One Step Closer to FI/RE - Giving Notice

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

This is a big step for us and we're happy to finally be able to share the news. Drop a comment and tell us: are you planning to give short notice (two weeks) or long notice (6 months) to your employer when you're ready to retire?

[@danielstusnick6011]

I had to give 90 days but thanks to my planning this move well in advance now I’m on gardening leave collecting pay through May. I’m on call in case anyone needs me, but no calls thus far😊. I got lots of “ you are waaay too young… what are you going to do”. lol I think I can keep busy!

[@whereistomm]

how likely is it to hear a FI number ? While those are different for everyone, it would be good to see what a well reason FI number is for a family in USA

[@meganrosenberg9028]

My plan is roughly 2 months, but a willingness to stay 6 months if they want me to. I won’t give notice until after my bonus percentage is determined and issued and then I planned to work another month or two so as to not get too far into the next bonus period (my bonus can be more than 50% of my salary so if I go too far into the next bonus year, it gets hard to walk away from the coming large bonus)

[@Billybobthor]

I have to give 60 days notice per my contract so I’ll honor that.

[@tracygmaine3252]

Giving 6 months notice in September 🎉

[@joell439]

👍👍 After a 34 yr career as an aerospace engineer, 'surviving' dozens of "reductions in force", I refused to accept their "latest reorganization" assignment as I was within weeks of giving my retirement notice anyway. So I countered their take-it-or-leave-it offer with a 2-day leave-it notice. I spent my final day visiting one-on-one with everyone who had a hand in my success, encouraging them that early retirement is possible. That was such a great day ...... and every day since has been better than the day before. Congratulations Laura and Eric !!!!!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Wow, what a bold and empowering decision! I think everyone can relate to having this feeling at least once or twice in their life, to act on it must've been amazing. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on this new chapter of your life!

[@rejectionistmanifesto8836]

​@@TwoSidesOfFILot of people have been scared to retire who could and channels like yours and 'Heritage Wealth Planning' are helping to wake people up to the manipulation of the media

[@OhyeahImFine]

Excellent! Nothing better than being in a position to counter with “I don’t think so!”

[@JD-rn2yv]

Congratulations! I am a recent retiree at 58 and heard some of the same things from friends "you are so good at your job, why would you quit", but three months in I would tell them that the ability to be fully present for your friends and family, to not have to rush every chore to fit everything in on the weekend and not to wake up at night thinking of work is priceless! You earned this and you will enjoy it😊

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thank you and congratulations to you as well! Just reading this description of slowing down time and being fully present has me saying, "yes! this!" Can't wait!

[@NoLegalPlunder]

I gave notice 2 weeks ago. It was the most nerve-wracking thing I've ever done. I pretty much couldn't eat or sleep for 3 days. After giving notice a massive weight felt like it was lifted off my shoulders. Because of my unusual circumstances my last day is the end of this year. It's weird. Being free to do my own thing is all I've ever wanted. I have way more than enough money, I have countless things I want to do outside of "work", the job drives me completely insane; but leaving is still heard. It's all I've known for 27 years. I feel like a prisoner who's been set free but has only known his "prison bars" for most of his adult life. I went into the job because society guided me to it. Now it's my turn to guide my life. I refuse to call it retiring. I'm moving on to new things which likely won't pay me money, but will pay me psychically. Oh, and congratulations by-the-way.

[@judyguccione1694]

I really enjoyed listening to Laura today. She did a great job expressing her feelings. She’s definitely there! Don’t let them talking you into staying. Congratulations on your soon to be new chapter😊

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks, Judy...!

[@delive7]

Agreed. I was impressed at how eloquent and honest she was able to talk though her thought process and feelings on RE and working with you.

[@turquhart1]

Congratulations! I 'retired' at 57 (now 59) because of job reductions. I was NOT emotionally prepared. it was the middle of the pandemic and I was immediately thrown into a situation of helping care for an aging parent. Very soon after we lost my mom, my old company came to me with a contract job opportunity which I took partially because it felt like ' how can I walk away from easy, offered money'. Just working part time for 9 months has made me very clear on one statement....I would rather not have that hedonist thing, than work.... So I am in the process of extricating myself again and look forward to no meetings and no deadlines, definitely by the end of the year!

