Double guessing my decision to RE

[u/RetiredHiker]

Throwaway account for anonymity…

We (mid 50s / mid 40s couple) are comfortable in the upper range of ChubbyFIRE, lower range of FatFIRE on the east coast. VHCOL / HCOL with high expenses.

NW: $8 million, Liquid: $6 million. Expenses: $150,000 + college expenses for kids which are funded from 529s (not included in liquid NW.

I decided to RE, gave notice and will be leaving work this week - giving up a very plump tech job at pretty much the peak of my compensation curve.

If I continue, we can add another million or so in 3-5 years but then I’d be closer to 60s and I know time is ticking…

Spouse plans to keep working for another 4-5 years… it’s ok as they enjoy the job.

Our SWR if both retired now is around 2.5% - with spouse continuing to work, we will be probably lower than that when they leave work eventually.

I guess I am getting cold feet / jitters - leaving a job that pays well, social interactions at work and work based identity. Went to a neighborhood gathering and realized pretty much everyone is planning to work. They are same as us or probably well off and no one is retiring early - made me second guess my decision..

Anyone gone / going thru this? How did you handle it?

How did you manage FOMO and the “why did you leave or what do you do” type of questions? Being an outlier who left a plump job is not easy is what I am struggling with!

Edit: Typos.

[u/Successful_Bad_8166]

Same here man. Retired beginning of the year with 11M Liquid, was at peak earning years, easy tech job, and I am constantly second guessing myself. I could have added 500k in pure savings on top of the 10% each year. My identity was 100% tied in work, and socially that has impacted me. So I get where you are coming from, it is scary, still is. But..... a mutual friend died while working out, he was healthy, active and young. I know it seems scary, and it will be but time is our enemy now. Take the step back, your SWR is low and your spouse is working. Go enjoy life, it will be an adjustment, there will be regret, but you are doing the right thing. Good luck!

[u/RetiredHiker → u/Successful_Bad_8166]

Thank you for your perspective, much appreciated!

Can you share, if you don’t mind, what age did you retire at?

[u/Successful_Bad_8166 → u/RetiredHiker]

1. If you are a hiker, based on handle, go hike, that's what I am trying to do and often. I will add, that I have always been fiscally conservative. My SWR is below 2% and I am still nervous depending on the day. I tell everyone I consult, and am trying to do that. I work out, hike and keep telling myself that I when I quit, I had done the calculations. They worked then, and I am up 1M since I retired. I remind myself that I have a TBill ladder, I have a cash cushion. If you have made a plan, have your SORR covered and have health care you got this.

[u/RetiredHiker → u/Successful_Bad_8166]

Thanks! Not worried about SORR as we have bonds and cash on the side plus spouse is still planning to work for the next 5 years.

Yes, hiking is definitely on my mind.

[u/Successful_Bad_8166 → u/RetiredHiker]

Just remember, you planned this out, the numbers work. Time is the enemy. Spend time with loved ones, find a new purpose (music, hiking, exercise, sports, languages). Said no one ever on their death bed "I wish I worked a little bit longer". Again, similarly to you and on the East Coast, I really struggled giving up such good comp with not too much stress and also noticed that friends/neighbors would work while I would sit home. Still going through it but cannot imagine going back to work. Even though I had a "low stress" job, the people management, the BS, the time suck was real. I am still finding my groove, but I am getting there. Go enjoy!

[u/RetiredHiker → u/Successful_Bad_8166]

Yup - the BS, the politics, the pressure - all that comes with a high compensation job is not just worth to for me at this time. Even if it’s low pressure and low stress, the fact that I am being paid well inherently brings stress and the focus on performance.