Why I Quit The FIRE Movement

[@GabeBult]

Thanks to Storyblocks for sponsoring this video! Download unlimited stock media at one set price with Storyblocks storyblocks.com/GabeBult

[@divishabradford5834]

Yep! My husband uses that and loves it.

[@Robert74450]

So now at mid sixty all I want is a home so I can feel like I can start over

[@TravellingNomad81]

The "RE" part is a misnomer because the goal of FIRE is *not* to retire early and stop working.

[@eileenwatt8283]

You have to fing your purpose. Oprah, Bill Gates didn't quiq when they got rich.

[@ltltornado3337]

True freedom seems to be having choices. The choice to work or not, or go back part-time, or volunteer. It stops being fun if you can't work at all, or can't afford to stop. Good video!

[@PatrickNoonan]

FINE = Financial Independence, Next Endeavor I think this is the more realistic path for most people

[@TheDjcarter1966]

Exactly the retire early thing should be...work less/do whatever I want

[@keralee]

Nice term. Seems to me the FI part is the key. Then choose what to do or, equally important, not do. We are redefining what life looks like for a free human.

[@whatsleft100]

This is perfect . Humans need something to do , it's just great when that something is more of a choice than a chain.

[@janemuses3031]

Perfect term to describe what I am also aspiring to in a couple of years. Have the freedom to work when I want which is impossible right now as in my current job, the max time I can take off is around 3 weeks once a year which isn't nearly enough to do justice for traveling to another country.

[@KRYMauL]

I think of it like BDSM, Retire Early doesn't actually mean Retire Early it could mean Recreational Employment. A lot of people who retire don't just stop working they just turn their hobbies into jobs.

[@FoxStorm1111]

You make some fantastic points here. I don’t want to retire early, I want to be comfortable enough to be able to “work” when it suits me, in a job I love. I don’t know what it is but it has to involve helping people. Semi-retirement sounds like a fantastic goal. Thanks for another great video.

[@GabeBult]

For sure! The goal is to do something you love because you want to do it not because you have to do it

[@whywouldigivemyrealname5162]

Pretty sure this is retirement for most people. Some people want to just chill on a beach, but most are looking for time to do their hobbies and a lot of people I know do freelance work. The money guys have been using the term FINE for financial independence, next endeavor.

[@ZackSeifMusic]

This is exactly how I feel🙏

[@BLRska]

​@@whywouldigivemyrealname5162 FINE - I like that acronym better

[@theflightsimulationexperie6894]

Exactly this. I achieved FIRE a year ago and see all of the points mentioned in the video. Retirement is overrated. Don’t retire from something, retire to something. The great thing that fire gave me was as you said, work when it suites me. I just recently got a part time job and my boss was a total A-hole. I walked strait out of that place with a smile. 😊. Bye bye! If I wasn’t financially independent, that would have never happened.

[@jeffnunes741]

I've never understood the FIRE movement as "never working again", but rather as "never having to work again", especially with things that do not bring fulfillment, bs jobs, corporative positions, etc. I could never see myself not working, cause I love what I do. But choosing when and how much I want to work is definitely the goal!

[@KRYMauL]

That's all retirement actually is, it's having the ability to do something that you actually love.

[@LancerR890]

This is how I see it. I work because I want too, not because I NEED too.

[@330DKNY]

It's because most jobs suck. And even the ones that don't can change quickly.

[@JRSpecht]

Yeah this is a pretty common sentiment in the fire movement. I think this youtuber just couldn't think of anything to post

[@KRYMauL]

@@JRSpecht Or maybe he was trying to do the thick fire and left before it was split into sections.

[@eileenclaussen977]

I am 77 years old widow and have been retired since 2021. I worked because I enjoyed it and the part time scheduling worked perfectly. After retirement I too felt the need to continue to be productive. Slowly started an eBay side business - it has worked so well for me. I feel productive, I'm helping keep "stuff" out of the land fill and also earning a little bit of extra money for fun things.

[@jamieleach9322]

I retired and now work part-time and love it. I like the structure ❤ Enjoy Today!

[@jacquelinetellis5378]

That is so inspiring. More power to you!

[@BLRska]

Very inspiring

[@autobotdiva9268]

america will Trap you with "work that you enjoy" no other country has citizens that braggs about WORKING

[@blogdesign7126]

Congrats!