[@darrenmatthews1667]

Wow. I did the same thing with going back last year and finally escaped after 6 months. It convinced me that I will never go back to working for someone else ever again.

[@nicnaks68b25]

Congratulations. I think/hope Laura will experience the same thrill that I still do two years after retiring from my deadline-driven publication job. The discussion about people’s range of reactions mirrored really my experience when I quit at 54. My dad continues to make ongoing derogatory comments about how I manage to fill my time…my stock answer to shut him up is that I now have more time for day-time drinking. Have a wonderful time. Love from Manchester, UK.

[@47solar43]

Great conversation. As someone who comes from a family of “must be nice” people, our early retirement will likely garner similar sentiments. Jealousy is a strong force, especially from family.

[@jesseg2889]

34 with a wife and 9 month old here. Now that I am out of debt (Except mortgage), I have been starting to invest and working towards financial independence. I'm obviously in the beginning stages but I've been following the channel for the last year or so and have found some much of it beneficial. Thank you to everyone that has been involved in the channel and I really appreciated this conversation you had with your wife as the idea of retiring is something I go back and forth on as well. Just wanted say thank you!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for sharing your journey! Your dedication to financial independence, especially with a young family, isn't easy...kudos to you. I'm glad you've found value in our channel, and Jason + I really appreciate your kind words. Keep up the great work!

[@careym8437]

Laura, thank you so much for your honesty and candidness in this episode. It was awesome! My husband and I are retiring early in about a year and we can relate to parts of everything you said today. I loved your comment about hedonism right after you retire lol we just talked about this the other day that maybe the first 6 months of our retirement. We just go crazy and have no responsibilities and travel and do all our bucket list items right off the bat. Excited for you guys. Thanks for sharing all of this!

[@ianwhittaker3041]

A note of caution. Travel can be expensive if you treat each trip like a one or two week holiday. It's only when you slow travel, spend quite a bit of time in an area and travel by local transport that you keep the costs down. It's the flights and time in hotels that cranks the cost up, but AirBnBs can keep them down if you stay there for 3-4 weeks at a time

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for your kind words and support. And, glad to know we're not the only ones looking forward to some (well-deserved) hedonism post-RE! Wishing you and your husband all the best checking off those bucket-list items. - Eric + Laura

[@jasonedwards2571]

That's tough. Being a professor myself it is difficult to gauge when to walk away. I think about it all the time.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Agree...what's been helpful for us is to hear from others processing the very same decision. In the end, it's a very personal choice when you're trading away work that's deeply fulfilling. Wishing you all the best with it...

[@MarcD-ze6yt]

I had mixed reactions from people when my partner and I told them we were retiring early. Very much along the lines as you are describing. Since retiring January 4th, I've given it a lot of thought and have come to the conclusion that some folks were surprised and reacted based on their financial preparedness (or lack thereof) to retire. Some of them reacted by asking why would we retire now, immediately followed by stating that they needed x number of years before they could. These reactions were not what I expected. Congratulations on this - you will not regret it. We are 12 weeks into retirement and are busier than ever planning trips and doing things we want to do.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Yes, exactly this! We didn't expect these reactions either, but finding them so common when we talk about our plans. Thanks for sharing.

[@MarcD-ze6yt]

@@TwoSidesOfFI I love your channel and owe you and Jason a big thanks - It is has helped me prepare myself for this new phase of life.

[@Billybobthor]

You and Jason could do a video on how FIRE is actually two components. FI and RE. 18:15 This video is a good example that the RE number isn’t the same as the FI number. FI at 60, you can retire. FI at 50 and you keep working to increase the number. At 50 you realize how much compounding helps each additional year of work. At 60 you realize the time left is more valuable.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

That's definitely an interesting idea...!

[@sherc7792]

Great, candid conversation. Kudos to you both for talking this through and evaluating “all sides of fi”. Very complicated decision. Wishing you both a great outcome.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Cheers, appreciate your support!

