Dreamingaboutretirement
Confused about dryer sheets
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2017
- Messages
- 6
Hi all - I discovered this site a little while ago, been reading a bit, and posting for the first time, and really like how supportive and informative people are.
So, here's my story: I think a *lot* about early retirement, for two key reasons. First, I really dislike my job. Without getting into specifics, I'm white collar professional who has seen my job sphere change radically for the worse, both on an individualized basis and also for the profession at large. I don't have much reason for optimism for my current job to become remotely satisfying again, and the stress levels have gone through the roof. So there's that.
Second, I am the beneficiary of some substantial family financial assistance. Some of it already provided, some of it to be distributed over the course of a number of years. Not enough to immediately retire, and I live in a VERY HCOL area, but enough to ensure that my nuclear family should be safe and secure even if the fit hits the shan, and likely enough to set me up for a good retirement as long as I don't just live on it now (early 40's). This is on top of any potential inheritance, which is also likely and probably substantial (but I am not counting those chickens).
So, with these two factors, you can imagine that I think a *lot* about the fantasy of not having to work my job. No more Sunday anxiety. No more cringing when checking work email. No more having difficulty relaxing during the second half of a vacation because of the thoughts of returning to my job. No more groaning dozens of times a day at the office.
But here's the thing: I don't hate the idea of working per se, and think there are a lot of great reasons to continue working until at least my kids are in high school (including but not limited to setting a good example, and I never want them to know about the family money if at all possible). But future career prospects outside of my (pressure-cooker) job are unattractive/nonexistent, and really have no idea what else to do. Sure, I could say the heck with it and work as a barista or something, but that's not exactly realistic for a number of reasons, especially having worked so hard to be where I am (graduate degree, respected hard-working professional, etc.). Without getting into too much detail, if I keep at the job for a bit longer, I'll get to a point where I will earn a significant benefit that will be good for me in the long run, but it has been a very, very long slog and each day seems like a year at this point.
Anyone else in a somewhat similar situation? Either good money in hand and/or on the horizon, coupled with a job you really do not like, no idea what is next, and thus you become obsessed with fantasizing about early retirement? Thanks for reading.
So, here's my story: I think a *lot* about early retirement, for two key reasons. First, I really dislike my job. Without getting into specifics, I'm white collar professional who has seen my job sphere change radically for the worse, both on an individualized basis and also for the profession at large. I don't have much reason for optimism for my current job to become remotely satisfying again, and the stress levels have gone through the roof. So there's that.
Second, I am the beneficiary of some substantial family financial assistance. Some of it already provided, some of it to be distributed over the course of a number of years. Not enough to immediately retire, and I live in a VERY HCOL area, but enough to ensure that my nuclear family should be safe and secure even if the fit hits the shan, and likely enough to set me up for a good retirement as long as I don't just live on it now (early 40's). This is on top of any potential inheritance, which is also likely and probably substantial (but I am not counting those chickens).
So, with these two factors, you can imagine that I think a *lot* about the fantasy of not having to work my job. No more Sunday anxiety. No more cringing when checking work email. No more having difficulty relaxing during the second half of a vacation because of the thoughts of returning to my job. No more groaning dozens of times a day at the office.
But here's the thing: I don't hate the idea of working per se, and think there are a lot of great reasons to continue working until at least my kids are in high school (including but not limited to setting a good example, and I never want them to know about the family money if at all possible). But future career prospects outside of my (pressure-cooker) job are unattractive/nonexistent, and really have no idea what else to do. Sure, I could say the heck with it and work as a barista or something, but that's not exactly realistic for a number of reasons, especially having worked so hard to be where I am (graduate degree, respected hard-working professional, etc.). Without getting into too much detail, if I keep at the job for a bit longer, I'll get to a point where I will earn a significant benefit that will be good for me in the long run, but it has been a very, very long slog and each day seems like a year at this point.
Anyone else in a somewhat similar situation? Either good money in hand and/or on the horizon, coupled with a job you really do not like, no idea what is next, and thus you become obsessed with fantasizing about early retirement? Thanks for reading.