[@FoxStorm1111]

Just discovered your channel (about a week ago). You’ve changed my life man! Thank you! 🙏 My kids are benefiting from me finally getting my life together, plus I’ve even shown your financial advice to my kids. Brilliant, slick channel. Cheers from Australia 👋🏼

[@GabeBult]

That's awesome to hear so glad that my content could help you! ☕👍

[@VictorResto]

Honestly, remote jobs already make feel like I achieved some sort of financial freedom because of the perks from working from home. For sure the goal is just to reduce how much time i have to work and make it more that I work cause I want to.

[@AlvinCwk]

Fire means not needing to work for money. Doesn't mean not working at all

[@piestaktyczny]

Totally yes. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to choose and have the comfort of spending your time the way you want

[@GabeBult]

That's so true! It's the freedom

[@carlh-thehermitwithwi-fi679]

TIME is the toal currency of your life. the quote that sticks with me all the time: “Do not confuse "duty" with what other people expect of you; they are utterly different. Duty is a debt you owe to yourself to fulfill obligations you have assumed voluntarily. Paying that debt can entail anything from years of patient work to instant willingness to die. Difficult it may be, but the reward is self-respect. But there is no reward at all for doing what other people expect of you, and to do so is not merely difficult, but impossible. *It is easier to deal with a footpad than it is with the leech who wants "just a few minutes of your time, please-this won't take long." Time is your total capital, and the minutes of your life are painfully few. If you allow yourself to fall into the vice of agreeing to such requests, they quickly snowball to the point where these parasites will use up 100 percent of your time-and squawk for more!* So learn to say No-and to be rude about it when necessary. *Otherwise you will not have time to carry out your duty, or to do your own work, and certainly no time for love and happiness. The termites will nibble away your life and leave none of it for you.* (This rule does not mean that you must not do a favor for a friend, or even a stranger. But let the choice be yours. Don't do it because it is "expected" of you.)” ― Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love

[@Kyla94934]

The book "your money or your life" is a really good one to read while working towards FIRE. It gets you thinking about all this stuff ahead of time

[@GabeBult]

That's a great book!

[@nogapps5774]

Your Money or Your Life - is actually a FIRE movement book

[@Kyla94934]

@@nogapps5774 it is, and it brings up a lot of the things that Gabe talked about in the video. Important things to think about if you're working towards FIRE

[@pcarr51]

💯 percent. Great book 3:50

[@timurnurlygayanov3208]

Man, I guess this is one of the most honest video on your channel I've saw so far and the most valuable for me. Thank you for sharing!

[@stayfocused6481]

My goal is freedom from obligation. I don’t want to stop working, I want to have the choice to stop working. I’ll probably work until the day I die, but hopefully one day whether what I do makes me any money will stop mattering.

[@simplevisuals]

Thank you for this video! I felt behind for not getting into the FIRE movement in my early 20s. I’m 28 now and recently, I was able to quit my full-time job and focus on my graphic design side gig business. I only have 5 monthly contract paying clients and I now work only 2-4 hours a day! I LOVE working from home and having so much FREEDOM! My small business makes only $48K/yr and that income totally sustains our living expenses while my husband’s $55K/yr income goes towards fun/savings/investing/paying off debt. I’m happy and less stressed! Took me 6 years to get out of the hustling & grinding culture and working 12-18hr work days and no day offs. I can finally slow down.

[@elsatesfam5229]

I have a handful of youtubers I watch/follow, and you're one of the top. I look forward to your videos and the informative, valuable content you provide in a relatable and understandable way. I have learned so much from you--both here and your newsletters (that I actually save and refer to). Thanks for all you do, Gabe!

[@flonought]

Really enjoyed this! You make a lot of great points. Who you are outside of work is a BIG one, and your comment “most people never try to do that dream thing because they see it as so out of touch” hit hard. I just started KZbin recently after wanting to for so damn long. Something that hit me recently was this quote, “Fear is a mile wide, and an inch deep.” That was a lot of it for me, thinking about everything that could go wrong vs. the opportunity of failing/learning along the way (enjoying the process). That scarcity mindset really holds you back.

