Work Optional FIRE: Quitting, Then Going Back | MHFI 329

Doug chats with JT about quitting his tech job due to burnout, taking time off to spend with family & decompress, but ultimately deciding to return to work.  JT discusses his sudden decision to give an eight-day notice, the psychological transition of being “unemployed” vs. “retired”, why the FI community can sometimes be too prescriptive about never working again, and how he evaluated a new opportunity at a startup while emphasizing optionality, boundaries, and success criteria to avoid repeating burnout.   Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links JT on MHFI episode 110 JT on MHFI episode 264.5 MHFI episode 316, “Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement – Rusty (Part 1)” MHFI episode 317, “Optimizing the Last Year of Work Before Retirement – Rusty (Part 2)” The FI Collective Jordan Grumet, “The Purpose Code” Kindle Hardcover Paperback Audiobook Ramit Sethi, “I Will Teach You to Be Rich: The Journal” Kindle Paperback MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: [email protected] 0:00 Introduction 2:02 Quitting 9:44 Reflections on burnout 15:45 Activities since leaving work 22:57 Structure & daily routine 31:21 FI journey 37:39 Spending changes 43:32 Optionality & continuing to work 49:36 Would you do it for free? 55:41 Success criteria for returning to work 1:02:00 Value of additional money 1:06:36 Work vs. early retirement 1:13:51 Soundcheck – Book minimalism