Michael Houghton: 'I've realised that the "early retirement" part of the FIRE movement is, in many ways, a myth'

"All I had really secured was a safety net. My family would be fine whether I worked or not, but we wouldn't necessarily thrive "

"For years I imagined the day I would finally hit my "FI number", the amount of money I needed to reach financial independence and which meant I'd never need to work again. I fantasised about seeing that figure on the screen and handing in my notice. I even had my retirement party planned out in my head."

The narrator had secured only a safety net rather than full financial independence. Family needs would be met whether the narrator worked or not, but resources would not allow the family to thrive. The narrator longed to reach a specific "FI number" representing complete financial independence and the end of work. The narrator imagined the moment of seeing that number, submitting a resignation, and celebrating with a retirement party already planned. The focus on reaching a numeric target shaped hopes and future expectations around work and life choices.

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