[@davef1923]

Congratulations!! I'd love to watch to an update on how it went, the stress leading up to your notice, and if reactions were better than you expected (hopefully)!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Definitely will share what's transpired over the past week, it's been interesting!

[@merrybrown6407]

Both - I have been waiting for this moment - we have all been on the journey with you! Sorry to hear about some negative reactions you’ve had - it’s about how they feel about their situation not yours Just know I am sitting on my sofa right now screaming and clapping saying congratulations this is amazing news, well done both of you - it’s an amazing feat not everyone gets to retire early just know you are rock stars in my eyes 🤩👏👏💕

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Loved reading this, thank you! Laura + I really appreciate your support + kind words...

[@danielstusnick6011]

Love this! Just RE’d myself at 57 after a few years of hand wringing, but thanks in part to the knowledge gained from you guys and others in the community I feel confident in my decision. Good luck!🍀

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Well done, congrats!

[@boricua_in_wa]

Great conversation, happy for you two and just wanted to say you two are lucky to have each other!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks, we appreciate your support and well wishes!

[@Farhancanopyone]

Congratulations!! I am leaning towards giving at least a 3 month notice but since our FIRE is a couple of year or so out, we have some time to think about it.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Nice...sounds like a plan.

[@ronicl]

Bravo! Best episode, imho! Thank you both for letting us in and share this inflection period in both your lives!

[@russkoon2355]

Congratulations Laura on your pending retirement. I'm one year into a fat FIRE retirement that began at 56 and the looks you described were spot on. I found it beneficial to remain cognizant that everyone views our retirement through their paradigm and most people outside of the FIRE arena have no concept to relate this to as they haven't researched it or weren't willing/wanting to make the commitment and therefore rationalized it long ago as unattainable. Either way, you're going to get responses originating from their own confusion, guilt, or self-doubt and even if they are mature enough to avoid that trap there's the issue that our society uses the term early retirement as code for forced from work, so unless they are both in the FIRE arena themselves and privy to your FIRE goals they're only safe reaction is to avoid you until they know if their conversations should originate from pity or praise. Of course, that leads to the question of whether they are actually friends if they can be alienated that easily, but that's another topic.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Congratulations to you on your RE! She's fielding all of these reactions this week at work. "But why? You're too young to retire..." has been one of the most confounding responses from her colleagues. Thanks for sharing your experience and insights, it's helpful!

[@Sanjuro806]

I truly appreciate your candor and earnest conversations that you generously share with us. To this day, I still struggle if I should be working and contributing to the society versus I don’t owe them anything, and the thoughts in between. I guess I need therapy too!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for your comment...prioritizing your well-being is essential, whether through self-reflection or seeking support like therapy (I can attest that it was transformational for Laura). Kudos to you for taking steps toward understanding and balance, that's a significant achievement in itself.

[@modalcreative]

More of Laura on this channel please 🫶🏼💚 I understand the transition process that Laura has undergone, particularly her experience with therapy, which I wish I had pursued. Now, nearly three years in, I appreciate the emotional journey tied to such a significant life change. Leaving the workforce as an employee feels like losing an identity. My husband has been supportive. He understands that just because I left work, it doesn't mean I automatically become an asset for his endeavours unless I'm interested! He hasn't imposed any expectations on what my retirement should look like, allowing me time to figure things out for myself. Thank you for this episode. I'm eager to see how Laura progresses after leaving her job so hope to hear more from her in the future.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for sharing your perspective and insights. I'm glad you found value in Laura's experience, and we're planning to have her on again to share more about what's transpired since we last recorded. Check back for updates!

[@c5miket]

One of the best retirement videos I've seen.

[@401KDexters]

Congrats to you both! I gave 3 months notice, hired in & trained my replacement, then took another job with the company for another 12 months when we learned we were getting our first grandson. Then, with inspiration from this YT channel, started my own and documented the process. Laura, you will LOVE it! Keep us posted on your transition!!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Cheers, thank you! Congrats to you as well...

[@jondiaz3475]

I gave three weeks notice, which turned into three months. Congratulations Laura!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Nice...I could easily see this happening with all the loose ends to tie up...