[@wealthbuildingstory]

This is so similar to how my thinking has shifted regarding FIRE. Working part time and pursuing other activities that I want to do more of is now what I’m striving for

[@danielgareth4205]

Good point, this is a healthy and stable long term strategy that could work well

[@w22w9]

Spot on. I did the Fire deal and although I quit a lot later (50) I had to find out the hard way that despite tons of sports, travel, family activities.. I got bored and missed being a doctor. So I went back to it (very part time) and loving it. zero regrets, I probably had to learn that lesson but work has intrinsic value beyond making money. Being creative, being of service to others, these are natural human needs. FIRE is still the best, but focusing on the transition and planning for some sort of work after is a good strategy. Having “F-you” money (aka, financial independence) is still fantastic, you get to choose how/when/how much you want to work. I really like the idea of not letting the scarcity mindset be in charge too. Thanks

[@singleparentfire2363]

I sincerely don’t understand how someone is bored in retirement. There’s SO many non profits that need volunteers, go be helpful to improve the community you live in.

[@Ohole]

Me too!!!

[@JustLIkerapunzel]

Well then you literally work again but for free 😂 Might as well keep a part time job that pays you in a field that is of interest to you. Like sure you can volunteer but ai am sure people don't try so hard to be frugal to achieve FIRE only to then work for free lol

[@VioletEmerald]

@@JustLIkerapunzel Being paid feels different, requires more of you usually, especially more hours and non-negotiable things. There are so many ways to volunteer in a fulfilling way if you don't need the money that you just can't do the same thing for a paid job. The things I most love doing are often unpaid labor and it's frustrating.

[@jimihendrix8535]

The first sentence I agree with. The second sentence would only apply to those who are bored, which contradicts the first sentence. I also do not understand how anyone could "love their job". There is no job on earth that I would love. I tolerate and don't hate my job, but I would rather not work if I had to choose. Who wouldn't choose not to work over work if you do not need to work for money?

[@TheFourthWinchester]

Sure, make the higher management richer by working for free. Non-profits are so scummy.

[@divishabradford5834]

That makes so much sense Gabe!!! Thanks for sharing your story. I love hearing what you’ve learned along this journey.

[@GabeBult]

Glad I can share! Always happy to share my mistakes hoping someone else doesn't have to make them

[@christainjames]

We Are in Unchartered Financial Waters! every day we encounter challenges that have become the new standard. Although we previously perceived it as a crisis, we now acknowledge it as the new normal and must adapt accordingly. Given the current economic difficulties that the country is experiencing in 2024, how can we enhance our earnings during this period of adjustment? I cannot let my $680,000 savings vanish after putting in so much effort to accumulate them.

[@Davidvictor6]

Keeping some gold is usually a wise decision. You would be better off keeping away from equities for a bit or, even better, seeking advice from an expert given the current market conditions and everything that is at risk with the current economy.

[@Mariakevin-d9v]

You have a very valid point, I started investing on my own and for a long time, the market was really ripping me off. I decided to hire a CFA, even though I was skeptical at first, and I beat the market by more than 9%. I thought it was a fluke until it happened two years in a row, and so I’ve been sticking to investing via an analyst

[@Anitasolomon-u4p]

Could you possibly recommend a CFA you've consulted with?

[@Mariakevin-d9v]

My CFA NICOLE ANASTASIA PLUMLEE a renowned figure in her line of work. I recommend researching her credentials further... She has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market..

[@Anitasolomon-u4p]

Thank you for saving me hours of back and forth investigation into the markets. I simply copied and pasted her full name into my browser, and her website came up first in search results. She looks flawless.

[@reclaimingminds2811]

Thank you Gabe for your video! My son is the person I am watchiing this for primarily as he needs some direction. I will pass this onto him! Blessings to you and your family!

[@FirdHamid]

Great job bro...

[@GabeBult]

👍

[@traciewade6368]

Gabe, you make a lot of sense. I can't retire early but I will make enough to be comfortable. Thanks for the inspiration and how to figure out how to make a life of happiness!

[@samstruyven2299]

Super recognisable. I just read a passage in a spirituality book reminding that money has NO instrinsic value, it is only a tool, perhaps an expression of energy flowing, but financial goals can never provide sense or fulfillment, except for the most extremely materialistic personality types. Growing up in an environment of scarcity prevented me from realising this until now… Live and learn!

[@ProPandaPlays]

Obviously money is a tool not very educated are we 😂😂😭🤡

[@ProPandaPlays]

But that spirit bs don’t exist lolol your easily manipulated fr 🤡🤡😂😭

[@ProPandaPlays]

Go read an economics book lol

[@jlbutters2]

Your sacrifice will pay off since you saved and put things in place while you are young. Kudos to you and your wife! Now you can afford to find something you enjoy doing for money and have the flexibility to arrange work around your family.

