Have you ever thought about doing something and found yourself running through a minefield of so much stuff that you did nothing but waste time? Yeah, I could overthink things to the detriment of taking action. What can I say, I’m human. But I’ve gotten much better over the years at not going down the rabbit hole of indecision.
But when I said I’m going to retire early next year I started thinking of all the things that go with that decision to the point where I was still on the fence.
So, I had a talk with my father-in-law who is retired and who has been for over 30 years. I wanted to pick his brain since I said that I’m going to leave my corporate job next year. I asked him if he planned out when he was going to retire and everything that goes into making sure you don’t run out of money in the process.
He said, “I didn’t have a plan! My job offered a bonus to leave and I took it!” I had no idea. He didn’t get a pension either. He simply took the money, moved back to Florida, and didn’t work another job since. He is and was obviously invested in the stock market which has grown his money. Plus, he lives a modest lifestyle. He even still drives his 72 Chevy C10 pickup.
I listened to him and thought why am I obsessing over leaving my job for earlier retirement, filling out spreadsheets and calculators till my eyes cross? I’m sure there are many more people who have done the same with success as he did.
I’m not saying to NOT think and plan your retirement. I’ve done all the numbers. I’ve saved and invested. I have rental real estate that brings in income as well. He really helped me to stop overthinking FIRE and feel more confident about doing it.
- Are you overthinker FIRE too?
- Or are you natural at just doing it?
