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Last summer at the age of 54 I read the book “Die with Zero” while we were on vacation. Right then and there I made the decision to no longer delay certain gratifications. While I love what I do, and I feel that it positively impacts the lives of the children and families that we serve, time is a finite currency, and the older I get, the less of that currency i have.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

That is so true. The only thing we can not make more of is TIME. We can definitely say that leaving iur jobs as soon as we could financially has been the best decision. The past month has been the least stressed I have felt in decades. I wish you all the best, and looking after yourself and your happiness is as important as helping others. 🤗

Thanks for the video….I am sold. I am 52, I have completed 25 years in the military and am now in my 10th year as a police officer in a major city in the UK. My body and mind can’t take much more of the stresses. I would say i get assaulted on average about once a month and level of violence I am dealing with is changing me into a person I don’t like, or want to be. I have 2 years left till i reach a pensionable age, I am literally clinging on. This video inspires me.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

I completely understand. It takes a toll on you. Everyday walking into the unknown, dealing with the worst day in most peoples lives, having ro face the violence of other or have it directed at you, it is exhausting and can truly change you into someone you do not recognize. Let me know if you want to chat. Send me an email at firewego@gmail.com. it can definitely help to talk with people who understand your situation. 🙂

Yeah, March 28th was my last day of work and like you, I liked my job. I really liked my co-workers but I just didn't want to do it anymore. I'm 63.5 YO and had been with the company for 44.5 years. I thought I would have regrets but I don't at all. Now I have a 7 day weekend every week. 😆

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

That is an amazing way to look at it! A 7-day weekend! Congratulations, that is a huge step after 44.5 years! Just like you, so far I am loving it!

“I chose me.” ❤ Enjoy retirement. It was one of my best decisions, too.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much! We are definitely enjoying it so far!

I think people are starting to understand the reality that what we ‘need’ is more in the interest of corporations than ourselves. We need less than we realize. That’s where freedom starts. Best of luck.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

That's a great way to put it! We can't agree more. Thank you 🤗

@robertlewis3116

Ай бұрын

Yes, very true. We have been brainwashed for far too long. I retired at 59 and if I could have known about the way things are many years ago I would have been better with my money so I could have gotten out sooner. So many people hate their job. I hope more people start waking up earlier in life so they can get out sooner.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

I also wish this for people. At least they will have to chance to choose their path rather than needing to stay in a job they don't like.

8 years ex military, 18 years current leo… im on the brink of putting in paperwork… im over it!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

❤️ It is not easy to leave, but I can tell you that after 1 month away, my stress level has dropped, which is noticeable as well in the way I feel. The job can be amazing, but it does take a toll. Send an email if you have any questions! Thank you for all of your service 🤗

@Pieter2360

Ай бұрын

I get it. It’s clear what you want to retire from, but what are you retiring to?

@ebonywinn50

Ай бұрын

17 years LEO here. Going through cancer treatment currently. Used to work nonstop OT and projects thinking it was needed to advance my career. Not at the burn out stage, but at the stage of “I want more out of life than the go go go of working and chasing criminals.” I also missed some family and friends moments because of work. Never again. I wish you well on whatever decision you make.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

At the moment, i am figuring that out. Gean and I are going to explore the world, at the moment we are walking the Camino de Santiago, which is giving both of us a lot of time to thunk and reflect on what we want innour lives. I think it's OK to not have a plan yet...and not having a plan for the first time in a long time is so exciting!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

And to you with your treatment, you've got this. Never give up and stay in the fight 💙 If you need anything, send us a message. 🙂

I can totally relate. I didn't hate my work as an RN, but it did come with a cost, and I find myself much happier traveling the world and meeting new people. While we aren't officially retired at this point, I'm grateful we have the flexibility to take a long-term sabbatical and make those memories while we are still young and healthy.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

We cannot agree more! It's wonderful that you have that opportunity, and I understand the demands of an RN. My mom was an RN in Canada for 40 years... Thank you for all that you do! We live your channel, BTW! You are both always so positive and happy 😊

Congrats! and sorry to hear about your mother!

@FIREWeGo

10 күн бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate that 😊

This was the best video you have done so far. I loved it!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! 🤗

Very inspired by your decision to retire at 51 and 45. We are 47 and 49 and aiming to retire in less than 3 years, mainly because our youngest still has 3 years left of high school. We hope to start our journey slowly in a year while our youngest is still in school. Once she is off to college in 3 years, we are considering traveling full-time with our dog. Life is short. If you are able, take care of yourself, explore, and enjoy. All the best with your journey!

