After reading the thread on what this DB has given to the membership, I thought I would post on my update as I do consider this community a welcoming, generous and interesting one. If you look at my profile, I have been around for quite awhile...and I consider myself FI and could be RE. I've written about how I like the FI aspect as it gives me freedom to make decisions not only from an economic basis. Well, I've made a decision to go back to work--I have been working part-time with my consulting for the intellectual engagement, however, due to several major personal transitions, I applied for a position overseas last December. I will be moving to Germany for a position at a hospital working in Health IT. The appointment is 3-5 years and at that point I will start receiving my Reserve military pension and be truly retired....
So, why did I do this?
1) The job looks interesting and is something I have not done before
2) I love the location
3) I negotiated the largest vacation time available (> 1 month per year)
4) I can always quit and move back in a year if I hate it
5) With my military background, the 3 year-itis bug has hit me twice since I've lived where I do now
My message to those of you either anticipating FIRE, in FIRE or near FIRE - do what you think you should do. Being FI gives you options once you get there....and retirement is what you want it to be. Not all people mind having something challenging/interesting to do with their time that is paid for by someone else....interestingly, I've met a few on this board personally and they are FI and yet they still work, albeit not for pay, just doing what they enjoy.
And for FIRE'd - hope to ski in France this winter....will PM asking for tips on skiing near where you are....
So, why did I do this?
1) The job looks interesting and is something I have not done before
2) I love the location
3) I negotiated the largest vacation time available (> 1 month per year)
4) I can always quit and move back in a year if I hate it
5) With my military background, the 3 year-itis bug has hit me twice since I've lived where I do now
My message to those of you either anticipating FIRE, in FIRE or near FIRE - do what you think you should do. Being FI gives you options once you get there....and retirement is what you want it to be. Not all people mind having something challenging/interesting to do with their time that is paid for by someone else....interestingly, I've met a few on this board personally and they are FI and yet they still work, albeit not for pay, just doing what they enjoy.
And for FIRE'd - hope to ski in France this winter....will PM asking for tips on skiing near where you are....