I have a new boss, and it’s not going the way I hoped.
This post is about a big career question as early retirement creeps closer. After years of working for great people, you can end up with someone who just isn’t a fit — and suddenly your plans get messed up.
My original target to retire early was February 2020. I’m not saying I’ll quit work entirely, but this could be the turning point toward SemiFIRE or an Accidental FIRE path.
Why isn’t the new boss working out? I have little patience for big egos and passive-aggressive or aggressive management. I like bosses who are predictable, willing to admit mistakes, and experienced in what I do. My new boss has none of that. Emails go unanswered, one-on-ones aren’t a priority, no one asks about my life, and there’s no coaching. Ugh.
The good news is my last boss isn’t completely out of the picture. Our company is restructuring, so I might end up back under my old leader.
Let’s be blunt — not having control over who your boss is might be the single biggest reason people want to retire early. Sure, long commutes and dull cubicle work are rough, but a good boss makes a huge difference in how tolerable work and life feel. Writing this helps me stay focused on key goals: financial independence, low stress, and a meaningful life. That’s what this blog is for.
Right now I don’t have a great boss, but things are bearable. Part of that is I care less about office drama when I’m so close to my goals. I just have to be careful not to jeopardize any bonus that might come in Q1.
There’s also the chance I get canned before Q1. If they cut middle managers and my boss keeps his distance, maybe I should read the signs and head for the exits. My Spidey-sense is tingling. If I do get let go, at least there’d be a severance package. I’m a bit behind on the savings I planned to put into Vanguard VTSAX, which makes me nervous. I need more “gap income” to cover us until we can tap 401(k) money. First-world problems, but they still cause stress.
We’ve had other strains. It took too long to find a tenant for one of our rentals this fall — not many people move between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the old tenants broke their lease anyway. Mrs. Cubert has been stressed by a clinic move that hit her time and income. Fortunately, we’re coming out of that without major damage. I signed a tenant last night — a huge relief — and her new clinic looks great; she’s ready for clients tomorrow.
Over the turkey break I thought about the blog and where I want it to go. I keep learning that I like writing. It’s funny: I spend too much time tweaking my WordPress site (themes, speed, SEO, ad placement), when the heart of this blog is simply sharing the ups and downs of the journey. I want to get back to that. I’m grateful to readers — your thoughts and ideas are gold. The conversation helps me make decisions I’d otherwise overthink.
Postscript 8/15/22: Who could have guessed what happened a few months after I wrote this? The coronavirus hit and lockdowns began in March. George Floyd was murdered not far from where we live. Around then my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. To think my biggest worry in December 2019 was whether to keep my day job after bonus time. Wow — perspective matters. I’m still collecting a paycheck and weighing my next move, but I’m more mindful now that a long-term plan can be upended in an instant.