Hello all...I'm new here. I have a dilemma and I'm hoping some of you can share your insight.
I'm 49 years old and despite my best efforts, I think I'm 3-5 years from hitting my early retirement goals. I currently earn 100k, which is a lot of $$$ here in the Midwest. I have a stable job with above average benefits. I currently max out both my 401(k) and Roth. Trying to LBYM and pay off my mortgage and 5 rental properties.
Back to the dilemma...I am bored to tears at work. I've only had this particular job for 1 1/2 years, and it's fair to say I am underutilized and underemployed (in terms of job responsibilities). Of course I have offered to take on additional projects and responsibilities (repeatedly) to alleviate my boredom, but there have been no takers. If I stay 3 more years I will be eligible for a small pension. Every little bit helps of course.
I have been thinking about switching careers and would no doubt earn considerably less. I would probably have to use some of my investable assets (currently 1.2 m) to subsidize current expenses, and there's no guarantee that I will enjoy the new job.
It's hard for me to give up the security of my current position, but I don't want to be the sort of person who "settles" or counts down the days to ER in misery.
What do you think? Should I stay put and walk out in 37 months, or try something new, knowing full well that I will probably have to work a little longer? BTW, the rental properties do cash flow so I some side income from them.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
I'm 49 years old and despite my best efforts, I think I'm 3-5 years from hitting my early retirement goals. I currently earn 100k, which is a lot of $$$ here in the Midwest. I have a stable job with above average benefits. I currently max out both my 401(k) and Roth. Trying to LBYM and pay off my mortgage and 5 rental properties.
Back to the dilemma...I am bored to tears at work. I've only had this particular job for 1 1/2 years, and it's fair to say I am underutilized and underemployed (in terms of job responsibilities). Of course I have offered to take on additional projects and responsibilities (repeatedly) to alleviate my boredom, but there have been no takers. If I stay 3 more years I will be eligible for a small pension. Every little bit helps of course.
I have been thinking about switching careers and would no doubt earn considerably less. I would probably have to use some of my investable assets (currently 1.2 m) to subsidize current expenses, and there's no guarantee that I will enjoy the new job.
It's hard for me to give up the security of my current position, but I don't want to be the sort of person who "settles" or counts down the days to ER in misery.
What do you think? Should I stay put and walk out in 37 months, or try something new, knowing full well that I will probably have to work a little longer? BTW, the rental properties do cash flow so I some side income from them.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!