Class of 2018

[Pellice]

More rumination on my eagerness for my 2018 FIRE

I realize that eagerness for FIRE probably needs less explication on this site than on most, but still, we keep reading ALL those many articles saying "think twice, you'll lose your sharpness, you'll die younger," etc. etc. But, yesterday, I was at a meeting where an activity for fall 2018 was mentioned and how much of an "asset" it would be that I would be there to run logistics. And all I could think of was, "Heh, heh, no I won't," (FIRE is 8/1/18, barring an economic collapse. And I'm telling people only gradually starting around the end of the year.)

And I suddenly realized that for me, a not too high level administrator, FIRE means moving TO power FROM powerlessness. Right now, I'm at the beck and call of three different units, all detail work, all cajoling people to fill out forms, filling out forms myself, remembering where to check when they don't go through, constantly needing to go back to people 3 times for responses.

It's far from the worst work situation, but I've had enough of the powerlessness. I am feeling incrementally better every day in terms of letting go of stress, since I already passed my magic 25th year of employment. And looking forward to feeling more, dare I say, powerful. For me, it's really FI, financial independence, and not RE so much.

I wish the Day were here, but I'm trying to make this [-]last year[/-] 10 months journey where I learn on the road, both new skills and more about myself. And this nugget - that I was moving from powerlessness to power BECAUSE I was exiting my job, was a new thought to me.

Sorry for the length, hoping to read others' ruminations on the last miles as well.

 

[Mdlerth]

In vento et rapida scribere oportet aqua

I am forecasting my exit in December 2018. But as Catullus described, it is written in the wind and swiftly flowing water.

With less than two years to go, so much of my plan is vulnerable to developments beyond my control. Megacorp is undergoing convulsive changes, and the CEO might decide any day now that I'm ballast to be tossed overboard. If that happens, I will go home and begin my retirement vocation a little early.

OTOH, lunatic relatives might present some problems which lead me to delay. I say this with all the love I can muster: most of my family is not right in the head*. I might need to do some moderate rescuing in the near future. If the call comes before I turn in my keys, I probably will hold on to the regular paycheck for an undetermined-but-limited time.

Once I FIRE, I'm never going to un-FIRE, so I better make sure it's right the first time. Won't know for sure until a lot closer to the target date.

*And since the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, what does this statement say about Mdlerth? I'm probably not all there, either!

 

[JoeWras]

I realize that eagerness for FIRE probably needs less explication on this site than on most, but still, we keep reading ALL those many articles saying "think twice, you'll lose your sharpness, you'll die younger," etc. etc. ... Right now, I'm at the beck and call of three different units, all detail work, all cajoling people to fill out forms, filling out forms myself, remembering where to check when they don't go through, constantly needing to go back to people 3 times for responses.

Yeah, you may lose your sharpness for making people fill out forms. Oh, the tragedy!

Hang in there, you will make it. And I know exactly how you feel.

 

[ugeauxgirl]

It's far from the worst work situation, but I've had enough of the powerlessness.

Yes- me too. We recently had a law change in our industry and in an attempt to comply with the law (or more likely prevent lawsuits) the company has changed our entire computer system and processes for doing things. Things that used to take 5 minutes now take 3 hours. The new processes and paperwork are incomprehensible and pointless. Its like going to work every day and being told "along with your regular work (your work load is otherwise the same) you will today have to assemble this bicycle without directions. the next day it will be a swingset. I spent more than 3 hours on the phone this week trying to get someone to explain to me how to get my work done. Like you, I am completely at megacorp's mercy with all this. I have to comply with the new processes- or quit.

When my boss called and asked how I was dealing with the new work load, I told him. In detail. I also told him about my plans to retire (I gave him the 2020 date not the 2018 one) He was shocked. He's going to be even more surprised when I give my notice.

I am enjoying "the last time I ever have to do ****" as well. Every time I finish a project I put careful notes in the computer knowing that someone else's behind will be sitting in my chair when that needs to be reviewed again.