@FIREWeGo

20 күн бұрын

Thank you so much! You're so right. Life is short... even if we live to 100! Time seems to fly by faster and faster each year. Good for you guys on making the decision to retire early! We are still new at raising, but we don't regret a day yet! Keep us posted on your progress 😊

This was a very touching testimony, thank you for your many years of service. The cruise and Camino will be excellent ways to disconnect, reflect, be in the moment, and start building new wonderful memories. "And suddenly you know. It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings" 😊

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

We definitely knew it was time for something new and are truly enjoying the magic of new beginnings! Thank you so much 😊

Keep those good work memories and build new ones going forward. Leaving a career you love is a necessary evil sometimes. I left the military at 44 and still miss it 22-years later, but we have accomplished much since then.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much, Mike! It was definitely hard, but even one month in, I know that it was the right desiccant for me 😊 Thank you for your support.

Wow ... Amazing view Thank you for the video

@FIREWeGo

10 күн бұрын

You're very welcome!

Thank you for your service to the communities that you’ve served and know that you have brothers and sisters to carry on with the hard work. You are amazing and deserve all of the joy and memory dividends this chapter of life brings!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you for such a lovely comment...it truly made my morning. And you're right. Others will continue to help those who need it, and I will find some new ways to contribute and make a difference. Thank you, Damion 🤗

Thank you for this video. Didn't know that we could decide for ourselves that way...great one! Love that!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Sometimes, you need to put yourself first 🤗

Thank you for sharing. We wish you both all the best. Cheers! Here's to great memories ahead!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Peter! 🤗

Thanks for your service and sharing. All the best and enjoy your retirement!! 💙

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Ahhh, thank you so much. It was truly a pleasure to serve, I loved it. 😊

Wow…great video and so glad we found your channel. My wife retired at 57 after experiencing ageism from the people she trained. I’m a few years away from retirement and counting the days!! Anyways, our journey is different from yours but we love how the two of you have taken control of your life’s. Your videos have helped us own our own futures and embrace enthusiasm for the future. Thanks and looking forward to what life brings!!😁🥳

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

That would have been extremely difficult for your wife, so I'm sorry to hear that. Discrimination of any kind has no place in our societies. We are very glad to hear that you guys are enjoying the channel, and thank you for reaching out! 😊

Thx for your service and your truth!!!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for reaching out. That means a lot 😊

One of your best videos I think to date. Very powerful.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

🤗 thank you so much!

I LOVED THIS! What a touching video--thank you for sharing it and THANK YOU for your service!! If more of these types of videos will appear on your channel, I look forward to following your travels!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Ahhhh, thank you, Sarah! We definitely want to share more like this with you guys. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement. We truly do appreciate it more than you know!

So inspiring Christine. Happy travels!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you very much. We hope you're having an amazing day!

Brilliant decision! LOVE that you got piped out!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you! I love the pipes, and it was a very emotional moment for sure. But it has been a great decision for me, I already feel less stressed!

Love this video, very inspiring. so sorry about your Mum, I can totally relate my poor Mum passed last year, made me realize how short life is. I can't wait to join you guys and retire soon. I admire you guys for leaving your job, it is not an easy thing to do but the right thing is not always easy. Happy travels!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Cathy. I'm so sorry about your mum. It's one of the hardest things to get through, the loss of a parent. We hope you're doing OK, and we know that you'll reach your retirement goal soon! Reach out if you need anything. 😊

Thank you for sharing your journey

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thanks Ethan! 😊

Thank you for your service, enjoy your retirement, well deserved!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much. Really appreciate that!

I love your Story and thank you for your service

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Darrell. I really appreciate all your support 🤗

Thanks for sharing this! Major inspiration!! ❤😊

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you! Appreciate all of the support 😊

You earned another subscriber. Glad I stumbled onto your channel. Really caught my attention with how you loved your work until your work didn’t love you anymore. Resonates with me and the journey I also find myself on. Time is the one resource that cannot be replaced. As I age, I find even deeper appreciation for this undeniable truth each moment that passes. Wishing you the best.

@FIREWeGo

28 күн бұрын

Thank you so much. It's true, time is such a precious commodity, and when we are younger, we don't seem to realize how finite it can actually be. I'm so glad that you're here with us for our journey 😊

Thank you for sharing your why. So inspiring.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you for reaching out 😊

Great video - thanks for making the effort to share the big picture stuff.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

You're more than welcome! Thank you for reaching out 🤗

This raw genuine video is the best of KZread

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

🤗 Thank you so much! I wanted other people to know that it's not easy to make that decision, and it may be the right one... even when you love your work!

