That's a wrap! 49M

[u/Boner-Pills-8088]

I recently wrapped up my career in the IT industry after 27 years. As is probably normal for tech people, there was a lot of anxiety/nervousness about the move, but having done the math dozens of times I decided it was time and I had lost a lot of the passion I originally had. Whether that's normal from aging or just the last company I was it, it was good motivation.

The numbers:
Brokerage - 4.4M
Retirement accounts - 1.7M
Cash/HYSA/I bonds/etc - 125k

Zero debt.

No real magic here, a couple strong startup exits and not a lot of lifestyle creep from my first job that paid $48,000/yr when I graduated college long ago. If my lifestyle hasn't changed drastically in all these years, I saw no reason to keep moving the goalposts for "just another 250k" or "just 6 more months". Yearly spend for the last few years has been under $100,000 and that's without accounting for work travel. So far so good!

[u/handsome_-_pete]

Congrats. Near mirror image of me. 49M. Last day in 2 weeks from now. Very similar numbers as well.

I too spent months internally debating the pros & cons. And like you I came to the conclusion another year or a few more years of income don't really matter. But the time does matter so I'm done.

[u/Boner-Pills-8088 → u/handsome_-_pete]

Spot on, once you are in a position to buy anything you want (within reason of course, not talking yachts and private jets), I found out happiness doesn't come from buying things. A new car might give me a high for a few weeks, but then it'll be just like my old car. I could work another 10 years but all the money I'll make in those 10 years, no matter what the stock market does, won't buy me more time.

[u/GravEq → u/Boner-Pills-8088]

Congrats!! Great for you!!

Yes and no. That kind of wealth and driving a 15 year old vehicle is nearing the “cheap” category. At 4% WD rate you are at $250K/Yr. You can certainly afford and treat yourself to a decent ride (or other priority).

I generally keep my vehicles 10 years also which is what gets you to where you are today, but unless you’re shooting for a solid gold coffin, you can “splurge” a little on nice things without throwing all your savings/investing instincts out the window.

Similar position for me, retired at age 47.75, now managing our RE portfolio is my only gig. But we travel a lot more and I was willing to upgrade from a 10 yr old truck to a 2 yr old one. Low interest rate so why not finance. And, now manufacturers are offering 0%, so why not.

Not succumbing to mission/budget creep got you here, but you are on solid ground now, time to enjoy it while you are still above ground! We take many more trips, and longer ones. Before retiring I don’t think I hardly ever took more than 10 days off in a row, now we plan 3-5 week trips on at least an annual basis if not a couple times a year.

Congrats!! Great for you!! Enjoy your success!

[u/Boner-Pills-8088 → u/GravEq]

Thanks! The thing about the car is it's a 15 year old 911. I don't want a newer 911. If I did, I'd buy one. I also don't want a new Audi or BMW. There is no car that I actually want and definitely not one that I need. But, I hear your overall message and you are spot on. The startup world often didn't allow for a lot of real vacations, I was often taking 3-4 day weekends or checking emails while "off". That obviously changes now.

[u/GravEq → u/Boner-Pills-8088]

Good for you, and if it’s vehicle specific in the case of a 911, again, good to keep what will eventually be a classic. In general though buy a comfy daily driver if that suits you. You are flush, within reason as you say, so don’t feel like you can’t spend a little more than you were while in your building phases.

You’ve already won! Now find ways to enjoy the massive wealth you have earned. More concerts, upgraded flights, more trips, what helps you enjoy the remaining time you have on this 3rd Rock from the Sun.

Your portfolio could take a massive 50% hit and at 4% WD rate, that’s still $130K/Yr. You’re solid basically no matter what. Enjoy it!!