[@jondiaz3475]

@@TwoSidesOfFI Laura's situation is a bit different than mine, since she is managing a lot of stuff that needs to be carefully transitioned to the next caretaker. I had just finished a big product launch and basically sat around for 90 days training my replacement and babysitting the department while my manager went on vacation.

[@Kari-Evan]

Congrats! I’m experiencing similar reactions, silence is the worst, kinda surprising people aren’t more supportive. Has me thinking of changing what I plan to say to coworkers.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks! Laura agreed to return to discuss the various reactions and insights gained from delivering the news both in person and via email over the past week. It has been fascinating to see some of the recurring patterns that have emerged.

[@jameslawrence2553]

Congratulations and great job to you both! Awesome open conversation. Spending time with loved ones is an immeasurable gift. I’m planning to give a 3 month notice, whenever I’m past the “one more year” phase.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for your kind words! The draw of 'OMY' is real (I struggle with this all the time)...wishing you all the best with your future plans...

[@playacabo6289]

I retired over 3 years and most were happy but one very close family member would constantly ask when I was going back to work. I’m such a high achiever that I couldn’t possibly sit at home and do nothing. They finally let it go but it took a couple of years. 😬

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for sharing...I'll admit that sitting at home and doing nothing has a certain appeal right now! Guess we have a few more years of reactions to look forward to...cheers...

[@gabrielholland6352]

This pod felt more wholesome than the usual episodes. I enjoyed it! I hope Laura joins in more often!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

She is my better half...so, maybe 'wholesome' makes sense in this context!

[@vivekh7662]

I think some of the reactions you get are based on the mentality about work, here in the US. Here it seems like a lot of people live to work instead of the other way around. I am in the camp of working to live and apply that to my retirement planning. Working until I can live without having to work. Good luck with the transition.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Absolutely!

[@bobl634]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I shared my early retirement with my manager last week, providing 3 months notice. The build up caused a lot of anxiety but my manager has been very supportive, and that has helped. It will be interesting to see the reactions of friends and colleagues- and your experience has given me a heads-up on what to expect. Congratulations!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Nice, congrats to you! Being able to share the news was a huge relief to Laura, hopefully the same holds for you. Wishing you all the best with the transition...exciting times!

[@TheRetirementality]

Another great video. Talking these things out is so helpful for the two of you. Before my wife quit teaching full time I kept asking her a 1000 questions on the weekends. I'd say things like "imagine if what we did today, on your day off, is what every day looks like. Would this be the life you want in retirement?" and those types of questions helped her think about what she wanted life to look like. These damn goal posts that move around are the hardest part. But, it sounds like emotionally y'all are there.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks, Jeff...great advice + ideas...I'm definitely guilty of moving goalposts!

[@vacronda]

Thank you for sharing. It is interesting how these decisions are hard to make. I've transitioned from academia to industry a while back and now I'm considering early retirement. I can see myself into many of the points discussed here, from loss of identity from the move out of academia to the way people respond when I mention my retirement plans. It is helpful to hear you two talking about it and helps frame my own internal discussions.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for sharing, and glad our conversation resonated with you. Wishing you clarity and peace as you navigate this transition!

[@marshallexi]

I’ve had two people be congratulatory when I tell them I’m aiming to wind down work in 5 years time, the rest have been SILENT. It’s wild. WELL DONE LAURA!

[@bjornlilja2692]

Great episode! This kind of open and honest conversation is pure gold.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@pengmagno7395]

I am in the middle of a 3 year contract, which states I have to give my employer 6 months notice or else I lose incentive money and/or bonuses. My plan is to hang it up at the end of current contract. Selling the business less than two years ago and the resulting windfall helped us get closer to FI. Good luck y’all!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks and good luck to you!

