Have lurked for years. Learned alot. Appreciate those who have spent a lot of time exposing their personal lives and commenting. Hoping that by finally posting will ensure I follow through and stop the OMY syndrome. Have known we are FI for ten plus years. But a number of factors held me back from taking the plunge. Some rationalizations follow1) spent too much time building a knowledge base and skill set that shouldn't go to waste. (2). Each month i hang on =substantial incremental savings (3). Was "only" early 40's when FI=too young to retire (4) in my industry one can never go back to earning the kind of income i am making once you check out.
I wonder if it all isn't really do to the "living to work" work ethic mentality combined with a less than wealthy upbringing that makes one always concerned about the unexpected financial disasters that strike families living on the edge. Even though you know you aren't in that position anymore, the memories of those days have a long term impact on your sense of security. Similar to those who lived through the depression. In other words "fear of ____" fill in the blank. This can even be true for what society considers UHNW individuals. While many in society will deride the "poor" wealthy persons emotional turmoil, it still exists for some. We have lived way below our means for 30 years now. Neverthelesš we have given generously to many charities over the years. We realize that given our LBYM lifestyle all income earned will compound and go to family and charity. But have kept working extremely long hours for the past 30 years. (Mental illness?)
Now that mid 50's are staring me in the face, it is finally truely sinking in that there are only so many good years to go and dieing with a very large pile is not necessarily a good thing. There will be plenty left even if I stop w*rking. You really don't have to work to earn more just because that is what you have always done. Or what society expects.
Has anyone else held off RE even when they knew they should RE,but were OMYing for no rational reason?
Long enough ramble. Look forward to participating and not just lurking. Also, Hope to join the many brave souls on this forum who FIREd and serve as role models for us poor souls who are afraid to take the leap.
I wonder if it all isn't really do to the "living to work" work ethic mentality combined with a less than wealthy upbringing that makes one always concerned about the unexpected financial disasters that strike families living on the edge. Even though you know you aren't in that position anymore, the memories of those days have a long term impact on your sense of security. Similar to those who lived through the depression. In other words "fear of ____" fill in the blank. This can even be true for what society considers UHNW individuals. While many in society will deride the "poor" wealthy persons emotional turmoil, it still exists for some. We have lived way below our means for 30 years now. Neverthelesš we have given generously to many charities over the years. We realize that given our LBYM lifestyle all income earned will compound and go to family and charity. But have kept working extremely long hours for the past 30 years. (Mental illness?)
Now that mid 50's are staring me in the face, it is finally truely sinking in that there are only so many good years to go and dieing with a very large pile is not necessarily a good thing. There will be plenty left even if I stop w*rking. You really don't have to work to earn more just because that is what you have always done. Or what society expects.
Has anyone else held off RE even when they knew they should RE,but were OMYing for no rational reason?
Long enough ramble. Look forward to participating and not just lurking. Also, Hope to join the many brave souls on this forum who FIREd and serve as role models for us poor souls who are afraid to take the leap.