Thank you for your service. You have earned your retirement.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Samuel! Truely appreciate you reaching out 😊 Hope you have a great day!

Your best video to date! Enjoy your retirement ❤

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much, Rick! 😊

Thanks for sharing this video. I recently listened to "Die with Zero" audiobook and found it super inspiring too. Really happy for you and Gean. I hope you both fully enjoy your early retirement.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Moe! So far, we are having a great time... and have no regrets!

Thanks for sharing . Ex military here, totally get it! Enjoy your future.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you! Yes, you would definitely understand, and thank you for Your service 😊

Congrats on retiring early! And thank you SO much for sharing your story! 😊...I read Taking Stock and it really impacted me too. Currently reading Four Thousands Weeks, so impactful too!!... Die with Zero is definitely in my watchlist.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Those sounds like great reads...they are now on our list, too! Thank you for all of your support 🤗

Another great video!🎉😊. Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed it. I got shocked in this one. Thank you for your service. I'm also ex military as you know and I left over 12 years ago. Then went back to work in a job in support of the military. So I put in a lot of time and I left this past December as you know but it was just time to go. I am so happy I made that decision for myself and son. Life is good!✨️ Glad you and Gean are enjoying your new second half of life too.❤ Cheers 🍻 😊

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Tonya, for your service as well. We are so happy that you are enjoying yourself and living your best life. It's definitely important to listen to yourself and do what is right for you! 🤗

So happy for you. Focus on your health and do stuff you live.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

So glad to hear someone else promoting these beliefs. Love the book "die with zero". I am at that stage too. I have been attending way too many funerals for family and friends, many of them under 55 and it's an eye opener for sure. So we are pulling the plug early. Like you , I really dig my job but at this point I am trading time for money--- that I don't need. My wife feels the same. We realize that there are far fewer days in front of us than behind us. So time to act !

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Amazing!! You will definitely not regret the decision. Like you too many people we know are passing away younger and younger. We don't know how much time any of us have, but we want to ensure we make the most of what is left! We are so excited for you 🤗

Great video!! I would have never guessed that you were a police officer. Thank you for your service! Enjoy your retirement.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much, Paul! It was a great job, but it was time for a change 😊

💙💙💙 We can’t wait to have the time to follow our passions and volunteer. We love our careers as well but we want the time back to follow our passions.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

It's definitely hard to leave, but we'll worth it 😊

I come from a family of all civil servants to some degree (cops, firefighters, nurses, social workers in women's shelters etc). My dad was a police officer for over 35 years and I don't know how he did it. I feel like even 18 years would be more than anyone should see in a lifetime. It's ok to love something & then still leave it. I am so glad you were able to transition to a new adventure!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much. These are all jobs that require a passion for them, for sure, but they all take a toll. My mom was a nurse, and I saw firsthand the effects of stress on her body. I decided that wasn't what I wanted for my future and made the decision to leave. I'm so glad I did. The last month has been....great! I feel lighter and stress free 😉

God speed my friend

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much, Brian! 🤗🤗

Such a touching video from the heart. The biggest surprise for me was to find out that you were in law enforcement. Didn’t expect that! Thank you for sharing!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Patrick. It was a bit hard to make this one, but I feel like it was an important part of this journey we are all on. I wanted people to realize it's OK to leave something you love if it no longer is healthy for your life. Thanks for reaching out!

@tonyalaw8197

Ай бұрын

Oh my what a wonderful and eye opening video my Dear friend. Beautiful done. And yes when you shared with us what that you was in policing, I was very shocked. But I could definitely see it. This is great! Thank you for your service and dedication. Actually this is military appreciation month in the states. As you already know I'm prior military. I am thankful I served. Please keep making these great videos with your hubby and sharing with us. 😇❤️​@@FIREWeGo

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Tonya, and Happy Military Appreciation Month! I am also very thankful that I chose this career. Being able to help people on their worst day was always a sense of satisfaction. However, it came down to me looking after myself rather than others now, and as hard as it was to leave, I chose me 🤗

@tonyalaw8197

Ай бұрын

@@FIREWeGo I 💯 % agree! Good for you Dear. I did the same. It was just time. Keep enjoying 😉 ✨️. Life is good!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

You as well!