[@GabeBult]

It's true there's definitely something to be said for the sacrifice that went into this

[@MobBarley00]

Kudos to you for your honesty and willingness to be vulnerable. Am subscribing to your channel.

[@emilyirvine1828]

I really resonated with this video, thanks! I stopped working when I had my second daughter to stay home with the kids while they were so young. Even though my days are full it's been a huge process of self discovery now that I don't have work outside of the home!

[@GabeBult]

That's definitely a huge shift! But the self-discovery is really great

[@domingoallOne]

thank you for your input. I'm in a similar situation, currently 23, used to work 3 jobs, earning 3x the average but after seeing the misery and unfulfillment I upgraded my mindset to abundance and started spending too much. I saved up a few years' expenses and lost them in a matter of week in the markets. I have an apartment now, a car and no job since I left 2 days ago. I am looking to find a balance, a sense of purpose and just enough money to live on by doing something I love. Wish me good luck.

[@dmb1995ta]

Very inspiring! Work hard, never give up, enjoy life!

[@debzyn]

One of your best videos Gabe! Always appreciate your down to earth sincerity. It is refreshing to hear when someone admits they make mistakes…makes you all the more relatable.

[@lukeg9891]

I love it Gabe. I've had a similar experience. I was obsessed with finances and escaping the grind, until I got a new job that I actually enjoyed. Now I run my own business, and I love it!

[@GabeBult]

That's great!

[@craftyreddragon]

Thanks for your amazing vids lately, loving the more personal, raw you. This one totally resonated. I dont think i believe in retirement, I will work until I die, but I want the work to be of my choosing on my time not dictated to me by others.

[@joshwilson6473]

Hey Gabe! My morning when I have time. Usually involves a cup of coffee and watching one of your videos. You are motivation!

[@stefaniedee2969]

Love this perspective...I am 54 and have been following the FIRE movement with interest in how people stay so frugal. On the other hand, I also see my older friends retiring and then not really knowing what to do with themselves. I like my job, time with friends, weekends and feel like I'm in a good place mentally and emotionally. Sure there are days when I wish I didn't have to get out of bed to go to work but I'd say for the most part I feel balanced and happy.

[@martyedgar4678]

1 am retiring next year but the thought of retirement gives me weakness. My apologies to everyone who have retired and filing social security during this time after putting in all those years of work just to lose everything to a problem you never imagined to happen. It’s so difficult for people who are retired and have no savings or loved ones to fall back on."

[@martyedgar4678]

This aligns perfectly with my desire to organize my finances prior to retirement. Could you provide me with access to your advisor!?

[@martyedgar4678]

Thank you so much for the suggestion! I really needed this. I found him online, saw very good reviews about him and sent him a message. I hope to hear back from him soon.

[@LivingProcess]

Brilliant as always 💚 Fire movement is new concept for me.. but future directions/ 4 hour work week.. would work. Purpose helps so much!

[@GabeBult]

It really does!

[@plushie2007]

Sounds like you didn't quit the FIRE movement. You def achieved FIRE.

[@lenalight3788]

It’s funny, I have come to same conclusion naturally few years ago, already being a new parent while working the job that I hated. I never want to not work. I don’t think I could. Finding better employment and feeling more fulfilled, is a balance we all need and constantly looking for.. And watching my mom in her 70s, still working despite her health issues. She always says-movement is life. The moment you stop moving, you wither and die. Physically and mentally. I’m so happy to see that you have come to this as well. Been a subscriber for few years, I enjoy your channel and I appreciate the way you have grown and learned and continue to share your wisdom.

[@Tblade_DareToBeDifferent]

Thanks for the transparency in this video!

[@joshcarver-brown3891]

Gabe, your bit about friends is true - much needed. Wearing the many hats (husband, Dad, employee) it can be hard to find time and wherewithall for friends outside of work maybe. Being in stoic, cold New England doesn't help. What's worked for you in this space?

[@GabeBult]

That's true being a New England are definitely does not help with being very outgoing lol honestly just getting involved with people at church has been great for me of made a lot of great friends that way

[@Noah_527]

I’ll echo what Gabe said. Going to church each Sunday and being part of a small group has given me a dozen or more close male friends that I see often, hang out with often and text all the time. It really boils down to being intentional. If you want more friends you need to seek out and find them. Millenials are very lonely because they spend more time on their phones and internet. Break that cycle as there are men out there that want to hang out and need solid friends like yourself.

