Fear of BOREDOM and losing the "big shovel" - approaching Early Retirement | 9 to FI 056

<p>Elliot’s Pre-Retirement Fears: Boredom, the Big Shovel, and Trusting the FI Math</p><p>Josh and Elliot decide to continue the podcast after receiving encouraging listener feedback and invite more comments via email and Spotify. They focus on Elliot’s approaching planned exit from his W-2 job after March 1, 2027, timed to a mid-February bonus and RSUs vesting March 1, while noting he may pivot if circumstances change. Elliot describes an “existential” unease about early retirement, mainly fear of boredom and fear of giving up a lucrative “big shovel,” especially with three elementary-aged kids and future education costs. They discuss how FI “only solves money problems,” the mindset challenge of trusting the math versus analysis paralysis, and how surrounding influences can amplify worries. Elliot feels excitement and terror about owning his time but believes he could earn money again if needed, likely outside corporate work. They agree to revisit additional fears and later discuss drawdown strategy.</p><p>00:00 Welcome and Feedback</p><p>01:19 Elliot Retirement Setup</p><p>03:12 Target Date and Work Factors</p><p>06:08 Josh Retirement Lessons</p><p>07:32 Elliot Fears Boredom</p><p>09:45 Doubt and FI Mindset</p><p>12:16 Thought Experiment Without FI</p><p>16:42 Social Circle and Life Stage</p><p>20:38 Fear of Unknown Time</p><p>23:57 Contingency Plans and Barista FI</p><p>27:52 Mindset Shift After FI</p><p>29:05 Wrap Up and Next Episode</p><p><br></p><p>Do you have feedback or suggestions? We want to hear from you!</p><p>Contact Elliot: <a href="mailto:Elliot@ninetofipod.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Elliot@ninetofipod.com</a></p><p>Contact Josh: <a href="mailto:Josh@ninetofipod.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Josh@ninetofipod.com</a></p><p>Josh’s other podcast: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4foNu6PXBBTnj7LRPUWeSd?si=380e77ecc4524baf" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Stuck In Beta</a></p><p>Josh’s YouTube channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@howtofixitworkshop" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">How To Fix It Workshop</a></p><p>Any of these products help the show. Thanks for your support!</p><p><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/9tofi" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Buy Us a Coffee⁠</a> - One time donation or monthly, it’s up to you</p><p>We both use<a href="https://my.mintmobile.com/refer/aEWp5rL" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠Mint Mobile⁠</a> and save a ton on our phone plan:<a href="http://fbuy.me/vgAmz" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://empowerreferral.link/joshuaepley" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠Empower⁠</a> is Josh’s choice for Net Worth and Budgeting</p><p>Wanna create a podcast? We use<a href="https://descript.cello.so/IVNVNzQT7Gf" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠Descript⁠</a></p><p>Looking for a new credit card?  We’re big fans of<a href="https://www.referyourchasecard.com/226d/VXSG31N8OF" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠Chase⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/9tofi" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠</a>Want to save money on gas, groceries and dining out? Try<a href="https://upside.app.link/JOSH56339" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠Upside!⁠</a></p><p>Books mentioned in this episode:</p><p>Come find us and subscribe on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a>: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">http://www.youtube.com/@9toFI</a></p><p><br></p>