In 2009, when I first began exploring the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) concept, my goal was to navigate through the tough times. Back then, the FIRE movement emerged out of necessity during a bear market, with many turning to the internet to replace lost jobs, proclaiming early retirement partly out of pride.
By December 2010, I shared a post on Financial Samurai to dissect the potential downsides of quitting a lucrative job in my 30s, sparking intense debate among readers. At 33, I was desperate to escape the demanding 7-to-7 grind, despite the risks. It took me until the spring of 2012, after strategically arranging a severance package, to finally leave finance.
From 2012 onward, the narrative around FIRE shifted. As the economy improved, some who claimed retirement returned to work. By 2014, I stopped calling myself retired. The startup scene in San Francisco tempted me, and I consulted part-time for several startups until 2015. Living in the heart of the startup boom, I wanted to experience it firsthand.
The true essence of FIRE became clearer when my wife and I traveled extensively before welcoming our first child in 2017. The freedom for both spouses not to work made life significantly more enjoyable, affirming the value of sharing this journey with someone.
Parenting redefined my identity further; calling myself retired while being a full-time dad didn’t seem accurate. Instead, I embraced my role as a father and a high school tennis coach, stepping away from the retired label.
In 2019, the arrival of our second child marked a new chapter. The financial pressures of parenting prompted me to consider returning to work. However, the pandemic in 2020 shifted my focus back to Financial Samurai as I sought to overcome the new global challenges from home.
Now, as the world starts to emerge from the pandemic, I’m looking to slow down again. The aim is to return to a simpler, fulfilling life, enjoying more family time and personal pursuits without the constant grind.
The FIRE journey is less about financial mechanics and more about a balanced, fulfilling life. It’s evolved from a bear market survival strategy to a bull market opportunity, allowing for greater freedom and a reassessment of personal and financial goals.