Service to your community is a very noble profession and one that probably gave you many moments of satisfaction and joy. But most likely it was also very draining on you in many ways. Now it is time to put yourself first and service your personal and family needs. My wife and I early reitired 5 years ago and have been full-time travelers ever since. Work was fun and I do miss some of the people that I used to spend so much time with. But as I tell everyone - "I've worked and I've not worked. Not working is better." I wish you the best wherever the future takes you and I hope that you have a lot of fun building those new memories.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for reaching out! You're completely right about the moments of satisfaction and how it can also be very draining on someone, emotionally and physically! It's now been one month, and I think I like the "not working" part better than the "working"! Where have you guys traveled? Where are you right now? We would love to hear about some of your favorite places in the last 5 years or recommendations you may have for us! Thanks again for the comment 😊

@ronpizur2627

Ай бұрын

@@FIREWeGo We were expats in the Netherlands for 15 years and when we reitired we still had two dogs. So drove around Europe with them for 4 years until they both died. Now we are able to fly again. Currently we are in Armenia. We totally fell in love with Romania and Slovakia last summer and were sorry that we had waited so long to dive deeper into both countries.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

We have heard amazing things about Romania! We can't wait to go and explore as well!

@tonyalaw8197

Ай бұрын

​@@FIREWeGoYes you guys must go to Romania 🇷🇴. You both will absolutely love it. I went there with two of my friends years ago but it was just wondering and the people are very friendly. We saw the Dracula castle or something like that. 😂. You guys will love it. Go there and enjoy 😊

What a touching story of why you chose to retire now instead of waiting. My husband and I have just retired as well and like you and Gean, we are looking forward to embracing this next phase of our lives. We are having the time of our lives on the Amazon River at this moment. Parabens, Christine!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much, we are so happy we made tgia decision!! Also, You have to let us know about your amazon experience! We are looking for ideas and options as we hope to take family on one thesis Christmas!

@mingfranks460

Ай бұрын

@@FIREWeGo We are just over a week into our 2 week cruise from Manaus to Tabatinga and it has been amazing so far. The wildlife that we have seen so far has been incredible and we are now heading into indigenous communities of the Japura Region. Our guides have recommended coming during the rainy season when water levels are higher so that you don’t have to look quite so high in the trees to see the animals. The biggest adjustment we have had is to the extreme heat and humidity….our Canadian blood isn’t used to it!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

🤗 It all sounds amazing! We hope that you have a fantastic time!!!

@mingfranks460

Ай бұрын

If you are interested in our Amazon journey, I am documenting it on my blog: travellingmonkeyagogo.blogspot.com

I read Die with Zero in January and it changed my life. I just started my KZread channel to document my life until we retire in 5 years. Our house will be paid off by then and we will be able to travel the world without any “baggage”. Enjoy!❤

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you for reaching out! Just subscribed to the channel. We can't wait to see how you are doing in your own journey!!

@IramisandGerry

Ай бұрын

@@FIREWeGo Thank you so much! That means a lot to us. I have been watching your videos for the past year. You have helped me in my thinking and the fact that you have a house in Brazil reminds me so much of us. We have a house in Puerto Rico! I hope we can meet one day and share war stories. BTW - we love cruising. Cherish your new life and love each other fiercely.

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Do you have any recommendations on books/resources about what to do with early retirement? There is so much written about finances, but that is the "easy' part to figure out. The hard part is the "now what?". Building a productive happy challenging life is kind of daunting without work constraints. If you, or your subscribers, have any suggestions, that would be amazing!

@FIREWeGo

14 күн бұрын

Thanks for reaching out! We have a list of books on our website, firewego.com/resources! There are some there that we really liked. Instead of seeing this next part as daunting, look at it as exciting! You get to try so many new things out. You will find something that you enjoy, and that fits. It doesn't need to be right away either! 😊

Scary to retire this early in these difficult times unless you have a FINANCIAL INCOME POWERHOUSE !!!

@DannyBrooks1

Ай бұрын

I agree!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

🙂 Thanks for reaching out!

My wife and I are teachers, and this to a degree impacts GREATLY on when you can retire. Pensions are something that we are counting on....so we NEED to work for X number of years.....in order to live the lifestyle we want...we have a nestegg, but with the market as we know we can't count on that completely....thanks for the video and I hope your retirements are full of joy and exploration !!!!!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

A pension certainly does factor in! Thank you for reaching out, and best of luck on your journey!

