Exercising Optionality With FIRE: Quitting Work... Then Going Back - JT | MHFI 329

July 21, 2026 • 01:19:02
Exercising Optionality With FIRE: Quitting Work... Then Going Back - JT | MHFI 329
Mile High FI Podcast
Exercising Optionality With FIRE: Quitting Work... Then Going Back - JT | MHFI 329

Jul 21 2026 | 01:19:02

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Show Notes

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.  

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**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.**

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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

Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the links to find out how:
https://buymeacoffee.com/milehighfi

Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more

[email protected]

**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.**

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