I did it! It's here! It's happening!

 I'm ready, friends. I had picked an arbitrary number to FIRE to after reaching LeanFI a few short years ago. It was round and impressive.

But work-life deteriorated rapidly. And the market shot up! So the 2026 retirement date, I'd set quickly tumbled into view.

I was a little bummed I wouldn't quite reach this loose goal, but mostly because it was being taken out of my hands by a crappy situation at work.

But between now and then, I've come a long way!

I've just about completely let go of the money I won't be getting as income because the market has returned beyond my wildest dreams.

I have a modest (<<I kid) source of secondary income.

And honestly, I could retire now with out it.

So, yeah, kids, you heard it hear first... I didn't have complete control of the date... until I did. I'm done working for money!

I don't need this job and it's bad actors.

I have 2 years of FIRE stash saved up.

And 1 bonus year of fixed expenses saved up...that's why I thought I needed to earn an income for at least 5 more months... because I wanted to have just that 10 months of income for fixed expenses without feeling rushed into FIRE.

I looked at my cash an hour ago and realized, I have it already! 

So yeah, call center 3 can take a flying leap!

it feels awesome (finally). for some reason, even with my cushy FI safety net, and knowing I could leave the job, i still felt attached to it for some reason...

but with some masterful re-framing and market returns and medical leave.. I feel I have regained control of the wheel...

and now if someone jerks it away...i'll be shocked and annoyed...but like they say during a stick-up...it's just a car...don't fight back.. they can have their stupid job!

I'm free.

so for the most part i'm hanging on for kicks and giggles and made no plans for any of the call center 3 money.

i will work on my second income stream for a few more months ...honestly just because i don't quite have anything to do yet...and winter can be quite dull...

so yeah, i'll be free for good in Mar 2025...

in the last 72 hours..i considered an elaborate conversation to ask to be laid off with severance; considered filing for worker's comp and or short term disability for my bum wrist and shoulder...

but those were all tied to magical unpredictable outcomes...

and yeah, no thanks!

i'm hoping with some PT near the end of my career my arm will be mostly usable again and without having huge keyboarding tasks ... i am hopeful it will be fine

whatever comes my way that can be solved financially, i can solve! 

i can't believe i'm finally leaving work....

i'm even considering a withdrawal that will give me anywhere from 26k (super lean) to 60k...(when I'm feeling spendy)... i don't ever want to be stuck in scarcity again

and to be honest, the thought of retiring on 40k...felt very scarce...but just giving myself the flexibility  to spend more if i want... havin the CHOICE has freed me! 

oh the brain is powerful!

so yeah... kids... we're doing this...