[ed25519FUUU]

Another approach to FIRE that I think is actually more fulfilling is to gradually reduce working hours until "retired".

For example, explore a position that lets you work 4 days a week and take Mondays or Fridays off. Later, switch to part time or contracting 6 months on 6 months off.

I don't personally think gap years will be very fulfilling unless it's something like a whole family 1 year vacation where you all go and live someplace.

[pcglue]

I would absolutely love to find a software position with 24-32 hour week, but I have not heard of such a thing, short of going out on your own and freelancing. No employer I know of (in software field, I don't want to go work retail) would consider allowing employees to work part time.

I have considered contracting or even freelancing too, but I've been a W2 worker my entire career. I'd have to look into how to do this.

[njwi332]

They exist - I work for Indeed and there's a 4 day week option that started being offered last year in response to covid and has now become an official policy. The problem is that companies that do it don't tend to advertise it I guess.

[mettamage]

For EU citizens, The Netherlands is totally a country where 32 hours per week is possible. The pay is also a lot lower ;-) Though, compared to a 40 hour work week, you only take a 20% pay cut (and probably get passed up on promotions, so there is an opportunity cost).

[pcglue]

Work climate is much different here in the manic U.S. I'd gladly take the 20% pay cut and be passed over for promotions. I actively decline promotion to team lead/management anyway. Whatever extra benefits there are in pay/title is not worth the stress.

[ghaff]

That's assuming your preference is to have shorter/easier weeks as opposed to taking chunks of time off--which is my preference.