FIRE? Unless you hate or are bad at your job, isn't work the best part of life?

RogerIrvine

Tenure to a paying post seems to be an invaluable perk. For example septuagenarian Paul Dacre has recently demurred from re-applying 

for the prestigious chair of the kingdom's media regulator to be parachuted into a more lucrative private sector post. In his 80th year, great football manager Sir Alex Ferguson continues as Manchester United's Global Ambassador, after a stroke. 

Acknowledged that us in the middling MSE crowd don't have that leverage, still, isn't it better to have the focus of a job? I may be wrong and obviously no disrespect intended  but get the impression that tax-considerations or, even worse, a failure of imagination lies behind this FIRE goal.

Alexland

We are all different and like to spend our time in different ways. Sure some people go on working into old age because their job is the thing they want to do most but for the rest of us we would rather spend time with family, friends, or on hobbies, religious or charitable activities.

eskbanker

Alexland said:

We are all different....

Well, you say that....

AlphaKappa

I think FIRE gives you the freedom/opportunity to live your life the way you want without worrying (too much) about money. A fulltime job will prevent most people from living the life they would like. Once you are FI, you can decide to continue your job if you like it, or work different hrs, engage in hobbies, slow travel, garden, whatever. If you get bored, you can return to the marketplace to fill your time, watch Netflix all day, or whatever.
YOU are in the driving seat.
FIRE or not, so far you feel happy/fulfilled with your life, you've hit the jackpot.

LV_426

There are too many variables to answer this question, and it depends on your individual circumstances. Plus everyone has different motivations, priorities, and preferences.
I think even if I retired, I'd be working on technical projects. The difference of course is, they'd be my choices, and I'd have total control over them.

sheslookinhot

Very few people will continue to work beyond pensionable age. Some like Ferguson probably see it as a vocation. Who wouldn’t, with a free season book to an Exec suite at Old Trafford, hardly working. 

Every day spent working is a day less retirement time so if you can afford it, most will stop working for a wage and get out and enjoy vocational freedom.

Thrugelmir

sheslookinhot said:

Very few people will continue to work beyond pensionable age. Some like Ferguson probably see it as a vocation. Who wouldn’t, with a free season book to an Exec suite at Old Trafford, hardly working. 

Has paid for his racehorses though. Expensive hobby. 

lisyloo

Health also comes into it as well in a major way
some people may not expect a long life and/or good health.
I have a physically strenuous hobby (scuba diving). You don’t see many people in their 70s carrying heavy scuba gear and lead weights, so that hobby has a shelf life.
If you have some travel/adventure goals then you need to be realistic.
people lucky enough to retire in their 50s will be able to do things that most people retiring at SPA won’t be able to do at least for very long.

QrizB

RogerIrvine said:

Acknowledged that us in the middling MSE crowd don't have that leverage, still, isn't it better to have the focus of a job? I may be wrong and obviously no disrespect intended  but get the impression that tax-considerations or, even worse, a failure of imagination lies behind this FIRE goal.

I guess the question is, do you ever intend to retire? And if so, under what circumstances? Typically it's one of:

• When you physically can't work any more, or
  
• When you have alternative sources of income and have something you'd rather do with your time.
  

There's nothing special about state pension age other than you gain one alternative source of income (the state pension). Some people might need to work past SPA, others will be financially independent before SPA and so can choose to work or not.

RogerIrvine

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly paid £1to £2 million per annum. For nothing too hard. 

In many professions, the irony is that you make more money after your heyday.

Thrugelmir

RogerIrvine said:

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly paid £1to £2 million per annum. For nothing too hard. 

Manchester United is a business with a New York listing. Image is everything. The Glaziers know nothing about football.