4 things I learnt after retiring early at 30
I retired early after a high-paying career in tech, here's what's on the other side of FIRE
I retired early at 30 y.o.
Here's what "life after FIRE" looks like 👇️
First, a brief recap:
• I pursued a high-paying career in tech (type of jobs you find on Euro Top Tech)
• Saved -> invested -> saved -> good $ buffer
• Started side hustles (tech career coaching + Euro Top Tech + Remote GOATs 🐐)
• Money buffer invested to secure retirement
• Side hustle paying the bills
So, technically: it's more of a CoastFIRE than a full FIRE.
But, the way I built the side hustle, makes it very similar: pretty much every single day I wake up and do whatever I want, work-wise.
Here’s 4 truths about FIRE:
1. You'll still want to do *something* in your life
Even if you don't need money.
I think, for many people, this "something" will need to make you feel engaged, satisfied, on a growth path, and so on.
Not even my grandparents in their 90s sit all day doing nothing.
That would be a somewhat depressing life.
2. If you're doing something useful, there'll usually be money
In the end, it's a bit hard to feel satisfied and fulfilled if you're not sure that what you're doing matters.
Now: there's many things you can do that have an impact and make no money, but most DO make *some* money (money is a good proxy for perceived value).
If you watched Space Jam: do you remember how Michael Jordan felt, playing baseball and being a noob at it?
3. The above two points imply that -> You'll always be kinda working
This is a good realisation to come at, IMO.
Because it can shift the understanding of "chasing FIRE".
You might realise that making 3M is not the only or the smartest way to "escape the rat race". Maybe you just need to course correct your life or career.
4. Life is not a dream
It's also important to understand that "full freedom" is a silly concept.
There's no "absolute freedom".
The same way I show up to my coaching calls, I also do with friends' hangouts, or going on a trip with my gf if I promised her we'll go, or if I want to get stuff done 'cause weeks ago I started a new project that I now want to see go live.
We're always "in the trenches" - so to say.
I find the "financial freedom" concept a bit weird. It just means being more rich.
But, for most people: while not being poor is great, being financially comfortable, or rich, or very rich, doesn't make a huge difference.
Also: if you want to get rich, just say it.
Don't say: "I want to get rich so I become free / escape something".
That's just in your head.
In conclusion:
IMO, the best way to "FIRE" is to start saying "no" to the things you don't want to, as early as you can.
You might realise that you can already afford a lot of no's.
And you'll eventually discover that you'll never get completely rid of all the things you don't like. And that's normal.
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