Early Retirement Extreme Forums

Your expenses are impressive. I have what I consider to be very cheap rent, but you spend less total than my rent! Thanks for keeping a journal, it's quite inspiring.

<t>I've been seriously considering piecing together some part-time opportunities once I've reached FI. I'd love to be able build a little buffer and get some perks that will allow me to do expensive things I love (TRAVEL!).<br/> I'm thinking a part-time job with an airline (maybe flight attendant......

Congratulations!
Being debt free must be an awesome feeling -- jig away!

<t>Just wanted to jump in quickly and recommend that you consider seeking advice from a US based CPA and/or lawyer or one from Japan that specializes in dealing w expats.<br/> My, admittedly non-expert, understanding is that all US citizens making over a minimal amount (10kish) must file taxes. The ...

<t>Housing is a huge expense (and a barrier to ERE) in big cities.<br/> If you are absolutely set against having roommates, then $780 including electric might be the best thing going for you. I'm not terribly familiar with Boston as I live in Chicago. But $780 for a studio on a train line with elect...

<t>I'm a city girl at heart...sounds like for a variety of reasons most of you prefer small towns/more rural existences. <br/> Although, I could go in for a college town since they usually have access to interesting cultural events and decent public transportation. I've often considered State Colleg...

Diogenes

<t>I'm currently living temporarily in a furnished share similar to this in Chicago. My landlord owns a 4 bedroom condo and rents each room separately.<br/> For $620/month I get a private bedroom (with its own lock), bath shared w one other resident, shared kitchen, and all utilities in a safe and v...

I'm in banking too. Worked for a couple of top 5 banks and a consulting firm that focused on advising and auditing banks. Now doing examinations for a regulator. I like the industry, but the hours and commitment can be intense.

<oh no! I'm writing about careerism!>
Sorry to make you write about careerism! But I do appreciate your insights!

<t>Thanks everyone for responding! I appreciate everyone's opinions! I'm leaning towards Chicago, so I may have biased everyone towards that option with the way I wrote the post.<br/> @dragoncar - Oddly I spent less on entertainment/fun when I lived in Chicago than I do now, but correlation is not c...

<t>I have a dilemma that I'd love to get the forum's advice on.<br/> Current Job<br/> <br/> Pittsburgh, PA<br/> <br/> 70,000 Salary<br/> <br/> Potential Bonus up to 10% (unlikely based on historical data)<br/> <br/> 4% 401(k) Match<br/> <br/> Pension Plan - 3% (3 Year Vesting)<br/> <br/> No tuition ...

Thanks for posting the mid-month update! Your progress is very inspiring to me.
Good luck with the move and job change!

<t>Soundoff, <br/> Welcome! I'm mostly a lurker around here, but wanted to chime in as I am also located in Pittsburgh. It sounds like you are well on your way to ERE! I'm impressed (I'm also impressed by your employer -- there's been a lot of talk around my office lately about how amazing it must b...

<r>With regards to moving to a low cost of living country and building a web based income --- check out <URL url="http://www.workingnomad.com/">http://www.workingnomad.com/</URL>. The forums there are full of people who have done or are doing similar things. I've been lurking around there on and off...