Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:19 pm
Hi,
Thought I'd start an INTP thread since I didn't see one up here.
I'm mostly INTP (more J when work/deadline driven). I work for a large public company in the Finance group (full of ISTJs). Love thinking about systems and the interconnection between the various parts of the business and have built many excel models that do the same. Frustrated by being in too narrow a function - a lot of finance here just seems to be about reporting numbers, variances, budgets, commentary etc...I'd much rather be exploring the root cause of what is actually causing those variances and devising solutions to address them. Somehow that never seems to be a priority around here....anybody relate to that?
Came across this blog a couple of months ago and have been a regular since. I've slowly come to the conclusion that eventually I need to escape from cubicle nation...can't envison another 30 years of this (I am 37, an immigrant - got here 10 yrs ago, Undergrad in Computer Science, expensive MBA from an Ivy League school)..also I admit that I feel a little unconnected from work..initial couple of years were great when I was actually developing solutions and models to solve complex supply/demand issues in the wine business (industry I am in)..last couple of years has just been political BS and posturing at work and keeping a fake cheerful expression on my face to match those around me (in case you wonder why I am still here - waiting for my Green Card, which hopefully should be granted soon..few months).
My journey towards Retirement probably can't be called ER given my age but over the past few months have made some changes in my life that I feel are more in line whith who I am:
- reduced my monthly rent to $700 from $1400 by sharing rental house with friend. Looking at options to take this further down by either moving to cheaper housing with friend or keeping more housemates..currently rent 1600 sqft house.
- am clear that I do not want the typical white picket fence, wife, kids, mortgage (sorry mom). Played host to exchange students from overseas further strengthening my resolve not to have kids
- reduced food expenses to $400 for 2 people.
- "cured" my friend of type 2 diabetes in 2 days via diet changes and exercise (she went from taking oral medication and occassional insulin injections over 13 yrs to having perfectly normal blood sugar levels..A1C of 5.1..doctors amazed..btw for any diabetics reading this..the ADA recommended diet is crap..I suspect their organization thrives on the increase in diabetes to increase their political clout). As a bonues friend also lost over 100 pounds.
- Completed 100 mile bike ride with above friend.
- Reduced my mom's daily insulin dependence from 48 units to 6..in her last visit to see me..she is unwilling to take the leap of faith and go insulin free..doesn't believe it is possible..I'm wearing her down slowly
- Started making my own yogurt and cottage cheese (yogurt is 8x cheaper than buying from store, cottage cheese has lesser savings..haven't been able to find uses for all they whey left behind)
- Growing vegetables in my garden
- Fascinated with the idea of homes made of shipping containers..seems like the perfect building material. Hoping to one day build my own place on a patch of land maybe in Southern New Mexico (very clear night skies) and setup my telescope..oops looks like someone beat me to it www.nmskies.com..but there is always room for one more.
- Purchased a motorcycle last year (I know I know ..probably sacrilege for ER enthusiasts) and have gone on long multi-day rides all over California. Enjoying this very much. I think I could live on the road. Also ride my bicycle a lot but have not been able to go carless (11 yr old honda civic 240K miles, runs perfect) since I am in suburbia.
Financially:
Cash - $40K
401K - $100K
Company Pension Vested - $75K
Student Loan Balance - ($20K)
Monthly expenses ~ $1400
Income ~ $120K/yr
Retirement horizon (7-10 yrs) Any folks out here who can relate?
Thanks
Mike
Thought I'd start an INTP thread since I didn't see one up here.
I'm mostly INTP (more J when work/deadline driven). I work for a large public company in the Finance group (full of ISTJs). Love thinking about systems and the interconnection between the various parts of the business and have built many excel models that do the same. Frustrated by being in too narrow a function - a lot of finance here just seems to be about reporting numbers, variances, budgets, commentary etc...I'd much rather be exploring the root cause of what is actually causing those variances and devising solutions to address them. Somehow that never seems to be a priority around here....anybody relate to that?
Came across this blog a couple of months ago and have been a regular since. I've slowly come to the conclusion that eventually I need to escape from cubicle nation...can't envison another 30 years of this (I am 37, an immigrant - got here 10 yrs ago, Undergrad in Computer Science, expensive MBA from an Ivy League school)..also I admit that I feel a little unconnected from work..initial couple of years were great when I was actually developing solutions and models to solve complex supply/demand issues in the wine business (industry I am in)..last couple of years has just been political BS and posturing at work and keeping a fake cheerful expression on my face to match those around me (in case you wonder why I am still here - waiting for my Green Card, which hopefully should be granted soon..few months).
My journey towards Retirement probably can't be called ER given my age but over the past few months have made some changes in my life that I feel are more in line whith who I am:
- reduced my monthly rent to $700 from $1400 by sharing rental house with friend. Looking at options to take this further down by either moving to cheaper housing with friend or keeping more housemates..currently rent 1600 sqft house.
- am clear that I do not want the typical white picket fence, wife, kids, mortgage (sorry mom). Played host to exchange students from overseas further strengthening my resolve not to have kids
- reduced food expenses to $400 for 2 people.
- "cured" my friend of type 2 diabetes in 2 days via diet changes and exercise (she went from taking oral medication and occassional insulin injections over 13 yrs to having perfectly normal blood sugar levels..A1C of 5.1..doctors amazed..btw for any diabetics reading this..the ADA recommended diet is crap..I suspect their organization thrives on the increase in diabetes to increase their political clout). As a bonues friend also lost over 100 pounds.
- Completed 100 mile bike ride with above friend.
- Reduced my mom's daily insulin dependence from 48 units to 6..in her last visit to see me..she is unwilling to take the leap of faith and go insulin free..doesn't believe it is possible..I'm wearing her down slowly
- Started making my own yogurt and cottage cheese (yogurt is 8x cheaper than buying from store, cottage cheese has lesser savings..haven't been able to find uses for all they whey left behind)
- Growing vegetables in my garden
- Fascinated with the idea of homes made of shipping containers..seems like the perfect building material. Hoping to one day build my own place on a patch of land maybe in Southern New Mexico (very clear night skies) and setup my telescope..oops looks like someone beat me to it www.nmskies.com..but there is always room for one more.
- Purchased a motorcycle last year (I know I know ..probably sacrilege for ER enthusiasts) and have gone on long multi-day rides all over California. Enjoying this very much. I think I could live on the road. Also ride my bicycle a lot but have not been able to go carless (11 yr old honda civic 240K miles, runs perfect) since I am in suburbia.
Financially:
Cash - $40K
401K - $100K
Company Pension Vested - $75K
Student Loan Balance - ($20K)
Monthly expenses ~ $1400
Income ~ $120K/yr
Retirement horizon (7-10 yrs) Any folks out here who can relate?
Thanks
Mike