[@BrianGuitars]

Great video! I had thought I just hated working and it was something I needed to do less. I went to working PT and having other projects and realized oh.. i don't have working I hate my job and how it makes me feel. I got a job I love and my life has improved 10 fold. I think we all need a purpose.

[@BarlowRootsHomestead]

I’m with you 💯. We are on the FIRE journey. Frugality comes naturally for us. As my desk job has allowed us to max out our savings and retirement we’ve also built a side business of a market garden, farmstand and homestead. When the time is right, I am looking forward to sliding into that full time and using savings to fill in the gaps. The challenge for most is the frugality piece and just having a structure and plan for saving. For us FIRE has given us that and been a huge gift. Thanks for sharing your insight! God bless!

[@angeladol6140]

Finally you come to your senses. Good for you. Its all about living the life you want. (I love my job, and my way of living.) It’s never about money.

[@unearnedinc]

Great honest take. For me I simply have too many hobbies that will never make a lot of money; hence the idea of building passive income to never work again makes total sense. For most, they probably just need to find a better job. We added this video to our knowledge base because it's so spot on. Thanks.

[@JoanCruzz]

This is Barista Fire which is a variation of Fire :)

[@danielgareth4205]

Exactly, and I am quite certain that it's more healthy and stable in the long run

[@hbbstn]

Retire at 24? Where did I end up on YT? When I was 24, I was looking forward to my life, in any shape or form.

[@993mike]

Trying to retire at 24? Give me a break! At that age you’re going to need $10m minimum. 24 is not what the FIRE movement had in mind. Classic Gen Z mentality.

[@usflin]

@strenfoo7396 I like to think the ones who are actually retired are busy out enjoying their lives instead of making content for us. 🤣Most people are still looking for their first job at 24 and figuring out what they want to do in life. Changing careers and calling it "retirement" is certainly a stretch!

[@pastorrandy]

Hi Gabe, I'm 67 and just getting started on KZbin. I really liked your video and what you have learned.

[@Fredjoe5]

Perhaps rather than retirement, we might call it Voluntary Employment.

[@r_fh__l]

Most of what is covered in those videos applies for single people. Unless you make tons of money while living a frugal live... as soon as you build a family.... frugal isn't necessarily an option.

[@jesswhite8087]

You nailed it Gabe. So well said and true. I’ve experienced all of this too. I think what the majority of people should be after is time freedom. Work is good, it’s healthy.

[@MultipleCareers]

I loved this balanced and realistic view of FIRE. I initially wanted to go for FIRE but realized soon after that the stress it put me under was unbearable. So I made a few tweaks to my financial goals that incorporated elements of FIRE but still let me pursue the important things I wanted for my life NOW. On working: I believe that work is what gives people purpose. Not the only thing, but a crucial thing. Not all work is created equal, of course. Work should be meaningful and purposeful, and it's a journey to get there!

[@leecruz6781]

You are one of the VERY FEW youtubers who actually make sense. Thanks, bro.

[@mikebowerstv]

Man I wish I had your mindset at 24.

[@usflin]

Some would call your new plan "coast fire". Sounds like you are financially independent enough and it's given you control over how you choose to spend your time. Previous generations might have just called that saving up a nest egg. 😉

[@jjpp3301]

Yeah, for me it has always been about getting enough to actually do what I want for a living, out of joy not necessity

[@M.J.J.-W]

I like this guy. Hard working young man

[@judithalb]

Your videos are so helpful every time.

[@GabeBult]

So glad it could help!

[@nogapps5774]

Same story here. Retired at 35, after half a year of retirement and playing all video games possible, I started driving Uber and delivering food on my bike just to have some fun and it's even pays all of my bills. Now I'm asking myself why I was so frugal.

[@Wearethewinstons]

This was a great video Gabe! I can see myself doing many of these so I appreciate your honesty!

[@music-jj2pl]

Not having any friends is the one big problem I know I have to fix. I've been trying but its proving to be one of the more difficult things I've ever done including university and being financial independent. I'm more fearful of this than of running out of money just because of all the studies I've read on friendship. Apparently, our will to live disappears if we have no close friends and also don't work.

[@RJ9mech]

I see many treating FIRE as if they're in a financial emergency, (consumer debt with insufficient emergency savings), and while this intensity can be maintained for a season, it is unsustainable. Your humility is refreshing to see. I'm on my grind, but rather than running the rat race in a sprint, I'm making strong and intentional progress at a sustainable pace. Our grind, in addition to many things, is a part of discovering ourselves and contributes to us finding or being on our purpose. The cool thing is, as our financial situation grows, our ability to be selective about our work greatly increases! FIRE isn't for me, but intentionally working toward tangible goals is.

