Facing FIRE Burnout

Physician burnout is on the rise, but I’d like to discuss a different type of burn out that I recently experienced. Specifically, I found myself facing FIRE burnout.

The Start of FIRE Burnout

Once I drank the financial independence Kool-Aid, I wanted to get there … yesterday. I found myself feeling envious and jealous of others who have achieved FI or those that are already able to work less. Must be nice, I'd think.

Impatience spurred lots of number crunching to see if I could somehow get around the fact that time is a pivotal part of compound interest. No matter how I ran the numbers, the truth is inescapable. There's no way around it.

Enjoying the Journey to FI

The goal of a FI is definitely a worthy one and en vogue according to the NY Times. However, like all goals, it is not about the goal itself but about the journey. Why is it so important to enjoy the journey? Because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Sometimes you need to be personally reminded that tomorrow is never guaranteed.

A very important person in my life passed recently. Someone that truly helped sculpt who I am today. I didn't even know he was gravely ill. He never got a chance to meet Eggy.

These moments always cause the world to stand still. They prompt self-reflection and remind you to be present. They remind you that life is not a series of curated Instagram images. Life is now.

Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans – John Lennon

Final Thoughts on Facing FIRE Burnout

So, I am learning to enjoy the FI journey. Perhaps the best part of the journey is meeting other like-minded folks. They are truly a wonderful and supportive community. There may not be a perfect cure for burnout on the road to FIRE, but learning to enjoy the journey is a start.

How is your journey to FI going? Are you feeling any FIRE burnout? Comment below!]]>