This is a continuation of my monthly series that records what’s happening in my final stretch to early retirement. If you’re interested in previous posts, they’re here.
Let’s start with a quote from the documentary The Dark Knight:
“You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
This quote from Batman popped into my head not referring to myself becoming a villain (or am I?!), but in reference to recent discoveries I’ve made about my current company. I’ve been at my job for a shocking (for me) 2.5 years. My longest stint previously was 1 year and 11 months at one company though I had two completely different jobs during that time.
One of the reasons I’ve stayed at my current job this long is because of its perks, such as working from home and working on a large variety of different projects. Taking this job also shifted my career from advertising to marketing. This career shift led me to change my timeline to early retirement for the (seemingly) millionth time.
Prior to this job I had planned to retire on the eve of my 30th birthday, which is in October of this year. I was fed up with the corporate world and feeling disillusioned and burnt out. I cut my projected budget to the bone to see how I could retire sooner.
Then I got this job and the perks of it I mentioned above in addition to basically a $20,000 pay increase helped me temper my impatience and stick to the original plan: saving 25x my actual projected expenses instead of 25x some estimated smaller budget.
Well now I’m in what my Mom terms the final stretch: 16 months to early retirement and more cracks are showing in the hull of this company. I previously considered it the best company I had ever worked for (though the competition is not very steep…).
My pessimism might be peeking out, but I guess it was inevitable – just like the quote from Batman. Nothing lasts forever. In my first post describing the perks of this job I mentioned that I loved 3 things about it:
- Working Remotely
- My Boss
- My Colleagues
In a later job update I also mentioned discovering issues with:
- My Original Client
- A Specific Colleague
I discussed in that post that my position is not all roses, but since I wrote that, the small issues I previously discovered have now expanded to encompass the entire company. Let’s tackle this one piece at a time:
Working Remotely
This is the one aspect of my job that has not been negatively affected. I am routinely ribbed for taking all my vacation days (really?!) and preferring to work remotely. Despite the comments, I’m not changing my behavior. This is the biggest perk of working at this company and I am taking full advantage.
My Boss
My boss still has a lot of attributes I love, but I have discovered that he might not take action when I need it and might not back me up against other people within our company. I saw a little of this behavior when he offered to take me off my original client’s toxic account and then went back on it. Luckily that client moved across the world so I got to stop working with them by accident.
My Colleagues
The colleagues that I liked and respected have left or are in the process of leaving. I used to daydream about the company announcement that I was retiring at 30. I was excited to see the surprise on people’s faces. I looked forward to (hopefully) in some small way inspiring my colleagues to improve their financial lives.
Since then, basically all of my colleagues that were friends have quit, been fired or are actively looking for another position. This isn’t the same company I started with. The faces and company culture are completely different. It feels different. Now I don’t even care if there is an announcement – I’d be happy to quietly slip away into obscurity.
The Problematic Team Member
Further, the colleague who was problematic to work with has since been promoted and in turn has given promotions to others and started teaching them to be toxic managers just like her. The issue is spreading instead of being contained. Management is aware of how she treats people and has done nothing about it. Our once strong team is becoming a monster I don’t recognize.
So what am I going to do about all this? I need to try and hold on to the aspects of this job that I love, such as its remote aspect and flexibility and isolate myself from the things I don’t like. So here’s the plan:
1. Take Even More Advantage Of Location Flexibility
This is actually already underway. I’m currently writing this while looking out at a bay in the San Juan Islands (pictured above). I’m working from this waterfront house with My Mom and partner for a week. Taking unnecessary conference calls is more bearable with a calming view. This year I have two months of the year scheduled to work from elsewhere with the people I love (in 2018 I did this for 6 weeks). Doing this makes the trek to retirement a lot more bearable.
2. Shift To Solo Work
I mentioned on Twitter that I had been on a horrible project for 6 months and was finally able to get off of it after asking my boss for a LinkedIn recommendation (sneaky sneaky…). That project was working with a wide team, which I have done my entire career.
At my current job, I have had the option to work alone and be a one woman team and discovered I much prefer that. No unnecessary meetings, no status calls, no misunderstanding – work just gets done efficiently and quickly (not to toot my own horn or anything…).
So I’ve been able to move from a group setting where I have to interact with less than savory characters, to working alone and I love it. I’ve expressed this to my boss and am hoping I’ll be able to keep this trend up for the next 16 months so I can enjoy the positives and avoid the recently revealed negatives of my company.
Have you ever discovered unsavory aspects of your company? If so, what did you do about them?
I’m the colleague that’s quit and moved on to different jobs lol
I love my colleagues and the job itself, but strongly disagreed with the organization and the way things are run. It’s a mess and inefficiencies are go beyond the typical into the extraordinary >:/
Similarly though, there’s a lot of turnover so it’ll be a completely new team next year.
