classical_Liberal wrote: ↑Tue Jul 07, 2020 3:00 pm
There may even be further cost savings, not increased spending, if you find the right mix of work/off time for your personal flow. Because I think a job can provide situations in which you're getting paid to satisfy some desire/need that you'd otherwise spend to obtain.
Work can provide meaning, engaging social interaction, and a means to make friends. Leaving work behind is easier if it doesn’t provide these things from my experience. Actually, if these three conditions aren’t met, I won’t work there.
As for more tangible items, what do you see as benefits? Here is my list based on past perks: 403(b)/501(k), insurance, travel for conferences, drinks/meals, exercise classes, discounts.
classical_Liberal wrote: ↑Tue Jul 07, 2020 3:00 pm
This is harder than it seems. Rather, it's time and energy consuming. To find the right work, in the right amounts, at the right times to fit into your life. Just because I haven't yet found the right mix, doesn't mean I won't. Although it's easy to fall into the trap of just shutting up...
Agreed! And I don’t know that being FI makes the quest any easier, just different. I want to believe that there is a workable solution and suspect that it involves periodically switching things up. There is a certain appeal of doing what everyone else does and/or numbing to the point of not caring. No, thanks. Then I sometimes wonder if I am going through some misery phase and use work as an excuse. Gasp, that is damn scary.
classical_Liberal wrote: ↑Tue Jul 07, 2020 3:00 pm
I also think there is something unhealthily satisfying about the emotional roller coaster...
Also, damn scary, based on my past four years:
1. Look for job in tough market.
2. Select the best option available.
3. Keep an open mind.
4. Discover it’s not a good fit.
5. Experience relief after quitting.
6. Get restless.
7. Repeat.
I honestly do not enjoy this emotional rollercoaster, yet I repeat it. What I do tell myself is that I am learning, refining my approach each time, and not repeating mistakes.