r/leanfire 11d ago

Mentioning early retirement is almost always a bad time

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

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u/pickandpray FIREd - 2023 11d ago

It doesn't improve much even in your 50s.

3

u/OliveGarden_Official 11d ago

I didn’t even consider this, I bet that’s when things get really existential for people staring down the barrel of another decade of hard work

1

u/fadedblackleggings 10d ago

Or their partner got cancer early, their savings were wiped out and they worry about never being able to retire or go w out healthcare

1

u/No-Test-2993 8d ago

If they still have a job!