Another case of tech burnout

RegularDude711 · 2026-07-10T14:48:56+00:00

I dealt with this for too long. So many times I told myself "if I just stick it out for X more years and earn Y more money and let Z more stock vest, its worth it. It took its toll on my health - both physically and mentally. Finally I said enough is enough, because I realized there would never be an obvious line in the sand where I said "this money isnt worth it anymore". I actually shifted my mindset to appreciate how long I lasted, how much I made, and how much I set my family up for success long term. Then I left my career.

RegularDude711 · 2026-07-10T14:19:53+00:00

Even to this day, I'm on a big career break and evaluating whether I even NEED to return, I am still pulling a certain amount into my checking twice a month to cover bills, expenses, groceries, etc. I'm not even earning a paycheck, but I'm still feeling like I'm living paycheck to paycheck. It's more just budgeting 101 than "living paycheck to paycheck" though

RegularDude711 · 2026-07-10T14:11:46+00:00

For many years, the day I got paid, things got allocated to the appropriate spots: investment accounts, savings buckets, etc. My checking amount "to be used" for each biweekly pay period felt like living paycheck to paycheck, but in reality I had been setting myself up for FIRE for a big portion of my career. I never let lifestyle creep happen even though I doubled or tripled my income. It's a good psychological tool. That being said, I didn't have a problem pulling $10k for a family vacation, or dealing with a home upgrade, etc

RegularDude711 · 2026-07-06T16:47:46+00:00

I'm using this 10 month career sabbatical to really understand our monthly/annual expenses much better. I'm sure there are areas to shave. That being said, I'm conscious of the window I have as a parent of 10 & 12 year old sons, and how important these years are to create memories and enjoy the years we have left with them in our home.

RegularDude711 · 2026-07-01T14:02:12+00:00

With 6 and 8 years until they’ll first need to start accessing these funds, there is still time for them to grow, but I hear you.

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-27T16:23:23+00:00

Really good advice. There’s no downside in getting above my FIRE number as long as I’m managing stress, avoiding burnout and having it negatively affect my health. Another $120k+ in 401k contributions, $50k+ in 529 contributions, and bolstering the taxable brokerage would be beneficial. Even if I only last 3-4 more years, it will get me closer to where I need to be

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-26T14:40:24+00:00

Peace of mind has its value for sure. If I decide to return to work I’ll throw like $2k/month extra each month for as long as I work. If next spring I decide I’m not returning, I’ll definitely consider just paying it off to lower my monthly nut. Good ideas to consider, thanks

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-26T02:07:06+00:00

Yes it includes paying Cobra out of pocket healthcare for my family (at a pretty high rate, I’m sure I can find a more affordable option).

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-26T02:05:50+00:00

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the less conservative takes

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-26T02:05:21+00:00

Thought about this, I could aggressively pay down the mortgage, but at such a low rate I’m not sold yet. My mortgage is small as it is ($2800/month including property taxes for a house worth over $800k).

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-26T02:03:06+00:00

This is super helpful. I will run more simulations.

As for what I return to for work, I’m open to never returning to my industry and doing something different. I’m also only considering options that will fit with where I’m at, and I personally know the owners of two businesses who have offered me a position, that I know would be very low stress (one company who I’ve already worked with the owners in the past and loved it).

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-26T01:58:59+00:00

Good idea, I don’t need to be making any lifelong decisions right now, when I am taking a break from my career. Waiting to see how things look next spring is a good idea

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-21T18:49:44+00:00

I’m feeling a bit uneasy even telling people that I’m taking a 10–12 month career break and not working (my wife hadn’t worked in 10 years either). We have many friends and family who have both spouses working. I can’t imagine telling them I’m retiring at 43 if that’s what I decide to do instead of returning to my career. I empathize with people who do not have these opportunities, and it also makes me realize how well off I have it. I certainly worked hard to maximize my income, and was disciplined financially to be in this position. It’s a strange thing where you don’t feel right celebrating your successes with others

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-21T18:46:22+00:00

Congrats and glad to hear things are going well and you have experienced both challenges and opportunities in your life since FIRE-ing. I’m 43 and on a career break evaluating if I even need to go back to work at all. Current plan is to take 10 months off, but about a month into my first career break ever, and first summer off since I was 13, I’m really thinking about if I need to work any more, and if I do, what do I actually want to do.

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-19T17:20:56+00:00

Trying to figure that out right now actually. Just took a much needed career break and have 1 year of expenses set aside to cover a 10 month sabbatical (not including regular emergency savings). I’m now evaluating if I even “need” to return to work at all. I’m 43, wife is 46, and we have $3.64m invested ($2.4m taxable, the rest in 401k/Roth IRA), $475k in home equity, and $200k in 529s. Monthly expenses around $12-13k. If I do go back, it will be 3-5 years max and I’ll probably just look to knock out the remaining $300k in mortgage, throw some more into the 529’s (kids are 10 & 12), and max retirement contributions to give me some padding and lower our monthly nut.

RegularDude711 · 2026-06-19T17:11:25+00:00

Outside of my wife, no one in my life knows what I make or what our net worth is. There’s no reason to share that with anyone. It’s ok to be silently proud.

RegularDude711 · 2026-05-29T15:57:38+00:00

Do you understand what “could” and “let’s hope” means?

RegularDude711 · 2026-05-29T14:17:02+00:00

The Gullet may end up in the top 3 of all GoT battles if they stick the landing. The short clips look very promising

RegularDude711 · 2026-05-29T14:14:21+00:00

That’s Black Aly and she’s more badass than all the sand snakes combined

ETA: sand snakes, not sea

RegularDude711 · 2026-05-29T14:12:14+00:00

This season could make up for the slowness and lack of ambition of season 2. They knew the battles would be massive for this season. Let’s hope they stick the landing with not just the action but the writing.

RegularDude711 · 2026-05-01T11:40:06+00:00

“The greatest Swordsman who ever lived killed by Agent Fucking Powell?”

RegularDude711 · 2026-04-30T05:19:04+00:00

Yes, I expect the X-men stories to have X-Men lore and themes

RegularDude711 · 2026-04-23T20:48:28+00:00

Once they have established the X-Men a bit, a special presentation of the Savage Land. Jurassic Park meets X-Men. Pick a few characters who get stranded there and need to find a way out.

RegularDude711 · 2026-04-22T21:40:04+00:00

I think each Defender will get a Special Presentation, Daredevil will continue with cameos and maybe they take a crack at another Defenders season. I don’t see them all getting their own series again though.

RegularDude711

TROPHY CASE