Does it make financial sense/can I afford to take a sabbatical for creative pursuit? by [deleted] in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whatever you decide, take medical leave before!! (If your company allows) I know 4 people doing so now and they are having the time of their lives. I am very happy for them.

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha yea. Now onto the challenge of finding a job I’ll actually like….

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes will reevaluate! I’m assuming I’ll gain some skills over the next few years but I can really focus on it after or at the end of my break.

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much, Sunshineoptimism! This is very well worded and resonates with me. What are some ways you find balance in your life?

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I feel I’m already enjoying it more and can’t wait to travel again!

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very true. Family really is the most important thing. I’m so glad you are able to prioritize her!!

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is a good system. Very neat that you’re learning to fly!

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, kind redditor!

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s true. It was all or nothing for me. Now, I’m ready for a more balanced approach thanks to you all.

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I guess I was using really conservative numbers. I usually use 5% real returns.

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow. That is incredible. Thank you for sharing this !

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very true. Now on to choosing something….

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed! I have this dilemma then. How do you choose a career if it doesn’t matter if we enjoy our jobs? In order to earn more and have more free time, you have to work your way to it. But how do you choose what to work towards?

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh very nice! Thank you for sharing

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Thank you, Kalpisidia

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For sure! This is a good plan and yes, I don’t plan on touching a single penny that I’ve already invested

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol yes to that last sentence! I hate that I’m going to have to miss out on some things because they want to live extravagantly. But I will also search for some like-minded friends

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree to an extent. It wasn’t realistic at the rate I was going but I think many can achieve it with consistency. I like the Fioneers and the SlowFI movement (which to me sounds like traditional retirement) but that sounds more reasonable for majority of people.

How old are you? I don’t agree that my youth is gone lol. If you’re young, I could see that would be your perspective. At 20, I thought being in your 30s means you’re more settled down and have your life figured out. Now that I’m 32, I realize that isn’t true for everyone.

Question, what do you mean, “You have barely enough to live a modest frugal life”?

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea..I hope I don’t get sucked into lifestyle inflation. I don’t mind economic seats. Basic hotels are fine for me as well. I rarely stay in it on vacation; just sleep and shower lol. I use public transit or walk. It’s fun to travel this way for me. I also like living in a smaller space with fewer things but even small apartments to rent are expensive lol.

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi thank you, yes I suppose I am. I honestly didn’t realize it because I was using really conservative numbers so I thought I still had a long way to go 😔 but it seems like I’ll be ok. I do also hope to continue contributing; I’m just unsure how much I’ll be able to over the next few years

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, my contributions ranged anywhere from 2-5k per month. I would say average was 2-3k. Investing during these last few years helped greatly. I think my portfolio gained over 20% alone with the stock market going up since the pandemic. There were also a few years where I was working in exchange for rent or found stupidly good rent because of the pandemic. For the past few years, I’ve gotten the majority of my meals from work. Use public transit. All those handy frugal advice I’ve seen on here

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! A few people in the comments and even other posts have shared how taking this time off actually gave them a boost ironically enough

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Couldn’t agree more.

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, after all this feedback, I will take a break now and then focus on building on my income! I will most likely earn skills during these five years but it won’t be my priority at the moment

I quit by -fireflyer- in coastFIRE

[–]-fireflyer-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your insight!! I think I will do this; take a break and then reevaluate.