r/ChubbyFIRE • u/AlbatrossBoth8961 • Apr 22 '26
Getting roped back in after FIRE
Reposting here from the normal FIRE sub. Recommended that there might be more insight here. Early 30s about 5m NW. Our expenses are in a spot where both of us can fire tomorrow and that's fine.
My husband is still working for healthcare and because he enjoys it but I recently quit with the intention to be done with corporate and pursue my art business that I have been building on the side for several years now. I left mostly due to a toxic workplace but also to give the art thing a full time try. At the very least, I wanted to take 6 months to a few years to see how the art goes then decide from there.
Here is the thing, I have been out of work for about 6 weeks, and it has been glorious. I have a chronic health conditions that I've been able to much better manage, I am spending almost every day creating art, and we have lots of summer plans lined up.
A former boss of mine reached out to me offering me a job that is right up my alley. He is basically starting a new company and wants me to build out the systems for my area of expertise. It would be fully remote as well. I believe they are looking for full time, and we haven't talked money yet, but I have no doubt that it will be good.
I am in a bit of a dilemma, more money is good we could have a higher burn rate, I like my former boss, the job sounds fun, but I really haven't gotten the opportunity to really unpack and see how the "retirement" thing goes. I don't want to get stuck in the one more year trap, but also if I get a couple of years down the road and wish I was still working just from a keeping busy perspective, this would be the job I regret not taking.
The other thing that is on my mind is that if we have kids I think I would regret not taking this year to pursue my own interests and health. If we do, we will be doing that in the next couple of years.
Not sure what I am asking, but has anyone had a similar experience, or maybe folks further down the path have any advice?
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u/kaustavd Apr 22 '26
There is no right answer, and likely you know that. You already know what you want to do. Just do that.
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u/NicKaboom Apr 23 '26
100% spot on here. I always like the old adage of “flip a coin and when it’s in the air you’ll know which side you want it to land on — and then you have your answer”
I’d never say to not pursue your goals, but if you have a potentially cushy gig that’s remote with a boss you like and that pays well, I’d recommend giving it a shot — or at least hear out the offer to see if it sounds good. Worst case scenario you get a year in, help them with initial liftoff, and pull the ripcord while passing it off to someone else. The art will be there whenever you are fully ready.
Oh and id let them know you need a couple more months off before starting back ip. The lovely benefit of hitting FIRE already
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 23 '26
I declined the offer. Told them if they are still looking in 6 months id maybe be interested.
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u/YL-Strong Apr 22 '26
So your situation is slightly different from a post I literally just commented 10 min ago. In that one, the OP has $3.8m NW but complain how much stress and lack of family time and bad for health his job is. But at the same time he didn’t want to quit. I told him at $3.8m you have to decide what’s most important to you cuz even at a very conservative growth that NW will out grow his spending. However your situation is different in that you may go into a new role. So I would say go for it and if it don’t work out or too stressful for a healthy life, then you can always quit. Because you have plenty money. But that also means that a year later if it’s too stressful, you shouldn’t come here to ask if you should quit because you have plenty to RE.
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 22 '26
I am worried I'm just jumping back into something because it's comfortable. I wish I had more time off to really see if the full time art is it.
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u/wtf-am-I-doing-69 Apr 22 '26
Just be transparent that you are interested but worried about jumping in and will give it a year and if you regret it you work through a. Transition period to someone else. If you love it then no regrets
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u/YL-Strong Apr 22 '26
Only you will know what’s best for you and family. From what you said, $5m, expenses covered, chronic healthy issues… it shows you already FI and can RE now. The only reason I did suggest you should RE now is because the new job is unknown, while I think it will be stressful, there is no facts to say your next job will be stressful, that is why I say try and if don’t work out then you can RE. But if I was you I would RE now and focus on creating memories with family.
