In 2009, I helped kickstart the modern day FIRE movement by chronicling my FIRE journey on Financial Samurai. I made a proposal that in ordered to be financially independent and retire early, you must have enough passive income to cover your basic living expenses.
Then I suggested everybody try and negotiate a severance if they plan to retire early. To have a nice financial cushion to send you off in retirement is an incredible thing! I negotiated a severance package equal to five years of normal living expenses. It was so sweet and gave me the confidence to leave my job behind.
Since 2009, many FIRE sub-types have emerged, including Fat FIRE, Lean FIRE, Barista FIRE, and Coast FIRE. All have their own unique flavors. As the FIRE movement has grown, there have been more and more haters too. It's only naturally to hate on something that's different or new.
For the uninitiated, here are the most common responses from FIRE haters when they read about someone who has achieved FIRE.
Most Common FIRE Hater Responses
I got this brilliant list from a Redditor called Beardface_FI.
FIREd on a smaller number than you plan for: Nobody could live like that, you might as well be homeless.
FIREd on a larger number than you plan for: You wasted your life chasing for shit that will never make you happy.
FIREd and is younger than you: You'll be depressed and off yourself, that's way too young.
FIREd and is older than you plan to be when you FIRE: At this point can it even be called FIRE? You just retired, not nearly early enough to count.
FIREd and plan for a lower SWR than you: You wasted the only resource that matters, time. You should have retired years earlier.
FIREd and plan for a higher SWR than you: You will run out of money in no time flat. Hope you're ready to look for a job when you're 60+.
FIREd and had a higher salary than you: Eat the rich! You don't deserve that money!
FIREd and make some cash from a side hustle: You never actually fired, go somewhere else and come back when you do.
Lots Of Envy And Jealous For Those Who've Reached Financial Independence
After 12 years of FIRE, I've received almost every single FIRE hater feedback above on Financial Samurai. It's actually quite amusing! Every single hater response pumps me up to keep saving, investing, and remaining free from work.
Don't let the haters deter you from achieving financial independence early. The freedom is worth the sacrifices!
To Your Financial Freedom,
Sam
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