[@Austinrkr]

Congratulations! I gave my notice about a year ago and like you was worried about giving up all that I had worked so hard to achieve. I was a full professor with tenure at the University of Texas. It was something of a shock to go from that to seeing my job listed in our financial advisor’s system as “keeps house” or something like that. But, it’s super exciting to have a chance to do something new. The pinacle of a career can be great, but it is also really restricting both in terms of how you can spend your time and where you can put your creative energy. Have fun for a while and good luck as you figure out where you want to go next.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

So true, great insights! It's been affirming to read comments like yours and see life on the other side of 'work + career'...really appreciate you taking the time to share with us.

[@CraigandMandy1]

Congratulations! We retired three months ago. We are now in Italy. We plan to be back in the states around August 1. Getting an AirBnB a month at a time as we see fit.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Love this...congratulations...!

[@Opdeweegh73]

Congratulations and thank you for sharing as these steps and decisions are not readily shared or spoken of. Great learning and insight in a life journey. Inspiring vlog and makes it very humbling experience.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thank you so much!

[@jasonboey90]

Love the episode, happy to see Laura back , all the best to the both of you.

[@Bob-yh7ir]

That's awesome !! Way to go ! It would be nice to see where you're at in 1,2,3 years and how things pan out. On the notice thing. I have had to give it some thought too. I have been training and handing off my responsibilities to others, and feel they are fine with taking the reigns after I call it quits. My immediate manager knows I am retiring early, he doesn't know when yet. I have a date in mind this year and have settled on providing 2 months notice. Will be bittersweet getting on zoom calls to all the people I have worked with these many years to say goodbye. Since we are a global team, that's a lot of people in dozens of countries. But the up side is we have people to visit and hang with as we are out and about in our travels.

[@chipper6729]

I want to say I would give months of notice to my current manager if I am still in this position when it happens. But im also a middle manager and I think ill want to have a glide path as Im at Coast FI right now.and I have found my mindset has shifted about my dedication to work.

[@walkingtofi]

Congrats. I have been talking with my family about this very topic over the weekend and my family are encouraging me to retire. I have done the FI homework and at 55 am thinking of having THE conversation with my wife and stopping. She loves her job so I am giving her free space to ease out of work at her pace. As for me, I might fix up the house for the interim while she comes around...

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Cheers...sounds like you have a plan in place...best of luck to you!

[@barlo1148]

Great video. It was interesting to hear about the reactions you have already experienced and are anticipating. I retired almost 2 years ago at age 57. Upon announcing my retirement, a few coworkers were very happy for me and a couple of them stopped by to ask questions (curious to learn how I was able to pull it off), but the vast majority were apathetic.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Congrats on your early retirement and thanks for sharing these insights...it's helpful to hear we're not the only ones experiencing these reactions.

[@johnlittle8267]

Your value in the world post FI is spending LOL and supporting the economy - funny what people will say but again years of society's expectations. Amex, Delta, American, Southwest, Wyndham, car dealers, car repair shops, and restaurants are loving us right now!!! I really liked this video, thanks for sharing with us!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

That's a great way to frame it...I love this, thanks!

[@deltay71]

I gave 2 months, but have continued as a part time consultant with my company. About 10 hrs a week or so.

[@PowerfulMoneyHabits]

I started my dental practice in 2000. Did it all by myself. Started really working on FI a few years ago. I plan on selling the practice and saying goodbye in 2030. I have no hesitation or sadness about it. I will have a lot of fun along the way and enjoy each step. Dr. aldrich will go away and Steph will be my new identity. I’m good w/ that. No pressure or hassle. Can’t wait! Great conversation. If I hit FI before 2030- I will retire earlier!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Great attitude and much respect from one business owner to another. It may be an accelerated path to FI, but it sure isn't easy! Wishing you all the best...

[@jenna2440]

wow very cool conversation and thank you for sharing this with us

[@robsgarage582]

The level of introspection here is inspiring. I think you guys are going to win, whatever that means. Thank you for sharing, including about how others react. I’m thinking I’ll just be dishonest when I retire… “I’m cutting back… focusing on rentals…” or some nonsense. Thank you for bringing us in. And I think if you can administer a grant you can administer a business.

[@jimreader4212]

I was going to offer my boss 3 months as she was adamant i give it. I told her i would give 3 months if she would give me 3 months. She refused. Now i tell her i will be here somewhere between 3 days and 3 years. But i am going to give 2 weeks notice in mid june.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Love it...congratulations to you!

