[USER]

The mental battle of retiring rich vs retiring early is real. I’m 47 and can retire at 52 with a savings of 3.2 mil, net worth 4 mil, but I worry about a prolonged retirement and being mentally unoccupied.

Choice 2 is wait it out and retire rich and old.

I know it is decision many of us battle with but when one is closer to making a decision, it gets even more intense.

[Rebecca]

I would quit tomorrow and find something I loved to do keep me occupied.

[Leslie]

There is so much to do in the world besides work. Volunteering. Work on a cause.

Help people.

Teach people skills that you know.

There is plenty to do besides a full time job to keep your body and mind fit.

[Kevin]

Retired at 40 two years ago with NW of about 5M. Now down to about 4M but no regrets.

I say Do it if you can swing it!!

You won’t regret it.

If you don’t get bored over the weekends currently, you won’t be bored when FIRED.

[Cleopatra]

This is depressing. I haven’t even started saving yet. I don’t know how people afford it.

[Neal]

For me I guess it depends on What type of investment you have. If this is primarily just growth.

Then I probably would hold off. But if you’re receiving a decent amount of divided, then I would retire now.

My main investments are all ETFs that pay between 2.50%-4.50%. This makes it so that you could take a step back and retire without having to worry about selling off any of your investments.

[Moriah]

Is this a joke? How much money do you need? You currently have way more than you could ever need.

Unless you have tons of debt and can’t control your spending.

[Tara]

Once I hit my goal and retire from my 9-5, my plan is to work, but do something that brings me and others joy.

I have many ideas about what that entails, and I’m pursuing things now that will enhance that when I get there.

As someone who works in financial planning, you MUST have a plan for what you’re going to do with your free time.

Take these next five years to figure out what brings you joy.

But do NOT stop working until you figure out what that is.

[MoBay]

I retired with less so I can’t relate. I just wanted to retire and now enjoy the life I love.

To be honest if you want FIRE bad enough you will make whatever money you save work.

[Clem]

You have enough to retire! Live life now and get hobbies.

[Stephen]

I think your return rate for the next 10 years is overly optimistic- try using 6% and see how you feel

[Heather]

Spend the next five years working on lifestyle goals so that retiring at 52 with 3.2m feels rich.

Retiring doesn’t mean doing nothing if you don’t want it to.

It could mean work optional or volunteering or extended travel.

[Thomas]

I’ll be honest with ya. I retired with a fat stash and side hustle at 50.

3 years ago and still find life mundane and havnt found my stride yet.

I had a goal.

I tried but have yet to get in FIRE MODE

[Corey]

My wife and I will be retiring in 2 years with a net worth of 2.5M and I think we’re retiring rich

[Danielle]

If you’re not ready to stop working, why not go get your dream job that doesn’t pay the bills like the jobs you’ve had to take to get where you are?

Or scale back to part time and work on ramping up your non-work interests.

Or find a non-profit that could use your skills and keep them sharp while helping a cause you care about.

I get the fear of losing that mental stimulation – it’s something I experienced during maternity leave.

But there’s so many ways to stay active and engaged without working at the level you currently are so you can tip the balance toward enjoying life and your financial freedom.

[Grace]

If you have peace then quit … if you are anxious, don’t … number wise you are okay either way, it’s very personal, comes down to a preference by now …

[Kimberly]

Clearly this isn’t about money. Like a lot people, you’re anxious about the social/emotional part of not working.

I retired at 51 with a LOT less money than you have, and I’ve been traveling the world and doing a zillion other wonderful things since (and have barely made a dent in my bank accounts).

I now wake up happy & excited each & every day! But I also knew before I retired that I’m am adventurer, and that I would cherish being able to pursue my own interests.

Do you have passions/interests outside of work?

If so, pursue them! You won’t regret it! If not, keep working…

[Joanna]

I decided not to wait. I retired last week at 50. I’ve got my basic needs met, mortgage is almost paid, a solid amount to re-invest every month.

That’s enough for me.

Happy to leave the rat race.

I worked very part time for more than 3 years first, to be certain.

[Neftali]

At 47 you have a chance to step back and do something else for income while still saving.

You don’t have to slave away.

Dual income no kids?

[Holly]

Whatever decision you make isnt permanent. If you retire and get bored you can work again.

If you keep working and hate it you can retire.

Try something and iterate.

[Amy]

I think there are plenty of things to do. Volunteer, teach kids about what ever you did to make that kind of money, start a business of your own, spend time with the elderly or doing things for them that they cannot like yard work to help them out, travel and visit friends.

So many books you can read.

[Jade]

If I had 4 mil, I would retire tomorrow. There is no way I’m going to feel “bored”.

I will travel, learn new skills, maybe learn a new language or 2, volunteer, etc.

Trust me, there will be things to do…

[Andrew]

FI is less about “retirement” and more about time freedom after your consumption expenses have been cover for the balance of your life.

What you do with your time depends on what activities you value – if you enjoy work and the interaction the continue – perhaps align with a position you feel comfortable with and stay there – while dying wealth may be your outcome it should not be the purpose in my view – enjoying the balance of your life journey is the purpose only you can align with what this means everyone is unique

[Author]

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