Time bombs
Everything's a time bomb when you think about it.
Our life's inherently a time bomb. Stock market, crypto market are time bombs too.
When we spend too much time worrying about time bombs, especially those that we have no control over, we are subjecting ourselves to unhealthy and stressful thoughts.
You can make plans for the explosion time, if it makes embracing uncertainties easier.
Don't live in jitters.
Living in the present
When we don't waste time mauling the past and worrying about the future, we are present in mind for the present.
We tackle the problems at hand with our best effort, then just let them roll.
If something's solvable, try our hands at it again. But know when to move on.
Don't try lifting a boulder out of the way when you can easily walk around it.
Sometimes we delude ourselves into thinking there are no choices out there. Like you look at a tree and think it is the forest.
You probably haven't seen enough trees.
There are green pastures and will always be greener pastures. It's not the green that matters - it might not even be the shade that you imagined when you reached there. It's about whether you are ok with the shit in the pasture.
Just live in the present. Keep walking. And don't wonder off course.
What the heck is "Barista FIRE"?
FIRE stands for financial independence, retire early.
When one wants to retire, it gives the notion that one is tired of work. All kinds of work.
"Barista" stands for working part-time, so it is still work. Just less.
Then one devotes time to other things that are "non-work". Erm like... Investing?
I don't know, but investing feels like work to me sometimes. Trading too. Even doing household chores.
The only assuring part is - I won't get blasted for not hitting KPIs.
As for my "employed work", I don't hate it. Ok, maybe some parts of it.
When you hate your "employed work", will you try out "other pastures"?
![]() |
| Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash |
If we have come to the conclusion that not being employed = retirement, I am Barista Firing then. (That doesn't mean I will not go back to full-time employment in future.)
On this note, FI is very important to me right now. Because FI allows me to deal with situations at home that I would otherwise not be able to if I am under full-time employment. FI also gives me more freedom and time to pursue the things I want and what I like to do.
Always waiting for the "right time" to FIRE is kind of like constantly moving the goal post. I would rather look back at my youth and regret on some things I have done, than things I have not done.
🤗
Thanks for reading!

FI allows one to take it easy with year end performance appraisal and following year KPIs setting and always indicates status quo on career development plan. :-)
ReplyDeleteCoasting FI. :)
DeleteBarista FIRE works more for the US I guess, since most people need a job for medical insurance. Healthcare is a jungle over there.
ReplyDeleteHi Edwin,
DeleteAh... I see. So the concept spread here from the US.
One benefit of Barista FIRE here instead of full FIRE is to get credit loans.
Rainbow girl,
ReplyDeleteMore articles like this please!
Sharing how you feel and what you think is what makes you unique ;)
Yes sir!
Delete(Eh no poking?)
Sometimes poke; sometimes compliment.
DeleteI've learnt from you girls the art of flying "kite".
Lol!