@mth469

5 күн бұрын

@@FIREWeGo What happens if all these pension promises implode along with the economy. The govt and public sector is leaning on the private sector worker to pay their pension. But the private sector worker is turning into the working poor and edging towards financial collapse. I'd only rely on personal savings and assets. I would not count on govt pensions or govt anything for that matter.

@FIREWeGo

5 күн бұрын

In our case, we have set our investments up so that any future pension from CPP or OAS will be additional income, not required to live. The next few years will be interesting to see how our system is working! 😊

No one at the end of their life wish that they “worked more” regardless of how much of a dream job they think they had. Work is a means to an end for me, I can’t wait to get rid of it forever. But I’m too poor to do so now so I’m still on the hamster wheel 😂😂😂 You are FREE, this is what truly living is all about 😊

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you! You could not be more right! We have talked to so many people on the cruise we took that are retired. All of them said the only regret they had was not retiring sooner. You have the determination and the plan, so you will achieve your dreams sooner than you think! We are cheering for you, and if there is anything we can do , let us know!

Gosh, I related to this. After 20 years in health care, I feel the need to get out. The work no longer gives me the joy and purpose it once did. My heart is no longer in it. I feel changed by my career, and not really in a good way. I am tired, and maybe my job should go to someone from the next generation who still has the energy and enthusiasm that health care needs. I plan to retire soon, even if that means to a different kind of work. Something for which I am better suited. Thank you for your valuable service.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

I completely understand. When the joy is gone, and you feel a change that is not for the better, you probably need to change. You're ultimately the you need to care for know. You have Definitely done your part. My mom was also in healthcare...and it truely does take a toll, always being empathetic and trying to help...that does take a toll. Please look after yourself....🫂🤗

@iamjane9628

Ай бұрын

@@FIREWeGo Thank you for this. ❤

@debbassgirl586

Ай бұрын

Totally understand that. Retired Nurse here at 55.Burnt to a crisp.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

I completely get it. Thank you for all that you do (even retired. You are still looking after others... I know, my mom was a nurse until the day she passed... even though she was retired ❤️)

Retirement is a big challenge for me. Not the financials and making ends meet. That's the easy part. But letting go of that nice paycheck every month. That's hard. So many of us work 'just one more year' until they meet an oncologist.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

We almost got caught up in that "One More Year," then we considered what we would be missing out on by putting this new part of our lives on hold. It was difficult not to see any paycheck every two weeks... but the dividends once a month are starting to take the place of that! And , now, we won't go back for anything! 😉

So you didi it! It’s real…not some KZread scam to get views…you really retired! Wow good on you girl.

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much Vic! It's terrifying in the moment, but now it feels great!

Negative memory dividends 😑 very real wake up call

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

They definitely were. I am already feeling less stressed, and Gean and I are building new and great memories now!

New sub binging ur videos Im 40 only have like 230 k but really wanna retire soon

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Before you know it, you will be able to reach your goals! Gean and I thought we wouldn't be able to retire until 2028, but we're able to make it happen this year!

I thought you did an office job😂 Such a tough job and I can see why it would change you. The city is getting worse with poverty and addiction. Enjoy your Camino and add to the positive memory bank!

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Lol, there is still a lot of computer time involved 😉 The city is becoming harder to be in for sure. Thank you for all the support!

I hated most of the people I last worked with. My contract did not get renewed so it was tie to retire on Halloween of 2022. No looking back and no regrets.

@FIREWeGo

19 сағат бұрын

So glad you're happy and enjoying life now! We are the same as you, no regrets 😉😊

❤️

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

🤗❤️

@45 I've had a traumatic brain injury and other health conditions; life on earth is so short, why spent what's remaining chasing money/ materials.

@FIREWeGo

16 күн бұрын

That is so true. We never know what the future has in store for us, so we may as well live now!

How does one afford to retire at 45 working a police job ? Especially in Toronto ? Your husband rich ?

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

We have been working toward this for many years. We have many videos explaining our finances and investments. If you are interested, perhaps take a look.

@sandray7609

Ай бұрын

😂😂😂 go back and watch their videos. Hard work saving and investing

to piggyback, to fellow leo/military please seek therapy as you transition to civilian life… we’ve seen A LOT, and it must be unpacked and processed before we can find peace in retirement

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

I could not agree more. There are many great organizations out there to help, along with therapists who specialize in military and first responder trauma. THANK YOU for mentioning this 🫂

thank you very much for sharing a different perspective, all the best guys

@FIREWeGo

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much 🤗