The hard stuff after FIRE is first recognizing that you are likely no longer middle class (or never were actually middle class). Once I learned that most financial media is written for middle class by middle class, I had a big “ah-ha” moment. It helped me a lot to know that many middle-class people are motivated by fear—particularly fear of loss, instability, and social descent. There is a lot of focus on what other middle class and lower working class are doing. Conformity and compliance are rewarded. To many in the middle class, it is as if the upper class is a different species. My middle class friends see the risks I’ve taken after FIRE as dangerous, abnormal and foreign. After I’ve had so much success, why would I get rid of so many of the markers for financial success (e.g. home, car, executive wardrobe). In a nutshell, there’s a lot to unpack re: middle class vs upper class after achieving FIRE. Spending is just the tip of the iceberg.
It's funny. I have struggled on the definition of middle and upper class. Growing up, I would say I was middle class. Looking back, we were definitely upper class in terms of wealth and income. It feels very uncomfortable to identify that way.
Beautifully said! I sometimes feel a bit anti FIRE when I hear people getting deep in the weeds of things like withdrawal rates and Roth conversions. I feel like I want to pull them up for air, away from the spreadsheets and reinforce everything that you articulated so well. FIRE is NOT the answer. Take it off the pedestal and stop waiting to live your best life.. start living it now! Of course FIRE is a worthwhile pursuit that creates great financial habits and practices but it is not a destination - it’s a milestone along the way of your much bigger and more important journey.
"And so, we defer those questions. We stay in the realm of numbers ". I think this just shows a correlation between the kind of person/personality who is interested in FIRE / likes to stay in the realm of number and the kind of person who likes to avoid the big questions. Its not cause/effect.
Feeling this! I was about 3 years short of my target when I decided to quit without a plan, and the past months have been interesting untangling from this specific FI way of thinking.
The hard stuff after FIRE is first recognizing that you are likely no longer middle class (or never were actually middle class). Once I learned that most financial media is written for middle class by middle class, I had a big “ah-ha” moment. It helped me a lot to know that many middle-class people are motivated by fear—particularly fear of loss, instability, and social descent. There is a lot of focus on what other middle class and lower working class are doing. Conformity and compliance are rewarded. To many in the middle class, it is as if the upper class is a different species. My middle class friends see the risks I’ve taken after FIRE as dangerous, abnormal and foreign. After I’ve had so much success, why would I get rid of so many of the markers for financial success (e.g. home, car, executive wardrobe). In a nutshell, there’s a lot to unpack re: middle class vs upper class after achieving FIRE. Spending is just the tip of the iceberg.
It's funny. I have struggled on the definition of middle and upper class. Growing up, I would say I was middle class. Looking back, we were definitely upper class in terms of wealth and income. It feels very uncomfortable to identify that way.
Beautifully said! I sometimes feel a bit anti FIRE when I hear people getting deep in the weeds of things like withdrawal rates and Roth conversions. I feel like I want to pull them up for air, away from the spreadsheets and reinforce everything that you articulated so well. FIRE is NOT the answer. Take it off the pedestal and stop waiting to live your best life.. start living it now! Of course FIRE is a worthwhile pursuit that creates great financial habits and practices but it is not a destination - it’s a milestone along the way of your much bigger and more important journey.
Amen. Hard to pull yourself out of the weeds. Especially when you first discover FIRE.
I’m working on a new book coming at FI after doing all the emotional journey stuff. Should be interesting…
Another Paul Millerd book? We can't wait!
"And so, we defer those questions. We stay in the realm of numbers ". I think this just shows a correlation between the kind of person/personality who is interested in FIRE / likes to stay in the realm of number and the kind of person who likes to avoid the big questions. Its not cause/effect.
Feeling this! I was about 3 years short of my target when I decided to quit without a plan, and the past months have been interesting untangling from this specific FI way of thinking.
I'm interested to know how your opinions change 6 months, 12 months out.
I’m working on a piece, with the working title: “Freedom is not the highest form of wealth”
You’ve beautifully articulated how this chase can be a mirage, if not properly put in its place. A fine milestone, but no endgame.
I look forward to reading it.