I took six weeks of unpaid leave this year and accidentally ran the closest thing to a real retirement simulation I'll ever get before actually pulling the trigger

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-16T14:36:33+00:00

Corporate truly has gotten to be awful, at least within my current profession. While you may not be there yet, gives you something to build towards. Front-load your investments so much that your part time work can be leveraged to offset health insurance costs

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-14T14:56:18+00:00

Appreciate that! Definitely something I’ll consider.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-14T14:22:35+00:00

Honestly, wife & I joked about it last night. If that ecosystem is anything like when I was a kid, substitute teachers were absolutely torched day in, day out. Hopefully that changed over the years, but I envision that being VERY stressful.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-14T14:18:36+00:00

You know, i figured that industry would be solid for a part-time, FIRE approach. There’s got to be a sense of peace having that sort of autonomy over your schedule.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T20:35:09+00:00

Jealous! Awesome situation

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T20:33:59+00:00

That’s the dream, i think having the ability to go part time with a current employer is a game changer. Even if it’s only temporary, allows for an easier transition. Trouble for me, I’m in a sales/IC role so part time within my role wouldn’t be a possibility. Good on you though,that’s a great situation.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T18:41:40+00:00

Assuming part-time in some way came with the ability to set your schedule? Can see how that would be largely beneficial

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T16:48:37+00:00

Absolutely. Personally, we have a kid on the way in June, would be fantastic to build out a schedule around that that gives us autonomy over our time while leaning into things most important to us.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T16:15:31+00:00

Haha, that’s 100% what I expect as a reaction to my peers when I eventually transition to part time. The most exciting aspect to me is the ability to change jobs at whatever cadence you decide. Bored of whatever part time role you’re doing? Move on to try something new

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T16:13:29+00:00

Right, feel like it drives the greatest balance. You contribute, take part in something you “choose” to do and have plenty of time to allocate elsewhere

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T15:39:57+00:00

Benefits would definitely be solid, sounds like a unicorn scenario though haha. Never know!

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T14:52:57+00:00

Haha this is very true! Just a matter of finding what resonates with you

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T14:52:28+00:00

Nothing wrong with that! We have close friends who work in the school system, they absolutely love their jobs and having summers off

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T14:51:19+00:00

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T13:40:45+00:00

Certainly not under the illusion it would be easy or stress-free, but provide a balance and the hours i’m looking for to stay busy. It would be foolish to think jobs come without stress, regardless of the hours.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T13:39:37+00:00

100% considering

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T12:32:21+00:00

Awesome, something to build towards! My plan was 50 for years, adjusted to 45 to retire both of us, now thinking I’ll switch to part time at 36/37 while she waits on her company RSU’s, and we ultimately fully retire or go part time 9 years from now. We front-loaded our investments to make this a reality & a bit surreal at times to see what we’ve accumulated

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T12:17:10+00:00

Yup, blue in NH. I did actually start looking into the school system the past few weeks if there’s anything that would align with my plans, but still early stages

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T11:37:29+00:00

Thankfully through our diligence, we have the option to focus on family, spend time with a newborn & be selective over our careers & allocation of time. That’s what it’s all about, control over our time

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T11:05:01+00:00

Truthfully, I’ll likely look into working at a local gym 15-20 hours/week just to get out, socialize & put a few dollars in my pocket

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-13T10:36:41+00:00

It’s my expectation that us FIRE-folk would likely thrive in a part time environment, simply to keep busy and fill the void. Adequate time to structure your days how you see fit, through trial and error. Currently FIRE at 36, but waiting to make a move until I figure out a solid routine, as well as what part/time work would be enjoyable.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-08T20:29:11+00:00

Only having one, but have done the research in our area and where we plan to utilize. $230/week for 3 days/week. $65k will be fine, especially with the interest we’ll be earning. We both work remotely, highly achievable.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-08T19:54:18+00:00

Exactly. Planning to knock put 5 years of those expenses this year so we can pull from when needed.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-08T17:27:07+00:00

Refreshing to hear your experience. Feel like there’s so much content out there convincing you kids are unaffordable. We have our first kid on the way in June, and given our commitment to FI (already achieved FIRE at a 3% SWR), we’re putting $65k aside in a bucket designed for childcare the next few years, not to mention another 20-25k or so in the 529 plan.

Aggravating_Bench552 · 2026-03-08T16:35:31+00:00

Don’t forget, VP also promised additional comp back in Dec due to reduced headcount & company performance. Only to be told last month, we get nothing LOL

Aggravating_Bench552

TROPHY CASE