[@susanharkema2888]

Congratulations Laura! And, thank you for sharing your honest take on this journey. It's very exciting to see how your view of yourself and your purpose is evolving as the various pieces come together. You both have inspired us and we will be giving notice officially this July. Laura, your perspective and work role makes your personal story very valuable to a whole lot of people. As an entrepreneur, I get Eric's approach to work and everything. But, I see how a spouse can have a very different situation that takes time, thought, and planning...as well as time to process and adjust. Best of luck! We can't wait to hear of the current state of affairs when Jason is back. Great that y'all have each other too.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment and support, we really appreciate it, Susan!

[@WKre123x4]

Congratulations Laura! I gave notice Jan 3, and ‘left’ Feb 29 (age 56). It was weird hearing the reactions: surprise, questions about my health, admitted envy, asking about contracting, how my day will be filled. Not having kids, I still related to giving that news vs. retiring: you think it might be the same, but people don’t know how to react. (Contract:no, health:great, do: travel/volunteer/older family needs) My joke with spending my time: no longer eating a lunch in 10 minutes at my desk doing emails, not having 13 meetings on a Friday… Again, congrats!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Congratulations on your transition! Your insights into the reactions and questions surrounding retirement are spot-on. Wishing you all the best as you embark on this new chapter of life!

[@gurrrrlish]

oh and - this has been so helpful for me. i have enough to retire - but not able to pull the trigger. not ready...only my older friends are retired... not sure why i feel like i need a plan besides leisure & travel. maybe i need therapy too...

[@chipper6729]

I appreciate your discussions with Laura because there are many parallels with my family. I will have to convince my scientist wife to leave her field of research.

[@dcrall]

Thank you for sharing Laura. This was a really interesting conversation.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fuquantify]

I have been in non-profit soft-money research for many years, so everything Laura said about shutting down a research program resonated with me. It will help me frame my own RE. Thanks for sharing this conversation.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Cheers, glad it was helpful!

[@cooperthegreat7131]

Congrats! I can’t wait for the day I can do the same.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Cheers...thanks for the support!

[@Sonoragrove4]

Congratulations just had a question, if you have a boss why is your position not refillable so people don’t lose their jobs? Best decision ever for us to retire early, you won’t regret it.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

She's a research scientist with her own funded research program (like a small business). When she stops writing grants to fund her research program the positions are no longer funded. This is common at research institutions, but there is a transition plan in place for employees to find positions in other research programs at the same institution.

[@SilkeRosenbusch]

I heard Eric on John Ainsworth Podcast and ever since then I’m like: Dude, why do you want to retire? Do as much or as little on that business as you want and enjoy your life. You got lots of money and lots of followers. You’re living my dream!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the journey and appreciate the business I've built! Your encouragement means a lot, I appreciate it.

[@letsbefreeletsbefree7183]

I retired at age 30 i feel lucky i couldnt stand setting an alarm clock in the morning

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Wow, congrats! What fills your time now?

[@StorytellerSueW]

Short story: 90 days. I was supposed to get vested this July, but surprise, I already have that - early. Nice surprise. Part of me wants to bug out the end of our FY, which is Aug 31, BUT I already know I'll get a 4% (not much, but...) raise Nov 1. So I think I'll keep my original Ditch Date of March 31, 2025. That allows me to give notice January 1, pocket some extra coin 4.5 months and to boost SS that extra touch more, and to get the 2024 bonus because I worked full year. I can also come back from the holidays and give notice and if anyone balks at 90 days notice, I can say it was a reflective decision made at year end. My role is senior for my team, but for the type of work we do, but it should not be difficult to replace me if they choose to not promote one of my people in my stead. Both of my direct reports already know my timetable, and they are the only ones I am truly concerned about. Also: I plan on not using any of my meager PTO (govt contractor) from September on, and use it all in March 2025. So 90 days, but more like 60ish.

[@juliewilliams793]

I think negative reactions primarily fall into two camps: jealousy or people who love their jobs and don’t understand that not everyone does.

