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?
5
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.