[@Kuhreenuh13]

Really loved this video. This was what my next “goal” was because the FIRE movement seems so out of reach. Plus I’d feel like I’d give up all enjoyment. Instead, I want to be able to create my own work and live off that (crafts, Etsy..) And work at like a cool simple coffee shop that makes *just* enough to have as spending money. But overall, I’m working less or working a job I want to actually do. Versus a job I HAVE to do. Which is where I am now.

[@nathansmith5726]

Your success wasn't due to luck, Gabe. It's due to consistency and hard work. Proud of you.

[@melissakirk6545]

Great observations! I am 47 and financially independent from our rental properties. We've played around with being retired but I love what I do. (Realtor) The biggest reason I haven't retired though is WHAT'S NEXT? I can't sit around doing nothing. I love to travel but I'm not going to ONLY travel. My answer now is to work with clients I only want to work with (and like), travel more and also volunteer my time as a CASA which hits what you said about having a purpose. Also more time to explore hobbies I think is really fulfilling. Thanks for the video!

[@OnCashFlow]

A lot of us have had this mindset change over the past few years, I think especially in the past 5 years as the mindset of the FIRE community has shifted from exiting employment forever to exiting toxic employment and finding something else to do.

[@thorsrensen3162]

I meet so many talented people at my job. I wonder if i will be boring to just stay home all the time. I am introvert so I will not meet a lot of different people outside that circle.

[@s55558]

Man i love this great video so true about not being fully retired but more enjoying work more and working a little less if you want to

[@TheFourthWinchester]

Who retires at 24? You're just dreaming. Late 30s and 40s is fine for FIRE. And many FIRE people in their 40s and 50s do some part time jobs as well.

[@haileyreign]

Completely agree! I'm still working on my scarcity mindset around money. I'm just now being comfortable with "gotta spend money to make money" a.k.a it'll come back either as money or a lesson.

[@Immanuelmsa]

Thank you Gabe, for another great video 👍🏻

[@GabeBult]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Immanuelmsa]

@@GabeBult as always 👍🏻😊

[@YesItsWitticus]

I had kids at 23 and was directly into the military. I took 5 years after my enlistment was over to get to the role I wanted to in my career. And now I’m looking at 3 years to get the education I need for the role that makes the most sense for me. I’ve worked in public service. Healthcare and mental health care. And it took a long time to feel competent in my job. I’m working toward true financial freedom and independence. But not retirement. I also have the benefit of veterans benefits and a pension. But I can’t see retiring and not giving back with my employment to the community I’ve been a part of so long. Your version of FIRE resonates with me much more than the traditional version.

[@victoriadebatte9486]

Thanks Gabe! This is exactly what I needed to hear. 👏

[@NuriaLuna]

I loved this video ❤ Thank you for your honesty ☺️☺️☺️

[@tygastfield613]

This is great information. My goal is to gradually shift out of my full time job over a few years to give myself the opportunity to start doing more things I’m passionate about and get used to not making as much and not have the shock of just jumping in to retirement with nothing feet.

[@philb6079]

Great video. Jobs do give us purpose and some social life. I've seen some retires that don't have either and it makes me appreciate my job even on my bad days. Life is a journey with endless goals and joys to explore.

[@jchamilton4476]

I strive for FIRE as a safety net, in case I lose my job or something. But I secretly love my job. It is hard and stressful at times but I think my mental health is better when I work. I get summers off as a behavior analyst for a school district and by August I am so ready for school to start back 😂

[@tyrantcodex002]

My god there’s so many things to do that work takes away. Read books, travel, learn an instrument, learn to paint or draw comics, nature walks, make new friends. So many people struggle working for live and never have an end goal and no time for family. There’s already TikTok videos people crying after working.

[@newscoulomb3705]

This has always been the problem with working 40+ hours a week for 40 to 50 years while deriving most of your purpose from your job and workplace relationships. You "retired" while you were young enough that this didn't really matter. You still have energy and are still forming your sense of self. Retiring at 60 or 70 years old after burning out with no energy and no sense of purpose, however, is a death sentence for many people. It's why people who have callings and hobbies outside of work do so much better in retirement.

