stoicwannabe
Confused about dryer sheets
Hi I’m Stoicwannabe. I am 52 years old, Married for 27 years, three kids, the youngest of which will be graduating from college next year. I love this site and have lurked for about 2 years. I have learned so much about the financial and emotional phases of pre retirement and retirement. The ideas of frugality and self sufficiency were ingrained in me at a young age and it is great to know that there is a large and growing community of like minded people. I firmly believe that the earth cannot sustain our growth and over consumption. I am not yet ready to give up the car and bike to work but love the idea that some people are able to do that. I feel that marketing and materialism has caused an ongoing search for the next great thing only to be disappointed after the sweetness of the new purchase fades rapidly as we turn our attention to the next object of desire.
DW and I have good paying jobs but after the kids left the house our requirements at work slowly increased to the point that we are both working about 60 hours a week. Part time is not an option for either of us and at some point in the next 2-4 years we will both leave full time employment. Our jobs are extremely stressful and there is no sign of anything letting up soon. I think I can make it 2 years and DW 4 years.
Firecalc shows we are good with 99 percent confidence of covering our expenses. If I am able to become more of a true stoic or mustachian there would be excess funds for the kids, charity or increased travel.
I am grateful for the values instilled by my depression era parents, but unfortunately a byproduct is a puritanical work ethic to continue to keep my head down, don’t complain, and keep working. So here is my question mostly to myself as I understand nobody can answer it but myself: How does one REALLY know it is time to drop the mic? For many it is external forces such as corporate reorganization, new bosses, travel requirements, etc. For others it is some life event such as a new grandchild, illness or domestic issue. For others I think it is having accomplished what one wanted to accomplish during their working life. The variability of what makes a person actually leave a stable job fascinates me, and I admire people that have the strength and confidence to make such a difficult decision. I am so looking forward to the day of dropping the mic and leaving the stage.
DW and I have good paying jobs but after the kids left the house our requirements at work slowly increased to the point that we are both working about 60 hours a week. Part time is not an option for either of us and at some point in the next 2-4 years we will both leave full time employment. Our jobs are extremely stressful and there is no sign of anything letting up soon. I think I can make it 2 years and DW 4 years.
Firecalc shows we are good with 99 percent confidence of covering our expenses. If I am able to become more of a true stoic or mustachian there would be excess funds for the kids, charity or increased travel.
I am grateful for the values instilled by my depression era parents, but unfortunately a byproduct is a puritanical work ethic to continue to keep my head down, don’t complain, and keep working. So here is my question mostly to myself as I understand nobody can answer it but myself: How does one REALLY know it is time to drop the mic? For many it is external forces such as corporate reorganization, new bosses, travel requirements, etc. For others it is some life event such as a new grandchild, illness or domestic issue. For others I think it is having accomplished what one wanted to accomplish during their working life. The variability of what makes a person actually leave a stable job fascinates me, and I admire people that have the strength and confidence to make such a difficult decision. I am so looking forward to the day of dropping the mic and leaving the stage.
