2 Years Into “FIRE”: What has Changed?

So, Facebook tells me it’s been two years since I left teaching and embarked on a new adventure. Between Chinese New Year gatherings, I’ve had a few moments to ponder the changes, and I’d like to share some of those brief thoughts.

From Anxiety and Excitement to Comfortable

Leaving a teaching career of over twenty years was definitely anxiety-inducing.

However, the experience of teaching in different schools, including pioneering a new one, had prepared me well to deal with uncertainty.

The excitement of a new challenge, coupled with that preparation, gave me the courage to take the leap.

Two years in, the initial turbulence has subsided. I’ve established a new routine and feel comfortable and prepared to produce some of my best work.

From Busyness to Self-Exploration

As any working adult knows, life can be hectic, especially with children in the mix.

I’m not entirely against busyness, particularly when it’s purposeful.

The adrenaline rush and pressure can push us out of our comfort zones, leading to personal growth. In essence, there’s no time to overthink or worry, which can be beneficial.

However, we all know that kind of constant busyness isn’t sustainable. The accompanying stress can be overwhelming, impacting both physical and emotional well-being.

While I managed a busy schedule fairly well in the past, I’m now enjoying a slower pace. Without the constant rush, even mundane chores feel less tiring.

More importantly, this slower pace has provided the space and time for deeper self-exploration, giving me greater clarity about what I want to learn and do in the next decade.

From Educator to Investor and Perhaps Writer?

I thoroughly enjoyed my career as an educator. From strategic planning and curriculum design to working directly with students, each day brought new challenges and rewards.

Alongside my teaching career, I also explored the world of investing. I was drawn to the intellectual and psychological challenges it presented, as well as the opportunity to learn about diverse industries.

Over the past two years, I’ve intensified my focus on investing, deepening my knowledge of both investment principles and the companies I hold. This concentrated effort has, I believe, made me a more astute investor.

Writing, however, remains a work in progress. While I’ve published over two hundred posts, crafting engaging prose still requires considerable effort. I will continue to hone my skills and look forward to the day when writing flows more naturally.

You Might Wonder

Why the quotation marks on FIRE?

I’ve always emphasised financial independence (FI) over “retiring early” (RE). To me, FI is the crucial goal. Once you achieved it, the decision to retire early becomes yours.

Am I Bored?

Absolutely not!

This quote by Claude Monet sums it up perfectly: “Every day I discover more and more beautiful things. It’s enough to drive one mad. I have such a desire to do everything, my head is bursting with it.” [emphasis added]

There’s simply too much to explore and learn in this world to be bored!

These past two years have been a wonderful experience and I would like to thank you for being part of the journey. Every comment, like, and even view is an encouragement.

I hope my sharing has inspired you on your own path. As we slither into the Year of the Snake, may your path be lined with pleasant 蛇prises and your coffers overflowing with investment 蛇pluses.

Have more questions? Connect with me on Instagram or InvestingNote.

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