Since so much of my early retirement journey is not related to money, I’ve been trying to find another metric to track. Tracking another metric is for motivational purposes and serves as living documentation of other aspects of my journey. This is a preliminary post. If you have other things you’re tracking along your life or personal finance journey, please share!
Using some of my old journals and ideas from other personal bloggers, I’m going to try these items.
Work
Still working at the call center. Working the 11a-7p shift.
In March 2019, received an annual bonus of about $3,700. Got an annual raise of about $1/hr. I am grateful. Thanks, God.
In March 2019, received an annual bonus of about $3,700. Got an annual raise of about $1/hr. I am grateful. Thanks, God.
Been working from home most of March and it’s been pretty nice albeit not any easier to take the few steps to my desk. Every morning it’s the same: Ugh, what am I doing here. I’ve tried to resign myself to this life but my brain keeps peppering me with asinine questions to hatch a plan to make my life better, to find an escape, to take a break. But Brain (yes, I call my brain by its name) doesn’t tell me what “better” looks like. It’s a daily struggle.
Current ruminations: quit in 2 weeks; ask for per diem schedule of 2 days a week; ask for 30 hours a week; take a year off starting in Sep 2019; take a year off starting in Sep 2020.
Note, I’ve been told before that generally time off is approved only for health reasons, but I know at least 1 person that has gotten a per diem schedule and 1 person long ago who got one day off for a little while but then had to go back to full time to meet company needs.
Life
Most recent life update on this blog: On 4 Years of Solitude and Reaching Out Again
No changes here. I have been contemplating making a new friend or two. After reaching out to old friends with no real sparks, I feel less compelled. The thing is I’m not one of those people to whom things just happen. Unless I decide to be open to a new platonic relationship, I won’t make the small talk; or accept the invite to socialize; or seek out social interactions.
Right now, I still spend 99% of my free time watching television. I decided to delete my email account off my iPad because I was checking email rabidly as if the answer to all my problems were just one email away.
Went on four trips in March. Part of me thinks it was a waste of time. I really don’t get it. The memories fade eventually, so really what’s the point? And I still have to come back and go to work. What a tease. Part of me was hoping that by having something to look forward to it would make me think less about quitting work. You know… I’d have something to spend the money on other than food and rent. Help it did not.
Money
Most recent financial update on this blog: Single Girl Money | March 2019 Financial Update.
Automating savings is efficient but really takes away that element of achievement. I guess I don’t mind since the saving is getting done. It was really nice to see my investment balances greater than my contributions as that was not the case at the end of 2018.
I Dream of Early Retirement
If I were early retired today, I would have made a big breakfast and watched a movie (Up in the Air).
Maybe I’m hoping by documenting some of my thoughts (especially in the dream section), I can identify that trend all the self-help and life coach gurus say should be there. The trend that’s supposed to help you find your bliss, your joy, your purpose. *rolls eyes* I’ve been journaling for 35 years and tried every online find-your-bliss exercise I can find and still haven’t found it, but hey maybe there’s a more observant person out there.
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