Just an observation ... as I look at these boards, and consider folks I have known over the years, the great importance of stability cannot be overestimated.
Folks that are able to get careers in situations where they can stay employed for many, many years, and especially build government / military pensions are usually in great shape. Those pensions are a very big deal now ... private employer pensions are not only very unusual, they are also not dependable.
Folks that can get and stay married for their lifetimes, with productive, working spouses are in much better shape. Nice hedge for hard times, and loss of jobs.
If you're able, and have the capital, drive and skills ... owning your own, successful business, and having a productive spouse is very good. Try to have lots of customers ...
Unfortunately, for the vast majority of folks, jobs are no longer stable, divorce is way too common, and starting and owning a successful business is a real challenge. Those folks are not on these boards, because they are unable to generate sufficient capital to reach FIRE.
Just an observation ... stability is so key, and unfortunately, it is becoming less common in our society.
Folks that are able to get careers in situations where they can stay employed for many, many years, and especially build government / military pensions are usually in great shape. Those pensions are a very big deal now ... private employer pensions are not only very unusual, they are also not dependable.
Folks that can get and stay married for their lifetimes, with productive, working spouses are in much better shape. Nice hedge for hard times, and loss of jobs.
If you're able, and have the capital, drive and skills ... owning your own, successful business, and having a productive spouse is very good. Try to have lots of customers ...
Unfortunately, for the vast majority of folks, jobs are no longer stable, divorce is way too common, and starting and owning a successful business is a real challenge. Those folks are not on these boards, because they are unable to generate sufficient capital to reach FIRE.
Just an observation ... stability is so key, and unfortunately, it is becoming less common in our society.