[@mw4507]

i am in the semi-retirement phase. Like 30 hours a week. Without a purpose in live people lose hope and meaning.

[@InconsequentialDot]

The core of the issue in that people see FIRE as a goal rather than as a mean to do what they really what to do in life. Knowing what you really want to do in Life is equally important as achieving FIRE itself if not superior.

[@warleattelosper532]

Thank you for your content. I really appreciate listening to your channel. Your channel is helpful.

[@GabeBult]

You're most welcome!

[@KSymoneCafe]

I found this video very valuable, thank you for the Transparency 👍🏾

[@GabeBult]

Glad it could help

[@economicdevelopmentplannin8715]

Financial freedom is super easy. Just cut expenses down asap to property taxes utilities groceries and an unlimited bus pass yearly, 7k, by paying off a mortgage on a shared house with similar roommates. Then get like 150k with a 5% dividend yield. Apply for any poverty programs to make it even easier. This is like a 2 to 4 year plan. Doesn't take long. After that, spend the rest of life helping others to replicate your model.❤

[@ellejaxxn1969]

I hope you’re doing okay Gabe.

[@careysubmission8312]

Improved dramastically. Nice

[@bryce1073]

Thank you for sharing this! It was super helpful :D.

[@issyaddams8297]

Im so proud of you for making this video, I always felt weird cause I had this blended mentality of being productive but also having enough time. Im happy you have come to realize your life can improve now, thank you for what you do 🩵.

[@GabeBult]

So glad this could be helpful!

[@therealcraftymom10]

Thank you so much for sharing this! This made me think about what I think I heard Dave Ramsey say that we should do what we love when we achieve financial freedom. For me financial freedom will give me the time to actually study something that I love instead of study something that I feel like I have to do to make money. Money is nice I do like working to just get out the house from time to time but I don’t want to HAVE to work if that makes sense.

[@yohanesliong4818]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Very insightful.

[@TomWilkes-z5n]

I comfortably retired debt-free at 45. I was focused on my career but not to the extent of killing myself over it; family was always my priority. Saving and investing in a disciplined manner was key to retiring early. I now volunteer full time for the underprivileged. There’s never an unfulfilling day. I incidentally came to know about the FIRE movement after I retired. The philosophy didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I wouldn’t have taken it up even if I’d known about it before I retired. I am frugal by nature (because I’ve lived through scarcity and unemployment), but the demands of the movement are way too unrealistic for me. I like to enjoy my life, spend money on my loved ones, and generally take things easy.

[@askmichia]

This is a great video! I'm coming to similar realizations ~1 year into the retirement journey

[@GabeBult]

It's much more enjoyable for me anyways

[@nishantmehta]

For me fire is more about not being worried about family expense. It means i have setup a system where my family would continue to be all set even if i dont exist. Also being able to find things that really bring joy to my life.

[@VenturiLife]

Exactly right, it's about knowing who you are, or more importantly in a way; being comfortable being who you are, recognizing areas that can be improved (over time), and acceptance of things you cannot really change, accepting not everyone is going to like you being your genuine-self. Immanuel Kant - "know thyself"

[@RandomJane104]

This is kind of my plan. I'm 51 with 0 debt, not even a mortgage. I'm also tired of working 45+ hours a week. At 60 (maybe before depending on inheritance timing) I'm planning to drop to part-time work for at least 5 years before fully retiring. It will allow me to live more and also slowly adjust to retirement.

[@deion312]

AMAZING video! I’ve come to some of these same conclusions

[@Hylin79]

FIRE was just a catchy acronym, the concept has been around forever, it's just that coining the acronym and posterizing people in their 30's no longer needing to grind really popularized the idea. FIRE was never about "retiring early". Most people are not fortunate enough to be working in something that also happens to be their passion. So FIRE is really more about ditching something you don't want to wake up for and having the financial means to do something you hop out of bed everyday for, without having to worry about living expenses if it doesn't work out.

[@danielgareth4205]

I like this perspective. Being financially free and doing work that you are passionate about is a great combination

[@TH-1988]

Seems like this dude started out rich, to invest in real estate and to unload that much money into renovating and tech gear.💯

[@Fisher1903]

Its not just about covering expenses. You need extra money for activities. Being retired early would give you time to pursue hobbies and creative business ideas. 🎉

[@moonlambo5229]

Most of my vacations turn into just waiting to go back home.

[@JC-od3tg]

Wanting and having to work are two different things.