 

[Ed B]

Yes- me too. We recently had a law change in our industry and in an attempt to comply with the law (or more likely prevent lawsuits) the company has changed our entire computer system and processes for doing things. Things that used to take 5 minutes now take 3 hours. The new processes and paperwork are incomprehensible and pointless. Its like going to work every day and being told "along with your regular work (your work load is otherwise the same) you will today have to assemble this bicycle without directions. the next day it will be a swingset. I spent more than 3 hours on the phone this week trying to get someone to explain to me how to get my work done. Like you, I am completely at megacorp's mercy with all this. I have to comply with the new processes- or quit.

When my boss called and asked how I was dealing with the new work load, I told him. In detail. I also told him about my plans to retire (I gave him the 2020 date not the 2018 one) He was shocked. He's going to be even more surprised when I give my notice.

I am enjoying "the last time I ever have to do ****" as well. Every time I finish a project I put careful notes in the computer knowing that someone else's behind will be sitting in my chair when that needs to be reviewed again.

I think for a lot of us, there comes a point where we just don't have the energy/life force/motivation to learn a new software suite of tools or new business process especially when it comes at the expense of doing our primary task. I know I feel that way and I am an Application Analyst....the people that help develop those new software tools. I just don't have the energy or desire to learn a new system.

 

[JoeWras]

I think for a lot of us, there comes a point where we just don't have the energy/life force/motivation to learn a new software suite of tools or new business process especially when it comes at the expense of doing our primary task. I know I feel that way and I am an Application Analyst....the people that help develop those new software tools. I just don't have the energy or desire to learn a new system.

I'm not a brick layer. But I suppose, as an apprentice, you get pretty excited when you finally get that wall plumb straight, and you strike those joints perfectly.

Then it is routine, and you are proud to work each day, and please your customers with perfect walls. You work around the crappy materials provided. It is challenge.

Then, the bricks get heavy. And it is time to move onto something else. They boss changed the mix of the mortar, and its consistency is a pain. The bricks from the oven are uneven, and it p*sses you off.

For me, that's what it has become. Stuff changes. You've seen it before. The new mortar or uneven brick used to be an exciting challenge to work around. Now it is just a pain.

Software ain't bricks, but it can be similar...

 

[ears20]

Once I FIRE, I'm never going to un-FIRE, so I better make sure it's right the first time. Won't know for sure until a lot closer to the target date.

This is the part that gives me pause; I know that I won't be able to go back to my career at my pay level if things somehow go pear-shaped post-FIRE. (I'm 57 with a 4/30/18 graduation date.) If I was the only person impacted I would be less concerned, but I don't want to create hardships for DW.

I've run FIREcalc, FIDO, and a few other models, and they all come back 95%+. We are already monitoring spending, and there are a couple companies that have said they'd be very interested in my services part-time or on retainer.

Nevertheless, I still wonder if I'm missing something obvious. I'm incredibly excited being this close, but I wish I could fully dampen the doubts. Anybody with similar experience or mindset?

 

[ugeauxgirl]

Yes. As far as I can tell, everybody has doubts. But at some point you realize you are trading time for money and there is always more money, but limited time. And safety is an illusion. We all know folks who said they'd work just one more year- then had a serious health issue or died.

The employment issue is the same for me- I could easily get another job but likely not at what I'm making now. Am I reasonably safe? Yes. Am I probably never going to need another job? Yes. Am I still worried? Yes. Because I'm a planner and most of us are. That's why we are where we are. You're wired to think this way. But at some point, the extra money isn't going to improve your life, its just going to exacerbate your estate problem. Sorry- had a glass of wine (or two).

 

[JoeWras]

This is the part that gives me pause; I know that I won't be able to go back to my career at my pay level if things somehow go pear-shaped post-FIRE. (I'm 57 with a 4/30/18 graduation date.) If I was the only person impacted I would be less concerned, but I don't want to create hardships for DW.

