Job titles and FIRE

[hustler]

Insurance actuary who has a sweet deal working from home. I'm fairly certain no one wants to know more details about that.

Hahah, that's a good one!

 

[steelyman]

“Retired research scientist”. “What did you research?”. “Still looking.”

 

[W2R]

I am afraid my friends would change the attitude towards me and that I might become a target for criminals, etc.

The way I see it, anyone with enough money to retire comfortably is a target for criminals etc. I think (hope?) most of us are pretty cautious and are always on the lookout for con artists and others who have targeted our nestegg.

As a matter of fact, even my girlfriend doesn't know I am FIREd as I am afraid it might mess things up between us and I would constantly doubt if she is with me because of the money or not.

Believe me, I understand. Probably best not to tell her about it until you feel more trust in her than that.

I am even thinking of finding a job now just to clear all the doubts that I am FIREd and sticking to it for a year or so.

Ugh. If you decide to do this, I'd suggest trying to think of something that you would genuinely like to do, even if the pay is low.

 

[SecondCor521]

I retired early at age 46 via the more typical path of working and saving and investing for 20 years, which I acknowledge up-front is far different from a 20-something crypto person like OP.

Perhaps I am naive or just lucky (or both), but I find all this pussyfooting and careful narrative unnecessary and ill-advised for anyone except casual strangers.

I'm just honest and straightforward with people. If they ask what I do, I say I'm retired. When they (used to) comment that I'm too young to retire, I say it's a financial thing, not an age thing. More often the next question is what did I used to do, or how did I retire so early - I say that I used to be an engineer and a manager, and my parents taught me well and got me off to a good start in life.

If anyone asked me to do stuff for them because I'm FIREd or have money - nobody has yet - I can say yes or no as I see fit.

If anyone had negative conniptions about anything about me or my situation - nobody has yet - I can just say to myself "not my circus, not my monkeys" and let them go on their merry (or sad) way. If they got in my face about it - nobody has yet - I could tell them to politely go pound sand.

Honestly the worst reaction I think I've had out of the hundreds of people whom I've mentioned I'm FIRE is some wistful envy from people who feel trapped in their financial situation. But it's not directed at me, per se.

If anyone shows genuine or sincere interest in how things happened for me, I have always been kind and helpful and supportive and encouraging that they can do it too if they want to. Among working people, these kind of people are very rare. Interest is fairly common among older and/or other retired people, but then it's just sort of a club that I happened to join a bit early and they have their own stories that they might share.

I do practice stealth wealth, mostly because I prefer the simple life and don't have any fancy or flashy needs or wants. I just have a regular car, house, clothes, hobbies, trips, etc. It's a secondary benefit that it can stave off awkward conversations.

I also practice good financial hygiene in terms of criminals. I have good passwords, I don't fall for scams, I check my accounts regularly, I have 2FA set up, I check my credit report often, I avoid people/scenarios/financing that I think may be risky or dangerous, etc.

I personally find it odd about hiding FIRE status from a romantic interest. If it will "mess things up" or if you doubt if she's with you for the money, then I'd say it's better to find that out sooner rather than later for any number of reasons. I'm not saying whip out a net worth statement when having a first coffee, but I think a pattern of deception in a relationship that has lasted more than several dates isn't good.

YMMV, etc.

 

[f35phixer]

Working on my PHD in finance, Starting first course next year.

 

[travelover]

.........I personally find it odd about hiding FIRE status from a romantic interest. If it will "mess things up" or if you doubt if she's with you for the money, then I'd say it's better to find that out sooner rather than later for any number of reasons. I'm not saying whip out a net worth statement when having a first coffee, but I think a pattern of deception in a relationship that has lasted more than several dates isn't good.

YMMV, etc.

Yes, that would be an awkward topic to obfuscate. Our actual job and financial stability are key elements of who we are. Not that anyone should troll for gold diggers, but between serious partners, there has to be transparency.

 

[Markola]

Taking a long-planned sabbatical. Indefinite timetable.

 

[Time2]

If ask what you do, I do undercover investigative work for the IRS.
Then ask, "How do you earn year money, while you pull a notebook from your pocket.


