[‎‎USER]

TLDR: I feel stuck. I have this “large sum (for my standards)” of investible assets, but unfortunately it generates inadequate cash flow. I feel like I can’t afford to quit because it will derail my FIRE goals.

I still have at least more than 5 years before I hit FI.

How do you motivate yourself in a tough work environment? My investment amount is at least 10 years of expenses. It’s generating cash flow, but definitely not near my current income/expense.

I’m burned out at work and really want to quit. I also started a side hustle that is currently only making less than 10% my current salary.

However if I quit now, my investment won’t be enough to cover my expenses and I may have to start eating up my investment eventually.

I work in finance sector and layoff is happening left & right in my industry, so I don’t think I can find a new employment soon that will pay me like this one.

[Dave]

In the same boat, I just realize how lucky I am to be in this situation and keep grinding. Sure, you can quit and maybe get lucky enough to be able to find something that will allow you to stay on track but it’s unlikely.

Quitting to eat at your investments makes zero sense. 5 years is nothing in the grand scheme of things but I do understand it can feel like eternity while you are in it.

I sure wouldn’t quit until I had something solid in place.

[Bode]

Move overseas, where your 10 years of expenses will cover 30. Live in beautiful countries with beautiful weather and a chill lifestyle for 1/3 of what it costs in the US.

I personally know that my peace of mind and well-being are worth a lot more than being at a job I hate, and I’m calling it quits in exactly a year from now to live like royalty for 36k a year.

[Mario]

So, the assets are invested? But are investable?
Maybe you need to rethink your lifestyle and see what you can cut, maybe you need to rebalance things, maybe just keep squeezing juice while juice left to squeeze and reasses if when you are fired

[Mora]

It is tough. I was in the same situation working in Information Technology. I once loved my job then technology changed.

I am now less than 3 years from retirement and have no interest spending my remaining time learning the new technology, only to then retire.

I lucked out and they moved me to a Quality Assurance role so I don’t have to learn it.

I know this doesn’t really help you other than I can relate to your feelings. 5 years will go fast. Just do your job and don’t think about it when you are not at work.

That is what I do.

I also couldn’t get another job making what I make at my age, I am 54. I plan to retire in March 2028.

I have 3 Christmases until I retire. Break it down like that. Hang in there, it will work out.

[Scott]

Calculate your networth 5 yrs from now, then get a calendar and mark off your days, take the side hustle money, mark a few days off, save on spending, mark a few days off.

You’re only 60 months out.

The last few miles of a marathon are the hardest.

[Kina]

I feel you. I try to plan lots of vacations- some bigger, some small long weekend trips – so I have things to look forward to.

Our goal is to always have 2 trips planned so when you get back from one you already have the next to look forward to while you plan another..

Also, if you are REALLY burnt out, could you get some time off work – even unpaid for a mini sebatical?

I was at that point but had a medical issue come up that resulted in me taking 2 months FMLA.

Not ideal but the mental break has been wonderful. Still TBD if it will have cured my hurn out when I get back lol

[Chad]

I look at the job as a means towards an ends and find joy elsewhere. I sock away as much as I can and have a financial planner and we periodically check the numbers to see where we are at.

You may also look for another job and hope for the best.

Sometimes different problems are easier to manage than the same ones year after year. Lol.

[Robert]

I’ve had tough work environments previously (even though I’ve enjoyed my careers- and I’m on my third career right now) the first two have had some rough periods…

And I motivated myself by telling myself “this is the f-cking path I have chosen, and I’m not going to stop until I reach my goals” PERIOD.

[Ryan]

Buckle up and keep your eyes on the prize. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

You got this!

[Author]

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