Kristine Wu disliked her career in Big Law and sought financial independence for early retirement. She initially planned to leave her job in seven years but departed in six. Wu learned about the FIRE movement before starting work and developed a disciplined savings plan. She lived frugally, investing most of her income in index funds. Wu tracked her savings diligently and concluded that while frugality impacted her happiness, her choice led to fulfillment through achieving her retirement goals.
I pursued law solely because I saw it as a practical, respectable career, but I didn't love it. Before starting my first job, I came across the financial independence early retirement (FIRE) movement, and I saw it as a way out.
Every penny that wasn't spent on food or rent for my small, shared apartment was invested in broad-based index funds because they yield an average return of over 10% annually with minimal effort involved.
I calculated my savings rates based on my salary and expenses, and it became clear to me that a retirement in seven years was feasible if I was disciplined with my money.
I learned that saving so diligently came at the expense of my joy, but I couldn't be happier with my decision.
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