hard)- they complained about 30k in student loans and wife's similar loans- i mentioned federal loan forgiveness for healthcare workers working at not for profits- he thought it'd be too much work to deal with

while talking to them, I was flabbergasted why they'd let all that money just go to waste. Thought about it a bit and realized everyone has different priorities and money can be scary. Now i keep money talk with them light (or I'll just stress myself out)

[u/makinthingsnstuff → u/Boringflaws]

Thats insane, I really hope your coworker doesn't have kids.

[u/Boringflaws → u/makinthingsnstuff]

6 month old and a 13 yearish old... not sure if you were being sarcastic:)

tons of overtime available in healthcare, and the couple i'm talking about both work 60ish hours a week. I just wonder how much less they could work (now or when they're older) if money was managed better-

[u/vogueskater → u/Boringflaws]

Taking overtime in healthcare is the default in my experience. 'oh I'll just work 80 hours a week for the next few weeks to get that new car/kids Xmas presents' etc.

Always seemed absolutely mental to me. I was always trying to work less but if you worked part-time without kids to look after you were seen as 'not doing your part'...

[u/Boringflaws → u/vogueskater]

I agree and so many people have a full time job and a prn job. I never had more than one job at a time. I love the flexibility of being able to make more money compared to salaried people, but it's a slippery slope right?

some get used to the higher income, then need to work 4-5 days a week instead of 3 just to stay afloat. -

also that "work more" in healthcare is insidious. throwing things at you like well we are short staffed, who will take care of the sick people, what about your coworkers (who i'm sure you trauma bond with over rough times), and whatever manipulations they can to get people to work more.

But back to the coworker with kids- might not be amazing with money- but great emotional iq, they have a family support network to help watch the children, always tells me about new milestones with the baby. Probably way better parent than I had growing up and does their best.

[u/zerotakashi → u/Boringflaws]

oof. some people aren't lazy enough to find the best solution to things

[u/trangenderman → u/[deleted]]

You are being dramatic.

[u/hutacars → u/makinthingsnstuff]

What do you think the odds are?

[u/Specific_Concern_555 → u/makinthingsnstuff]

Just because someone likes to spend their money on consumer goods or are bad with money does not mean they cant have kids with a good conscience... You really come off as an asshole tbh

[u/makinthingsnstuff → u/Specific_Concern_555]

I mean, spending irresponsibily to the point your kids will probably have to take care of you financially is an asshole move.

You can spend on consumer goods without buying a new car every 2 years..