I've run FIREcalc, FIDO, and a few other models, and they all come back 95%+. We are already monitoring spending, and there are a couple companies that have said they'd be very interested in my services part-time or on retainer.

Nevertheless, I still wonder if I'm missing something obvious. I'm incredibly excited being this close, but I wish I could fully dampen the doubts. Anybody with similar experience or mindset?

Absolutely, ears20. And it can cause perpetual OMY. We have many threads on this.

I started this thread almost as a dare to myself to make 2018 happen. I was probably FI then (5 years ago). Since then, with market and more OMY wages from w*rk, I should be fine, right? Nope, still have those doubts.

But then one of our kind long time members posts the cartoon of the business guy walking past the gravestone, and I remember the OTHER doubts I have.

- Will I be able to actual enjoy those walking vacations I dream of in retirement?
- Will I be able to volunteer in a capacity for some organizations (think, disaster relief) if my body is broken down?
- Will may brain even be in one piece during retirement, or will it be ravaged by dementia?

I have to remind myself of these things to stick firm to 2018... but I still waver.

 

[ears20]

Thanks uggirl, Joe. I know this group is self-selected and susceptible to groupthink, but to hear both of you mention some of the same reasoning I've applied is comforting. At times I fear that I've merely brainwashed myself into believing what I *want* to be true. It's reassuring to hear those thoughts I've had come back to me unsolicited.

And uggirl: In vino, veritas. [emoji6]

 

[tinner2u]

I can't help myself hold back anymore, so I decided to open a "Class of 2018" thread. Hope you all don't mind.

A 5 year planning window is not too much.

In early 2018, I'm 55. This is really my last ER date. I hope to graduate early, if Megacorp offers a sweet incentive in the intervening years. They've offered them from time to time, so I wouldn't be surprised if it happens.

Here's the thought. We're pretty much FI now if we live life modestly. DW has a job with a very sweet medical benefit at 55 too (and we are same age), so she'd ER with me, perhaps a few months after. She really wants to hold on, and it is probably wise as I could also get on the medical plan. She's also having a hard time seeing beyond work. I'm not, as I have plenty to do, right now currently with elder care for my father, and also simple "timer wasters" beyond that. I'd prefer to ER together, so that's the initial plan

But we're also wisely planning as if we wouldn't get that sweet medical plan. I look at ER if it happened today and we both had to pay medical. That's our biggest expense, besides taxes, in ER. We could do it, but it would really add expense. So, hanging on a bit longer would just make the retirement much more comfortable.

Another factor keeping us going is charity. We love to give generously, and with a reduced income, we'd still give, but the ultimate numbers won't be as big. We're not working for the charity, but it is nice to be able to contribute.

Other factors in waiting are friends and 401k usage. Many friends will join us or be near joining us in ER in 5 years. Our 401ks both become usable at 55. However, we could get around that if need be through various tax code back doors. We also think we could live just fine on non-deferred savings until 59 1/2, so this isn't an overwhelming reason to stay working. Neither of us have pensions so that's out of the mix of concern or happiness.

W*rk? It's OK. I enjoy it now much more knowing I could literally just walk out the door if I need to. I don't sweat it like I did 5 years ago, nearly having a breakdown one day. I've peaked, and I'm comfortable with it. Talked with the boss and basically told him such, and he understands. Told him time was more important than money, and he understands: heck, he's really in the same boat. He's slowed down too. We're the same age. The boss can give Megacorp's cheap and tiny raise and promotion budgets to the youngsters. I'm OK with that! I don't really need to step on them anymore. And that thinking is an adjustment. It was ingrained in me to always "do better than everyone else." I don't have to, and I'm OK with that.

So, the countdown begins. I'll see you around the boards. If for some reason I get an early graduation date, see you in another topic.

Sign me up for 2018. Just had " the talk " with the owner of the company I've been with for 30 years. We're going to incorporate my retirement party into the company Christmas party. I might work a couple of weeks in December but then I'm out the door. Can't wait. Been in my industry for 42 years, time to let the youngsters have a go. Bought myself a new motorcycle for a retirement gift to me. I won't start my pension until February so I figure I'm class of 2018. To all my fellow classmates I offer a hearty congratulations and best wishes.

