Paul, thanks for linking to my retirement piece … it explains where some of these folks have been coming from in my subscriber list! (You and Khe Hy.) Interesting stuff you’ve got here, I’m a subscriber now.
I’m wondering if the comments of those Asian Olympic parents need a Straussian reading. Perhaps it was a kind of humble brag? I’ve seen Filipino parents act exasperated by their high achieving kids. They are clearly proud of them but you won’t see it with words stripped out of context.
Ha maybe. It sort of shows a lack of understanding of US culture going on record in WSJ though. I mean maybe their group chat they might loom impressive.
I've come to see sabbaticals (or "mini-retirements") as a much more scalable, accessible alternative to FIRE. My general recommendation to people has been...
1. if you're close to FIRE (e.g. <3-5 years), then maybe gut it out and be done with it
2. but if you're far off... sabbatical now
Plus, an EARLY break in life is probably more valuable than a late one (e.g. young kids, change career paths, get health in order, etc.).
I think I’m “that guy” in this comment, and I’ll confirm that I was 57 when I “retired” (still feels weird calling it that). My wife “retired” too and has thrown herself into painting, and I’m such a big fan of her efforts that I now do all the cooking (instead of some) and most of the household chores so that she can stay in her studio longer. It’s a kick to see someone you love absolutely absorbed in their work.
Paul, thanks for linking to my retirement piece … it explains where some of these folks have been coming from in my subscriber list! (You and Khe Hy.) Interesting stuff you’ve got here, I’m a subscriber now.
Loved the essay!
I’m wondering if the comments of those Asian Olympic parents need a Straussian reading. Perhaps it was a kind of humble brag? I’ve seen Filipino parents act exasperated by their high achieving kids. They are clearly proud of them but you won’t see it with words stripped out of context.
Ha maybe. It sort of shows a lack of understanding of US culture going on record in WSJ though. I mean maybe their group chat they might loom impressive.
I've come to see sabbaticals (or "mini-retirements") as a much more scalable, accessible alternative to FIRE. My general recommendation to people has been...
1. if you're close to FIRE (e.g. <3-5 years), then maybe gut it out and be done with it
2. but if you're far off... sabbatical now
Plus, an EARLY break in life is probably more valuable than a late one (e.g. young kids, change career paths, get health in order, etc.).
Agreed. Wish I took one in my twenties. They seem to have a 100% approval rate too
Men call it retirement, women call it being a stay at home mom.
I love that they are doing it, but my ego isn’t big enough to say I’m fully retired when the other partner is working.
I think that guy was in his 50s
I think I’m “that guy” in this comment, and I’ll confirm that I was 57 when I “retired” (still feels weird calling it that). My wife “retired” too and has thrown herself into painting, and I’m such a big fan of her efforts that I now do all the cooking (instead of some) and most of the household chores so that she can stay in her studio longer. It’s a kick to see someone you love absolutely absorbed in their work.
Love it
Sometimes, people just need a simple reframe in order to make it work in their own heads.
It didn't sound like an ego-oriented move, as much as changing their mindset by front-loading their future/delayed time off.