39, Working Towards FIRE

[santiago]

Hi Everyone,

I've been a long-time lurker on the forum, and as appeciation for everyone's thoughts, I thought that I would join the discussion. I am 39, working towards FIRE in 2-3 years. FIRE for me would likely be 'semi-retirement' - a chance to delve into those fields and experiences that are most meaningful to me. I do not have a set idea of what I hope that FIRE will hold, except for the hope that there will be opportunity to forge close friendships and to open myself to new experiences of life.

Thanks to everyone in the forum for sharing your opinions and experiences. You have helped provide courage and motivation for pursuing an alternate path.

[JacqJolie]

Welcome to the discussion Santiago. I lurked here from the time I started thinking about retirement, through when I started actually saving up, which was when I was around your age. I'm 44 now and have only started posting since I've been close enough to taste retirement. I've taken the semi-retirement route as well to be able to have my cake and eat it too.

Eighteen months ago, I resolved to never get a full-time permanent job again, but only had 2 months off this year (Jan 20-Mar 21) before I started another 2 1/2 month part-time contract 3 weeks ago. I'll be taking the summer off for sure and then will see where I go from there. Likely won't be working again in 2010 after July as long as the market stays on track. If it doesn't I'll be going back to work for a bit.

I think you're right in going for meaningful work. I haven't paid enough attention to that, and am paying the price for it. It's more important than the money, that's for sure.