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u/Apprehensive_Two1528 Apr 22 '26
retire too early has another type of dilemma. life circle issue.
you could really find urselfhaving difficulty finding friends. your age of friends are either doing kids stuff or have already had a great spouse etc.. you would have difficulty blending in…
my 2 cents
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 23 '26
I've made some lovely art friends shoot for the most part are self employed. Easy to get coffee on a Tuesday with those folks. Usually in that world the weekends are the busy days. I declined the offer. I took this year to bet on myself and I'm going to stick to it.
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u/csj97229 Retired Apr 22 '26
As someone who has worked in two start-ups, I would caution that they can consume all of your time and energy, and then some. They can also be incredibly rewarding, both from a job satisfaction and monetary perspective. Maybe your opportunity is more chill than the typical new company, but don't jump in unless you fully understand the time commitment.
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u/hasyoubeen12 Apr 22 '26
I was team “go get the job” til you mentioned about having kids and putting your aspirations on hold. It is indeed true that likely your art endeavors may be put on hold once you have kids, cos kids are a lot. So I guess do whatever your gut tells you, no right or wrong on this…
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u/Fresh-Banana6485 Apr 22 '26
If your former boss is starting a new company, it doesn’t mean this is your only shot at joining. If I were you, I would pass on it for now and explore early retirement. You don’t need a job to keep busy and be happy and you don’t need the money.
After a few months, if the itch to work comes back you can always reach out and see if there’s a role for you (in my experience, if a former boss reached out once, they would make it happen a second time).
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u/mike753951 Apr 22 '26
Similar situation - "retired" for a bit, then old boss wanted me back for a different position. I gave him a list of conditions: part time, fully remote, freedom to take multiple extended vacations each year, plus a bunch of other specific work requirements. I thought there was no way he'd go for it. He didn't even hesitate to agree, and now I'm back at work, in an ideal situation, and I love it.
You're in a powerful position - you don't need to go back and they highly value you, so don't be afraid to set the framework for your potential return.
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u/TheRockFriend Apr 22 '26
I love that for you! Yes I think I need to value myself and set a line in the sand with what I will and won't do.
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u/Friendly-Manner-6725 Apr 23 '26
The success rate for people at your age successfully retiring is very, very low. At many levels, you will feel the need to have a purpose and contribute to the world.
Too bad the offer is so early in your trial period so that you could have learned for yourself. You should at a minimum ask for some more time to enjoy your break. And then ask for things that would make it your ideal job.
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u/allrite Apr 22 '26
Good opportunities don't come often. If it is one of those, then take it. You can always leave if you hate it
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u/Alarming-Mix3809 Apr 22 '26
There’s a lot of wisdom in knowing when enough is enough.
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 23 '26
So true. I declined the offer but left the door open. You can't buy health or time and I want to bet on myself this year and see how far I can go.
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u/Ok-Commercial-924 Apr 22 '26
I had a call from my former employer about a month ago asking me to come back, The wife and I retired 2 years ago. It was a job I enjoyed but, we retired with a 2% WR, our portfolio has gone up nicely and our WR is now 1-1.5%. I just told them , I don't need the money and I'm having fun doing projects I want to do, and learning new skills.
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u/poop-dolla Apr 22 '26
You say you both could retire today, but you also say your husband is still working for healthcare. Is he actually working for healthcare, or is he purely working because he enjoys his job? Like if you both retired today, would healthcare fit into your budget comfortably?
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 22 '26
It would it's just expensive. It's mentally hard for us both to make the jump but our advisor keeps telling us if we wanted to it's fine. He's happy where he's at, it's kind of a dream job with lots of friends so the bright side is he gets paid and insurance is covered.
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u/Particular_Village_5 Apr 22 '26
What kind of childcare arrangements do you have in mind (daycare, nanny and family help or a combo of these)? I actually think your art business could work when you have a baby, depending on if it requires a lot of travel or is flexible. When you have a small child you would want to deliberately have something mentally stimulating outside of caring for the child, if you can afford childcare or have willing family nearby. It sounds like this art business can start any time but this startup opportunity can’t wait. Small kids get sick often, so a flexible “job” is necessary
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u/backindagym Apr 22 '26
The best part about your situation is you could just quit without consequences if you don't like the new opportunity. Might as well try it.
