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Anecdotally, I'm one of them. I'm a single guy that gets paid well above my mortgage and I do not really like to endlessly consume stuff (same TV since around 2

Anecdotally, I'm one of them. I'm a single guy that gets paid well above my mortgage and I do not really like to endlessly consume stuff (same TV since around 2007 which my buddies always complain about when we get together to watch fights or whatever. I don't have a dishwasher or microwave, I like to live very simply). I've been seriously considering dropping to 50% or something so I can keep my insurance but drastically lower my stress and raise the amount of time I can just sit out on the porch playing my guitar

ageofwant 5y ago
Most working class people are both time and money poor. To be in a position to buy time back for a better life is a rare privilege, and I'm grateful to be in that position myself.
ChrisMarshallNY 5y ago
Me too, but I was also pushed. I spent over 30 years, saving at around 40%, so I had a pretty decent amount ready for early retirement. I was able to sink a decent chunk into a couple of small corporations, while still having plenty to retire, but at a fairly humble level (that 40% meant no Teslas or in-ground pools). By "pushed," I mean that when I started looking for work, I was treated quite barbarously. Some, by corporations, but mostly by headhunters. It was made quite clear, that I was not welcome in today's tech field. So I had to swallow my pride, and just deal with the fact that no one wants to play with me, and I found some folks that would be happy to take what I have to offer for free. They are getting some pretty top-shelf work. I'm no slouch. Best decision I ever made. The last couple of years have been some of the happiest of my life.
- giantg2 5y ago
  Wow, 40% savings is awesome. I think I'm lucky to hit 20%, even including employer contributions.
  - ChrisMarshallNY 5y ago
    TBH, it would vary from year to year. A lot of the savings were used during the year (I never carried debt, so I would use saved money to do big purchases). I also live pretty humbly. A lot of HN folks would not approve.
duxup 5y ago
Man how many places still offer benefits at 50%?
- giantg2 5y ago
  I think my company does offer them, but I think you have to contribute more for them.

ageofwant 5y ago

Most working class people are both time and money poor. To be in a position to buy time back for a better life is a rare privilege, and I'm grateful to be in that position myself.

ChrisMarshallNY 5y ago

Me too, but I was also pushed. I spent over 30 years, saving at around 40%, so I had a pretty decent amount ready for early retirement. I was able to sink a decent chunk into a couple of small corporations, while still having plenty to retire, but at a fairly humble level (that 40% meant no Teslas or in-ground pools). By "pushed," I mean that when I started looking for work, I was treated quite barbarously. Some, by corporations, but mostly by headhunters. It was made quite clear, that I was not welcome in today's tech field. So I had to swallow my pride, and just deal with the fact that no one wants to play with me, and I found some folks that would be happy to take what I have to offer for free. They are getting some pretty top-shelf work. I'm no slouch. Best decision I ever made. The last couple of years have been some of the happiest of my life.

giantg2 5y ago
Wow, 40% savings is awesome. I think I'm lucky to hit 20%, even including employer contributions.
- ChrisMarshallNY 5y ago
  TBH, it would vary from year to year. A lot of the savings were used during the year (I never carried debt, so I would use saved money to do big purchases). I also live pretty humbly. A lot of HN folks would not approve.

duxup 5y ago

Man how many places still offer benefits at 50%?

giantg2 5y ago
I think my company does offer them, but I think you have to contribute more for them.