"When I was laid off in November, I was more than halfway vested in my company's ESOP plan. I had convinced myself that if I could hang on for two more years, I could step away from the traditional work world and pursue my passion projects full time."
"I began by grounding my thinking in current reality. I reminded myself that I'm an entrepreneur at the core with a fully functioning LLC and several side hustles already in progress. I never truly planned to retire in the traditional sense. Writing for a living has always been part of my long-term plan, and over the last few years, building a space where rescued Quarter Horses, burned-out healthcare professionals, and first responders might heal together through community and writing has become a priority."
A layoff at 58 interrupted a plan based on reaching a retirement "magic number" and forced a reassessment of priorities. The individual had been more than halfway vested in an ESOP and intended to wait two more years before leaving traditional work. Risk-averse behavior kept the person in an ill-fitting job, but entrepreneurship and existing side hustles provided alternative income pathways. Writing and creating a healing community involving rescued Quarter Horses and stressed professionals became central goals. The experience revealed that time cannot be negotiated and that practical cash-flow management matters more than a single savings target.
Read at Business Insider
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