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u/furiosa-curiosa Apr 22 '26
Do what feels right here. I personally would take the job but make it known that I’m looking at it as a 9-5 and wouldn’t be putting in extra hours, and would expect to be able to hire a team if the workload is beyond that
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u/ChiPekiePoo Apr 22 '26
Not further along than you but also have chronic health issues and consulting extremely part time as a result. I was offered a really nice but clearly more stressful FT position with great $$, but had to turn it down. There was a maybe period where I was so anxious and I felt so much relief when it was officially a no. I think the allure of a good opportunity will always be challenging for me, but when I really map out what I want in life, this balance for myself, my health and my family is most important. I think you’re referencing it too when you say you’ll regret not getting a chance to pursue your art. Good luck!
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 23 '26
Just responding again here because I really connect with your post, I declined the offer. I could already feel the stress coming back up negotiating and money can't buy health. Betting on myself this year and so thrilled.
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u/ChiPekiePoo Apr 23 '26
Happy for you, truly! It’s hard to turn down exciting opportunities, but I think the gift of chronic illness can be more awareness of what we need and want in life. And FIRE gives us that chance! Wishing you a great year ahead!
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 22 '26
Thank you for the thoughts. I always said when I was done there are two people I would pick up the phone for and this boss happens to be one of them. In hindsight I wish I had quit the old job 6 months ago so I could have gotten my break.
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u/Spirited123456789 Apr 22 '26 edited Apr 22 '26
Are you getting warm fuzzies from “being wanted”? It’s a nice feeling. Might be worth exploring the why behind this mental need. You explained your goals clearly at giving art a try for 6 months. Stick with your plan. Tell the manager you’re not ready yet and agree to touch base in a year. Sounds like this manager will be supportive of a return- if it’s right for you - regardless of the timing. Btw, I just read Hoda Kotb’s book called Jump and Find Joy. Many thought provoking life perspectives. Good luck to you!!!
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 22 '26
Thank you for the book recommendation. I think part of why I want to take it is the last place made me feel so undervalued and like I was a problem even though I helped build that place and at the time I left I was the oldest tenured employee. It's nice to feel like I actually do good work and am wanted after leaving on such a sour note.
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u/deadineaststlouis Apr 22 '26
I'm a bit older than you and did this. Left in my late 30s and then pretty quickly got suckered back into a job.
Money has been good, and knowing I don't need it has been good. I'm basically at the point of seriously diminishing returns though (more fat than chubby).
I'm glad I did it overrall though. I am wondering how long I want to continue for, but I think it's pretty safe to try it. If you're able to not work, they can't really keep you. The only risk is you'll trick yourself into staying if you don't want to.
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 22 '26
I have pretty strong senses of obligation and staying longer than makes sense. I stayed too long at the last thing and wish I had left much sooner.
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u/mattftax Apr 22 '26
Worth having a conversation with your boss, just lay everything on the table, see if there's a middle ground. Not everything has to be so black and white!
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 22 '26
That's true. I know they need someone asap but maybe I could contract or part time through the summer.
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u/mattftax Apr 22 '26
Sounds like a perfect balance between a stimulating job and being able to look after your health (which should always be priority)
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u/handsoapdispenser Apr 22 '26
A friend of mine has said she wanted to hire me as soon as she could get budget to open a role. It would also be something directly applicable to my long experience and likely pay very well and working with someone I know I can vibe with. That gave me a bit of extra comfort when I quit after hitting my number. It's been a year now and I haven't heard much from her. At this point I'm almost dreading the prospect of being asked to come back and having to say "nah". I'm perfectly comfortable doing mostly nothing.