[@adam872]

I empathise with Laura on the business of shutting down the lab and the people it affects. That's a burden to carry, but you can't continue to work on the basis solely of keeping people employed. If you provide enough notice and are prepared to help with the transition then that's all that can be reasonably expected of an individual. It also sounds like the two of you have discussed this a lot in the lead up to retiring. I'm really glad that I've had a similar conversation with my wife and she knows that when we're financially able to do it, I'm pulling the pin. It won't be a surprise to her or anyone else in our family unit.

[@tamib64]

Aren't family and friends watching this channel? I'm surprised those in your circle aren't aware of your plans.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Ha, no they’re not watching...we live in a small community and when people's livelihoods are at stake (as they are here) we had to be very careful about what we shared and when. People knew we were working towards FI, but we never discussed the RE part.

[@TheRetirementality]

@@TwoSidesOfFI It's funny how your family and friends don't have any interest in your KZbin channel. It's the first lesson you learn as a KZbinr and you tell everyone you have a channel and you're super excited about it and they just don't care.

[@401KDexters]

Congratulations on making it public! Jump in, retirement is GREAT!!!😂

[@IreneZhu]

@@TheRetirementality ha, I can relate to you on this!

[@gurrrrlish]

being around the science world - but not a scientist myself - i have never met a scientist who retired early. so hard to get the job to start with - -then the grants are a JOB - - - the publishing - tenure only comes later in life for many... its a lot of struggle so retiring early seems rare.... ENJOY !!!! ... and very very very cool discussion....

[@Leann-uj9rg]

The complete silence to your great news is so strange. People sometimes just don’t know how to be happy for others. I can assure you will be happy for them when they announce their retirement because you will know how awesome it is. Freedom on Deck. Congratulations 🎉. And yes… you have to be something else besides your job…so true.

[@davidkirkeby9779]

As a CFP who has counseled hundreds of people transitioning from working life to retired life, I’ve seen that it isn’t always easy to put down the crack pipe of a successful enterprise or career. Retirement “done right” is an occupation and takes effort. We’ve been conditioned to do, do, do all of our lives even though we are human BEINGS not human DOINGS. Take care and enjoy the journey!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Love this framing, thank you!

[@LoriLWorden]

Bravo you two!!! WOW!

[@bwhite9993]

WAY TO GO!! God forbid you should actually get to control your life. Our lives our more than what we can do for a corporation! You cant keep it quite with people who know you. I would argue they don't know you that well if you can hide such a large piece of your life from them. I've been telling people "hey if we made a mistake I can always get a part time job" I just did my last day Friday! I had given them 6 weeks notice! I felt a retirement party just made others feel bad and i didn't want to do that.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Congratulations to you! It may be difficult to understand not telling others, but when you live in a small community and people's livelihoods are at stake (as they are here) choosing when to share certain information is a very personal choice. We did what was right for us and our family.

[@bwhite9993]

I didn't tell them until it was done (they kind of knew already). Totally! I bet they find out pretty quick once you do it. 😀Then my friends found out really quick.@@TwoSidesOfFI You guys rock...your channel is awesome!

[@poorpotato7623]

Focus on your health next. Work on your sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night worrying about stuff is not normal nor is it a pleasant way to live out your days.

[@EBsDenStudio]

Congratulations to Laura! great conversation, thanks for sharing

[@IreneZhu]

Hi Eric and Laura, Just want to use Charlie Munger's quote to comment on your friends' strange reaction - “Envy is a really stupid sin because it’s the only one you could never possibly have any fun at. There’s a lot of pain and no fun. Why would you want to get on that trolley?” Just ignore them, you've done well, so enjoy your FIRE or FI life!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Love this, thank you!

[@jeremyeckhause1747]

Congratulations. Thanks for sharing.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thank you!

[@andreasmueller8353]

Excellent conversation!

[@qilu6313]

Congrats! That's awesome teamwork

[@Laurar35]

Great discussion! Congrats on your decision! I totally related to Laura’s feelings and need for therapy😂.