 

[poppydog]

This forum has really been instrumental in helping my wife and I evaluate our RE options. I feel 95% certain that I will be done June 29, 2018.

Exactly the same date that me and DW intend to retire! In one exciting weekend, it's DW's 60th birthday, our 10th wedding anniversary, and we're both retiring. One helluva party is planned!

 

[may pop]

Please add me to the list.7/12/2018.
3 months after my 60th birthday. The headaches at the job, staff cuts, reduced budget a boss the does not believe in the word no and a 95 mile round trip commute . Next week is 59 1/2 and the finances are probably good enough for next Friday. I would like the extra 9 months of resources but wonder how much longer this needs to go on. Fortunately my wife is fully on board with whatever happens.

Ron

 

[Honeyfill]

We are moving back from May to June 1 2018. I understand that Mega corp will pay health insurance for the whole month even if you only work one day. Health insurance remains out biggest concern as Mrs HF and I will have 6 and 4 years before medicare kicks in when we retire next year.

 

[poppydog]

I'm a UK member of the class of 2018. Reading these forums has been very helpful to me, even if it is of course more USA focused.

One thing I'm grateful about is that we UK citizens don't have to worry about health care. Our National Health Service may creak at the seams, and it often gets a less than positive press, but by and large it works very well.

Health care in retirement is clearly a major issue for my US FIRE fellows on here - we're lucky we don't have the same problem,

 

[pullin]

Late to the party here, but just finished meeting with the FA. Her analysis agrees with mine, so it looks like I'll be on permanent maturity leave starting June 1, 2018.

Fingers crossed....


Good luck to the rest of the class

 

[ears20]

Congrats, pullin - welcome to the class!! [emoji16]

 

[ugeauxgirl]

Late to the party here, but just finished meeting with the FA. Her analysis agrees with mine, so it looks like I'll be on permanent maturity leave starting June 1, 2018.

Fingers crossed...

Welcome!

 

[WestUniversity]

Late to the party here, but just finished meeting with the FA. Her analysis agrees with mine, so it looks like I'll be on permanent maturity leave starting June 1, 2018.

Fingers crossed....


Good luck to the rest of the class

Another banner day at MegaCorp.

Add me to the 2018 class as well. I only hope I can last...

 

[Pellice]

So far, nearly 4 months into this final year,the time is passing s-l-o-w-l-y but with less stress. I wondered how that would be. My plan of 4 day workweeks fell apart starting in September (I am in education), but am hoping to get that going again soon. I alternate between a good attitude and screams of frustration - we've had a beautiful autumn, and I can just *taste* what it would be like to be enjoying it. But, "a steady course," I keep saying to myself. One interesting aspect is that co-workers, not necessarily close ones, but acquaintances, are retiring left and right. I think I've said before, I'm not in a particularly powerful job, and most of them weren't either - and they all are ecstatically happy to be out from under the need to constantly be responding to bosses. (Gently reminding yet a third time that a deadline is approaching). And the my very large employer is trying, though inefficiently, to put more and more screws to us. So far, the fact that top management has made enormous bleeding-out mistakes that require "small armies" to try to repair has kept them from turning the screws too far. Their most recent attempt was beaten back with the simple truth that top management's office is currently the most dysfunctional of all. And I think this will be the last I have to worry about yet another "realignment" I know they will try again (repeated realignments are how much of management justifies its existence), but I think I will just be squirting out of the other end when they do!

Meantime, two more "last time" milestones were just passed, and I am turning my attention to the meetings and appointments I need to be doing prior to August 1. I guess I should start scheduling things like eye exams now.

How are the rest of you finding this last year?