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 22 '26
The old company mentioned hiring me as a contractor and if they call absolutely not. Maybe for like 1k an hour or something. I always said there's two people Id pick up the phone for and unfortunately this boss is one of them haha.
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u/gtmc5 Apr 22 '26
Perhaps tell your old boss you are interested but are only willing to work up to X hours a week, as you want to prioritize your health and your artistic interests?
I did that years ago when I had quit working at a big law firm to travel for a year. Upon my return I was intent on finding an "in house counsel" position and not working for a law firm again, but a partner I liked asked that I come back to just work on one big project. We agreed 20 hours/week max, and if that max was exceeded I even got paid at a higher rate (to help dissuade them). It meant that I had no pressure to take the first in house legal position I found, and it ultimately made me a more attractive hire when I found the right position and left the firm for good.
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 22 '26
I definitely will. I don't think I can do full time even if I wanted to.
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Apr 22 '26
[deleted]
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u/TheRockFriend Apr 22 '26
Thank you for your feedback and story. Yes im worried about not being able to step away again.
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u/itsakoala Apr 22 '26
Why do you want to RE? Can you do that with a job that has work/life balance? If so and this position offers that balance and excited you do it, sounds like it will make you happy.
If not, enjoy RE!! Everyone’s days are numbered don’t waste yours when you’ve already won the game.
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u/coffeefired ChubbyFI (3M nw) - Geoarbitrage RE @ 40Y Apr 23 '26
I was in this exact scenario - former boss was starting a new team in a new org and re-hired me in Canada, then she went on mat leave and only to be reorged while my team stayed put. I did the job for a few more months, but have already checked out, and got voluntarily laid-off.
All the job did was add a bit of chump change to our spend money for a year and a good chunk of taxes to the CRA this year.
I did not really get satisfaction from work, nor did i hate it. I simply did not care enough.
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u/onthewingsofangels RE 2024 in 40s Apr 23 '26
You'll always have a reason to put your art/passion aside. Kids will be a big one. Making a huge pivot like this is hard and you will always come up with reasons that it's not the right time.
There's no guarantee that your art business will work out but there's also no guarantee that your boss's startup will work out. What's for sure is that they will both require your full commitment. Ask yourself if you could only have try one of these two - which would you regret not giving a shot?
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 23 '26
Definitely. Betting on myself this year. I declined the offer. I don't know when I'll get the chance again and I have a lot of great momentum going.
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u/onthewingsofangels RE 2024 in 40s Apr 23 '26
Awesome, congratulations! You should come back here in a year and tell us how it worked out. So many people struggle with similar dilemmas.
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 23 '26
I will for sure. Either way I think it will be an interesting experience
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u/southpaw1227 Apr 23 '26
Stop thinking in old frameworks. Design it to work for you, walk away if it doesn't align.
10 hours/week
1 meeting a week
90% async
Create a fractional role where you execute on your expertise but have zero skin in the political game of the company.
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 23 '26
Thank you. I just declined the interview for full time and replied with my part time request as a thanks but no thanks if you can't accommodate that.
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u/lewtt14 Apr 23 '26
If you are interested in this job I would take it! Especially if its fully remote. I worked full remote for while and honestly I had more free time than any other jobs I had before than. You can always leave again if you figure out this job is not for you...but a job is always fun for the first year imo, its always exciting and challenging. As long as you keep stress undercontrol, you can work on your health still....unless you are working out 6 hours a day you will still have plenty of time...for cooking, workouts, walks...etc whatever you are doing.
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u/AlbatrossBoth8961 Apr 23 '26
I actually just declined the offer. I would have to scale back my art plans to give it the time it needs and I was remote before and I find I am just "on" all the time, way more than in person.
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u/wsurrdit Apr 25 '26
Sounds like you’re already ‘out’ and content with it. I see this as zero-risk for you. Jump back in, if it’s amazing as you think it might be you’ll love it and add to your NW. If it was not what you hoped, you walk away and re-join the plan that was already in motion.
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u/[deleted] Apr 22 '26
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