For me, it was learning English. Although I do make a few mistakes here and there, I’m mostly perfect on it.
The amount of resources you have access to dramatically increases when you know a universal language. I say dramatically because it made me realize how much my native language lacks when it comes to certain topics. The most obvious one to me was tech and computers. Everybody knows how to use Windows but there are very few resources about stuff beyond Windows. It’s actually sad. [insert sad face here]
Getting a divorce. My life has been better since then, even when I lived in my car.
A “friend” started a company and hired me. It was pretty fun for a year. Then it became pretty bad — real bad. I quit on the spot after a verbal abuse session where I demanded more respect and my “friend” / boss literally said “no.”
It’s been a little over a year since I quit. Lived in my car for some of it, otherwise took odd jobs here and there where I could rent a room temporarily.
I’m at the end of this insane journey — starting a new job in a couple months. It’s been rough but I still think it was the right decision. Curious to see myself in 6 months to a year.
Anyway, felt like this was somewhat similar to your case.
Same. I thought life would be worse so I stayed married longer than I should have.
Turns out being unhappily married is far more lonely than being single…by a LOT.
Oh hell yes it is. I didn’t stay too long (I’m notorious for leaving anything I’m unhappy with) but it was only good for like the first couple of weeks. I honestly should have known better but I was 18.
And for all the folks saying that getting married is the best thing to happen to them, I only have one thing to say: good! I’m glad it’s working for you and your spouse!
Deciding to transition ten years ago
What element were you before you transitioned to fire?
Marrying my wife. She is so smart and strong. We make a great team and we have been able to resolve the various conflicts of 15 years. I couldn’t have chosen a better partner.
running away from home at 16, abusive boomer parents who hated me
Asked my boss to relocate me to another country 5 years ago. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m glad I even asked in the first place, because no one else had done it at the time.
Quit smoking.
Apart from that, it’s been a clusterfuck.
I’d say so far, my best decision has been saying “ok” when an old coworker offered me an interview at a new job.
OP, do you mind if I ask what your native language is?
I apologize for the late reply. I was really busy these few days.
OP, do you mind if I ask what your native language is?
Well I do not mind. It’s Turkish.
Probably having kids. Got pregnant at 23, went back to school, slowly, got a much better job when I finished. Do not think I would have done without having the kids, and they have brought so much joy into my life.
But I always knew I wanted kids so not sure that counts.
Wearing a very slightly alternative outfit to the mall in the 1980s may actually have saved my life. I was so alienated at school, for a lot of reasons, and falling in with these slightly older punks who looked after me at shows and just generally got me into that scene really made me feel I had a place - I wouldn’t say it was wholesome by any stretch but without that group I am pretty sure I would have just died, probably from anorexia as a teen. Good and bad came from it but I am very, very happy for that day.
Quit work at 35, am now 58.
Regrets ? Not brave enough to quit earlier.
How do you support yourself and how did you make that happen?
Seconded I’m ready to take notes at 33
If you are actually interested there was movement, not sure if still going, a few years ago called financial independence. It was r/financialindependence. One of their influencers was Mr Money Moustache. You can look that up if you want
Yeah :) I actually am going to reach FI myself next year at 33 y/o. Was hoping to hear this person’s story since its a concept I’m very interested in.
Stooped caring what other thought, started doing what I liked, took risks.
I hate that you are right because English is such a janky ass language.
And don’t worry too much on mistakes since native speakers suck at english too.
No we aren’t
Buying dirt, it’s a struggle everyday but as much as I say I’m giving up and selling… I’m never going to
Moving. I was in my mid 20s and I lived in a city with all my friends.
Really struggled with mental health. Felt like all my friends hated me. Turns out they were just mediocre friends.
Packed up and moved, solo.doing way better than I ever woulda done in that situation, I think.
Quiting an exhausting job. That was a big relieve for me and for my partner even more so
Your English is excellent - I wouldn’t know it was a second (third?) language for you.
FYI, “mostly perfect” is problematic, as “perfect” is an absolute - something is perfect or it isn’t perfect. Though it could interpreted as “most of my English is perfect”, which makes sense. And there’s also room for artistic license.
Many native speakers say this kind of thing all the time with “unique”, by saying things like “one of the most unique” thing. So you’re in good company, you speak English as well as many native speakers! 😁
(It’s a minor thing, I doubt most people notice that qualifying an absolute doesn’t make sense).
Again, your English is excellent - I really wouldn’t know otherwise.