[@driftingintoretirement]

You will love retirement 6 Saturdays and a Sunday. Once you leave work you will be forgot the following week. Don’t worry about the money, but the best days are the days you don’t spend anything 😂

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Cheers...appreciate the advice!

[@Dysfunctional_and_Broke-I-am]

Good luck!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks!

[@christinewallace9251]

Great episode. Appreciated Laura’s insight.

[@jabow1878]

Loved this discussion. It is a joy when a plan comes together. I was asked to return to my job. I did for one semester. A huge mistake! It, seriously, impaired our time together. Family obligations soon fell into our laps. We spent our go go years a different way then expected. Stick to the plan!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Such a valuable reminder...wishing you all the best in your retirement journey!

[@singleparentfire2363]

Unpopular opinion but I’m anti-work so the day I retire I’m leaving THAT day or maybe stay 1 week max. I do not owe my employer anything and vice versa. Life is short so I want to finally start living it 😊. I’m 10 years away from retirement pending I can keep my really stressful high paying job 😂

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Keep focusing on what brings you happiness and fulfillment. Wishing you all the best...

[@joesph9748]

Great podcast. Listening to this, I think you should reconsider working together. It will add unnecessary stress to your relationship. Keep that,part of your life separate. It’s ok to admit that your personalities work great as husband/wife and maybe not as co-workers. Just my uninformed perspective. And Laura, it doesn’t surprise me that you got some mixed reactions to saying you are retiring early. Great that you are able to not give a shit. If you told me, my questions would be more, to learn about the thought process you have gone through as I would like to learn from it. My friend recently told me he was retiring and I was happy for him because he is excited about what’s next. Also loved that you shared that you are now saying no to things at work and it really doesn’t matter. We all go through these thoughts.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

We appreciate the perspective, thanks. We're committed to running the experiment for a short time with a very liberal 'exit clause'. Strong ideas, loosely held!

[@slimdawgwoof]

Congratulations! ❤

[@jonathandaniels9910]

First of all, congratulations to you crazy kids for achieving all of your dreams! Did have one question though… It sounds Like Laura is in academics, so will she be leaving behind unvested defined benefit Plan By retiring early?

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Cheers, thanks. No worries, she's not leaving behind any unvested retirement benefits!

[@DanABA]

It's too bad that she can't find someone to take over her business? It sounds like she is doing important work that needs to carry on, and maybe finding someone to take it over might help her be more comfortable to move on from it? #sciencesaveslives

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Fret not, the science continues. -Jason

[@christopherblain6156]

lol, i thought the release date delay was due to the lack of progress of Eric’s “to-do” pile

[@richardh3587]

Since you plan to both work on your business why even tell people you are retiring? Just say you’re switching your focus to the business… it’s true

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Personal choice, I guess...she's retiring from science, that's also true.

[@kymressler7668]

Best of luck to both of you!! Check out Brian and Carrie and Retirement Travelers for great “tips” on retirement travel on a budget or even slow travel.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Nice, we follow the Retirement Travelers, but didn't know about Brian and Carrie, thanks for the rec!

[@CraigandMandy1]

Brian and Carrie are a big part of the reason we are retired. We saw their episode on Albania and thought, we can do that!

[@Michael-schroder]

Wow congrats

[@mhoepfin]

The reactions are pure jealousy. People who financially are probably so deep in debt they can’t even visualize what retirement is. It’s a journey for you as you retire and see lots of people you thought were friends go by the wayside as they are too jealous to deal with it.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

So true...that's been an unexpected side effect of sharing this news with some we thought were close friends.

[@SledsandGear]

Eric and Laura what are your ages?

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Would you believe, 29? 00:06

[@goldstandardaviation1667]

Are you guys in your mid-fifties?

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

50

[@williamfusselman2260]

Laura needs to ask for PTO if she wants to go on 3h walks

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Ha, that's right! Better not make her head of HR then...

[@christinab9133]

❤❤❤

[@user-fv1576]

What is your business ?

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Here’s part 1 of a 2-part series that will give you all the details! Passive Income = A Path to Financial Independence (Part 1) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnbYf2iHqad4r80