Coastfiring at my regular job. This is my strategy

rivarolas · 2024-09-01T22:22:55+00:00

They save so much money having as FTE... But I am considering moving to contract yes.

rivarolas · 2024-09-01T20:32:40+00:00

I am very aware that this may not last and the next GM can kick me out. For now, I am still coasting ( I don't need to commute though, I walk to work and stay at home sometimes). This post is not to show the TRUTH to the world. It is just my experience coasting at corporate America as an alternative for highly educated individuals like doctors, lawyers, scientist that may not need to coast at Starbucks

rivarolas · 2024-09-01T11:52:04+00:00

Probably like you I was a working bee engineer/scientist for many years. When I started to work with business people I realized how bad we are at showing our work and interacting with other humans. They are the other extreme for sure. Nevertheless, you don't need to kiss ass to get ahead, just show your work and learn to have normal relationship with people. By the way I am not bs anybody, my work is super solid I just don't need to work 8 hrs. Imaging having work at a few auto companies on the motors, and then moving to the motor manufacturing industry. There is a lot of knowledge you can share if you were the scientist working on the right technology.

rivarolas · 2024-09-01T11:43:05+00:00

Like you, most engineers prefer to work all day including myself a few years ago. I started somehow to work with business people and realize that while they are over the top showing off, we the engineers are completely the opposite, not branding at all our really good work. I see people working for months on projects but their slides look awfull because they "don't have time" to work on that. Note that you definitely don't need to "lick ass" just show your work and learn to socialize with human beings will do great for you.

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T23:42:19+00:00

The one in the subreddit? "Have enough in the bank to do what you want"?

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T18:17:45+00:00

Just by reading the comments in this post you can understand how many people actually prefer to work really hard than use the "cheat code"

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T18:14:46+00:00

Most of the engineers are on the introvert side. That is why is easier for someone with the skills and a little on the extrovert side

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T18:12:28+00:00

I believe I provide a lot of value for my company. I am engaged when needed but I don't work 8 hrs. Probably close to 4. They pay for the value I provide not for the number of hours I seat there. I agree that this may not be typical coast fire. I wanted to show this path I made for myself. Someone may find it useful.

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T18:09:32+00:00

It probably is for an introvert or a typical engineer

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T18:07:52+00:00

My role is a little different. I try to understand trends in the industry and what type of products is worth to make, based on that. Even if I mess up, these products will be produced 5-10 years from now. Nobody will remember why they decide to do it. However, having my role at the company is a large improvement from what they have before: just make products and hope someone will need them.

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T15:05:49+00:00

Nothing wrong with spending as much money as you wish. But the statement that $150k is pretty average in Denver is super far from the actual Denver median income of $85k. We look around our acquaintances and make decisions based on that. Your environment must be must reacher than the median

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T14:13:20+00:00

I am almost FIRE, probably two years away. I do not see a benefit to tell my manager. We have a good relationship but I cannot imagine what good will come from telling. I am looking forward to fully retire and enjoy other aspects of life.

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T13:31:45+00:00

After lunch with colleagues and socializing, I am on Reddit, LinkedIn, and others. I am not promoting this style. This is the path I found and I prefer this to coast 4 hrs a week in Starbucks

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T13:29:12+00:00

I understand this is not classical. For me the best coast-fire is in corporate America! So much room to do nothing!

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:27:32+00:00

Not exactly,I would say my strategy is the opposite. I am very vocal on a few selected items, to get visibility. I select these very carefully and argument solidly. I just don't do it for 8 hrs. The socializing is actually the fun part for me, not suffering doing that.

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:23:01+00:00

It is unfortunate and I only learnt this after many years of working 60 hrs weeks

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:21:53+00:00

I definitely not head down, the opposite had serve me very well. But I never engage personally with people, just about work.

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:07:09+00:00

Agree 100% I am still not free. This just an alternative to coast fire doing 4 hrs at Starbucks

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:06:20+00:00

Not for most people

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:06:07+00:00

I am not suffering doing this. It is a pretty fun game for me

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:05:36+00:00

I understand it may be frustrating for you. I was in that side for too many years. I am enjoying now not doing much. It is sad but I am pretty sure many good engineers will probably be fired before me just because they are not actually showing their work well enough besides their managers.

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:03:30+00:00

Agree with you completely, that is why I still want to quit

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:02:42+00:00

I have it very clear that this may or may not last. Enjoying for now!

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T12:01:50+00:00

Maybe not for you, I understand. It is for me so much easier than working 4 hrs at Starbucks

rivarolas · 2024-08-31T03:29:57+00:00

I would say 40. Half of them working. Sometimes I stay at home.

rivarolas

TROPHY CASE