If at some point the girlfriend pushes, how you can have money and never work, and you still don't want her to know you are wealthy. Make up a story about having an annuity or stipend or a relative's trust that pays $50,000 a year. But explain you have to be careful with the money or get a job in the future, because inflation will make $50,000 hardly enough to live on. Or it expires/ends in 17 years. This at least puts the idea you are wealthy on the back burner.


Reminds me of the story about he McDonalds manager that really owned 5 McDonalds, kept his ownership a secret until he popped the question, then let her know about his wealth.
I do think it's wise to keep your stealth wealth.

 

[OldShooter]

Occupation?: Old Retired Fart
Income?: Adequate

 

[RetiredHappy]

"I am on extended sabbatical."

 

[mystang52]

"Consultant. I work from home with flexible hours."

 

[Walt34]

"I sell life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance from home. Let's set up a time for us to discuss your needs".

 

[Winemaker]

I shut them up with "Garagiste".

 

[youbet]

I just tell the truth: I am long term unemployed. With our "Millionaire Next Door" lifestyle, that has generally worked fine.

When we first FIRE'd, there would be a rare awkward moment when an influential friend would refer us to a job opening and we'd have to say we weren't interested in that opportunity. But now, FIRE'd for over 16 years and in our early 70's, everyone seems to get it that we're "done" and that apparently we are OK financially. So, life goes on.

In no way would we be untruthful or even vague about our status. I'm long term unemployed and DW is retired.

 

[travelover]

"I sell life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance from home. Let's set up a time for us to discuss your needs".

 

[ncbill]

Some nosy parker asked an acquaintance about me after they saw me enjoying a leisurely early morning meal at a local diner.

I told them just tell people I'm a contract killer who appreciates the value of a good breakfast.

 

[Z3Dreamer]

My 2 cents about disclosing info to someone you are dating/in a relationship with. I would not recommend making up a story. Lies will come back to bite you. If asked, say something like: I have had some recent good luck with my investments. But like all investments, they may be lower tomorrow. If pressed further say something like: At some point in our relationship we should both discuss our finances because finances are a huge cause of breakups. For the time being, lets just enjoy my current success.

 

[youbet]

Hello everyone!

Therefore, I need an advice on what I could tell to people I do for a living so that they would not question either my job (incl. asking for professional services) nor my wealth status.

Don't make more of this than it actually is. Tell the truth. You are unemployed but have enough resources to go on without working for now. Folks who are uncomfortable with this and keep pressing for more details will tone down over time.

 

[captain3d]

If you solve it for the girl friend then you solve it for everyone else

Living off saving while you think what direction to take with life is probably truthful

 

[Montecfo]

While Financial Manager is fine, it might invite additional questions. I find using a job title that is perceived to be dull and boring, like Accountant, shuts people right up. Most folks don’t have ANY interest in learning more about debits and credits.

.

Actuary

even accountants find that dull.

 

[Jim59]

Don’t tell untruths by making something up. Just be yourself. Those closest will understand why should anyone else bother. Simply retort you’re in between jobs.

 

[37andhappy]

Hello everyone!
I couldn’t find a thread on this topic so decided to open a new one.

I am the guy in my late 20’s and I’ve already managed to get financially independent and retired early.

As I would like to practice a stealth wealth, when I tell people I quit my job and don’t do anything at the moment, it raises a lot of eyebrows and some of them assume I became wealthy so I don’t have to work anymore.

Therefore, I need an advice on what I could tell to people I do for a living so that they would not question either my job (incl. asking for professional services) nor my wealth status.

Thanks a lot in advance!

I get this all the time.

My response is usually something like "private equity and real-estate", and the conversation often then quickly moves on...

In the early days I used to say "I'm retired", which can provide some interesting reactions, but often then requires a longer explanation on how/what/why (and sometime how much $? ).

So in summary, for me its dependent on the circumstances.

 

[Markola]

I shut them up with "Garagiste".

I had to look it up. Good word! Refers to a group of winemakers in the Bordeaux region who make wine in their garages.

 

[brett]

Just say private investor.

More questions after that...politely use the MYOB answer.

I would not let what others think concern you for a New York minute.

 

[MissMolly]

Personally, if the person I was romantically involved with lied to me about how they spent their days, that would be a deal breaker. I would never, ever be able to trust them again. Man up and just be honest.