 

[tinner2u]

I've been annoying my co-workers with a running countdown of how many Mondays I have left ( 8 ). They say I'm an ass but I see it as more of a public service announcement

 

[tmm2good]

I've been annoying my co-workers with a running countdown of how many Mondays I have left ( 8 ). They say I'm an ass but I see it as more of a public service announcement

LOL, love it
I am at 18 weeks, still have not told anyone at w*rk yet.

 

[JoeWras]

I've been annoying my co-workers with a running countdown of how many Mondays I have left ( 8 ). They say I'm an ass but I see it as more of a public service announcement

I only mentioned it to some co-workers with whom I don't work anymore (changed departments). I'm hoping a rumor starts to spread. Call it a "soft" announcement.

Get this, my new boss calls me in last month for a talk. I could not believe it, but he asks the silly question: "Joe, where do you see yourself in 5 years?" Me: "Uh, RETIRED."

He was stunned. Nobody retires at Megacrap anymore. They lay you off first. I seems to be an evil game now of playing chicken with the Feds. "Let's see how many older workers we can get rid of without an investigation." So, somebody saying this was shocking to him. Plus, I've now played my hand for retention stuff. You know, they want you to grind your nose off so they throw you a bone of some sort. A near retiree will likely keep his nose.

I think he is getting the hint it may be earlier than 5 years. On Jan 1, I may announce it and beg him to get me on the layoff schedule if he can. Either that, or I'm going to blindside him like Megacrap has been doing to so many older workers.

Yes, some bitterness is coming through. Ageism is alive.

 

[Pellice]

Joe, I'm curious, when you say "stunned," what did that consist of? Did the conversation end at that point?

I've been telling co-workers at my own level that I am going next year, but we are a very dispersed environment, and it's unlikely anyone over me will hear until I announce. I actually have three people I work for right now. I'm planning to tell the principal one early next year, in January. Maybe that's too early, but I want [-]her to have enough time to plan ahead ([/-] make me plan ahead. Then, the next tier of bosses in February. Particularly if I plan to take 1 day a week off, then I probably need to come clean.

On the other hand, I know this will mean an immediate demand to document everything I do, although on the third hand, "procedures" are changing so rapidly that I can plausibly say that very little I write down will be relevant in the future.

Guidelines at my institution (education) say to let people know only about two months ahead. But I know that's not enough time for my director. I'm taking that as applicable to the HR department.

I don't think anyone will be stunned. I hopefully will have the resources for financial independence, I have the positive motivation of a more creative and purposeful life plan, and the negative motivation of leaving behind constant realignments and new systems that don't work.

...
Get this, my new boss calls me in last month for a talk. I could not believe it, but he asks the silly question: "Joe, where do you see yourself in 5 years?" Me: "Uh, RETIRED."

He was stunned. Nobody retires at Megacrap anymore. They lay you off first.
I think he is getting the hint it may be earlier than 5 years. On Jan 1, I may announce it and beg him to get me on the layoff schedule if he can. Either that, or I'm going to blindside him like Megacrap has been doing to so many older workers.

Yes, some bitterness is coming through. Ageism is alive.

 

[ugeauxgirl]

I'm waffling. This is partly on the altar of marital politics- my DH would rather I didn't. And partly, no matter how I figure it (even at a VERY conservative rate of return,) 2 more years means a million dollars. This is because if I stay 2 years I will qualify for a 4 yr retirement package which will offer me enough of a payout that I won't have to touch portfolio till 2024. And access to company health insurance till I'm 65. I'm arguing with myself though. We have enough. plus my DH won't retire and we probably wouldn't have to touch it anyway. Even if you just counted dollars, additional years of savings plus payout is probably $450k or so. Husband keeps saying- you're ONLY 45, but staying 2 more years means missing more of my kids- and everything else I desperately want to do. I am SO tired of being in a hurry all the time. I have earned the rest, right?

My job has gotten worse. I used to take Fridays off but due to a law change and new computer system at work, I haven't managed a whole Friday off in months. And another week like last week and I might be out of there in March anyhow. Ugh. This is so hard.