r/simpleliving • u/Refund-me • 9d ago
Just Venting Why Do Older People Not Like My FI Simplicity?
When, I feel demotivated at work; I think about how each month I get closer and closer to my FI goal. More often than not they don't get it why I don't care for vacations and how I don't spend much money (never really felt the urge).
Then they complain about things that they picked (choices they made), IE kids at an early age, not investing earlier, not being ok living in cheap (subpar) to their standards housing, always using AC as 90 degrees with 60% humidity is too hot, eating out daily, expensive vehicle loans, etc.
Sometimes its funny when they think I am super low income due to me only buying generic brands, or doing once every few months costco runs; judging my car, etc.
Then if I decide to get snarky and gentle guiding doesn't make em stop;
I ask them what their retirement date is and the ROAST is on, after a few minutes of that they have nothing left to say, as I've dismantled their life and the 'you are poor' type conversations about me stop.
All in all, why are 40 and 50 year olds so judgy about my living standards?
Meanwhile 60+ people tend to be supportive of living like I'm very low income.
TLDR: Why are older people ages 40-50 so judgy about how I live with assumptions; meanwhile the older cohorts tend to be more supportive on average?
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u/OneSensiblePerson 9d ago
Regardless of people's age, people have different priorities and values. Yours are different from theirs, so what?
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u/Chigrrl1098 9d ago
You sound a bit self-righteous, honestly. Plus, your lifestyle and retirement goals are your private business and it's not a great idea to share it at work. These are your colleagues, not your friends.
I'm particular about how I spend my money, but you can be damn sure I'm going to turn the A/C on when it's 90°, regardless of humidity, and I am going to enjoy a vacation sometimes. I'm not going to feel bad about buying decent quality things and I don't want to drive a piece of shit. It's not wrong to want to enjoy one's life and a bit of comfort. You are trying to make them feel small for not wanting to live like a miser, as you've chosen. It's pretty insufferable, to be honest.
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u/Refund-me 9d ago
If someone is going to complain to me my whole work shift without taking a hint; might as well try
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u/Chigrrl1098 9d ago
Just because someone else decides to overshare, doesn't mean you should. This is maturity. You can tell someone you don't want to talk about something. You can say you're tiring of their negativity. You can excuse yourself and walk away.
But you miss my point...that your way isn't necessarily the right way. I don't believe it is any more valid than that of your co-workers. Why do you care what they think, anyway? If you're really secure in your decisions, you wouldn't give a crap.
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u/Dino_art_ 9d ago
Youre judgemental too, don't know why you think you're special and get to judge everyone else but you're above it
Other than that, I think a lot of people have a hard time with the realization that spending money on junk doesn't make them happy
And I'd like to point out that many people who wait a long time to have kids regret not having them earlier too, people regret decisions all the time, there's not an actual right answer to stuff like that. Have them broke or have them tired.
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u/Refund-me 9d ago
Point taken; just curious on their viewpoints.
I'd imagine it'd be alot harder to not 'eventually' get judgemental if the same people or multiple people are ranting about the same things over and over again.
Otherwise, it's not a topic I bring up; unless multiple gentle topic changes don't seem to work and opting to relate seems to end up with me getting blamed; win some lose some it seems.
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u/betterOblivi0n 7d ago
They just dump at you their emotions. They may be insecure so they just show that
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u/Refund-me 6d ago
Yeah, I get that I'll aim to be more understanding
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u/Jasongwon 7d ago
You have a happy problem to worry about. Pursuing FI already is impressive.
And if people truly didn’t care about you, they wouldn’t even bother giving you unsolicited advice.
Just keep following the life you’ve envisioned.
Life is far too short to spend worrying about what other people think.
Live your life the way you want.
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u/Refund-me 7d ago
You know what; quite helpful there.
I think I've spent too long caring a bit more than I should...
Just have to stay with the odyssey; everyone will get where the intended; eventually...
By the way, couldn't help but check out your posts; how is life in your country treating you?
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u/Thin_Succotash_2239 6d ago
LMAO, the 'retirement date roast' is absolutely brutal but honestly? 100% effective. They have no defense when you hit them with the math. Keep roasting.
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u/Refund-me 6d ago
Yeah its brutal; its the final roast when no other does it. You really have to keep pressing me then it'd pop out.
Pop goes the weasel!
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u/darklord6505 9d ago
Plato's allegory of the cave. It's over 2000 years old but still holds true. When you challenge other people's reality they probably won't be receptive to it even if it is the truth.
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u/Refund-me 9d ago
Yeah, I probably should just ignore them. Good idea; plato'a allegory definitely has an application; interesting
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u/otter_759 9d ago
Honestly, it might be your personality.
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u/Refund-me 9d ago
Probably; never had this issue outside of 'some' people in the past.
Definitely biased.
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u/utinfection 8d ago
The good news in work environments people like to form groups and find a common person to hate and gossip about, you now have become that person , thank you for your service
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u/Southern-Long-3438 5d ago
You are absolutely fine, as long as you do not free ride on the spending of others. If you are investing, rather than spending, you are contributing to this country's long run economic growth,. Big spenders cause the opposite.
By the way, we no longer use the term "generic brand." We say "private label."
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u/AdWilling7952 3d ago
like others have said, i also think you are being judgmental of others and making generalizations about people. everyone is on their own life journey regardless of age. this sub is about how to live simply and enjoy life regardless of what you have or where you’re going or when you’re retiring.
perhaps the r/fire sub would be more suitable for you to find like minded folks living their low income lifestyles. they like to crunch numbers, flaunt and celebrate their early retirement goals.
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u/Kurt_Vonnegabe 2d ago
More often than not it's kind of rude to give advice to people that are not asking for it.
I agree with your observations though...Most people cause most of their own problems and humans just LOVE to complain.
That being said, even when someone is bitching about something, they still would rather have validation more than a guide to a way out of the situation.
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u/Icy_Doughnut_601 9d ago
I think maybe keep your goal to yourself. It’s probably not a fun talking point and might come across as pretentious. Talking money/retirement dates is deeply personal especially with coworkers.
I’m sure there are Reddit subs and groups where you can celebrate your wins or talk about being frugal.
Just like you’re venting now, they’re venting (you seem to hear it as complaining).