I’m really glad you’re choosing to focus on the positives and hanging in there! You’re super close! You can make an announcement to those who count –> your internet friends 😛
Lol and I obviously don’t blame you or my colleagues for that. When you gotta go you gotta go. I’m lucky that my nest egg has made me a lot bolder – I’ve told my boss what I want and if he doesn’t deliver I can quit without having to worry about money. I’m so glad you got out of that situation!
And that’s a great twist – announcing to y’all will be a lot more fun!
It’s sad, but I have seen my fair share of wonderful companies that have been run into the ground by toxic managers and C-level individuals over the years. It’s soul-destroying and makes you question the whole corporate structure. Like you I prefer to be a lone wolf, working from home. I feel more productive and critically AM more productive working that way.
Changing your working location from time to time is a really good idea. Something I’ve done to myself over the years. I think you are doing everything right so hang in there – not long now!
Oh no! I had no idea this is was that pervasive. As for the corporate structure: I question it constantly. So inefficient and strange. I’m with you on working from home – I’m WAY more productive without people walking up to me breaking my flow every 10 minutes and loudly talking about their latest date or whatever on the other side of my cubicle. Glad I’m on the only lone wolf in this wolf pack! As for changing locations – I wish I’d realized I could do this earlier lol, but glad I realized it now. These negatives are far from deal breakers (obviously since I’m still here) so I’ll hang in there! Thank you for stopping by!
I think it’s important to realize that things are never going to be perfect all of the time. Sometimes there are bad projects, bad team-members, etc. Only you can decide when enough is enough. If you can influence your role to better suit your desires, then that is golden.
As you approach your magic date, you also have the luxury of setting new boundaries. If you decide that you can’t take any more, then you can make a move, even if it means delaying your retirement briefly. Maybe you find a better gig, but it takes you 6 months longer. The march to FIRE doesn’t have to all or nothing.
I am currently on a medical leave from work. I was surprised and dismayed at the company’s treatment of me when I was pursuing short-term disability benefits. Suddenly the company that touted people as their biggest asset wasn’t walking the walk anymore. I am trying to not let that sour my overall view of the organization.
I’m completely with you. I didn’t expect this job to be perfect or even remain the same – I was just surprised when they basically were all talk and no action: claiming that their staff was their most important resource and then letting horrible people drive those same staff members out of the company. I didn’t think they were hypocritical like that, but they hid it well for years!
Totally agree – if it passes over a threshold I’m totally fine moving. Actually doing that probably wouldn’t push my FIRE date given that I make about $20K more every time I switch jobs lol. Maybe I should consider moving for other reasons then 🙂 …
Oh no! Sounds like your company is similarly two-faced. I’m sorry. It’s good you’re trying to not let it affect your overall view of the company. I’ll work on that too… I hope getting your benefits has been worked out and you feel better soon!
Lemme just get my list…. https://images.app.goo.gl/CRZao2ax1h5q4GVk7
I’ve been at my current place for a while. The glamour started to fade after two years. We thought we were cutting off the head soon…but like a hydra, it is intent on leaving a poisonous legacy and has now prompted some of my faves to look elsewhere…. proper miffed by this, especially as I’m nowhere near retirement!
Hahaha for that GIF. I’m sorry your company turned into a Hydra. Maybe 2 years is the amount of time needed to see into the belly of the beast. If so, I should set my expectations for the next 1+ year lol. I’m sorry you’re friends are looking elsewhere. Think you’ll want to go with them?
Why can’t this country get on board with using all vacation time?! I use all mine as well, and my coworkers look at me like I have three heads when I bring up more time away. It is given to all of us! Anyway, I’m with you on all of the above. We’ve found a sweet spot in our expenses, with plenty of margin. I recommend that no one truly retire on a bare bones spending profile. What you want in life at age 30 will inevitably be vastly different than 50, 60, etc. Sounds like you’re on the right path. I dig it.
Seriously – it’s such a strange cultural thing that seems to be linked to busy = successful/important. So dumb.
And yes I’m totally with you on having margin and not being bare bones. I was just so burnt out I needed the end to be in sight. If I had actually pulled the trigger then I think it would have been a sabbatical before I came to my senses and went back to work to hit a more realistic number lol. Glad you dig it!
You can influence but you can’t control other people so you are controlling your environment and reactions <>!! Great job! Keep your head down and eye on the prize – the difficulty & adversity will make it all more sweet when you do “retire” 🙂 plus it’ll keep the fire (no pun intended) burning.
Exactly. Doing my best lol, but thank you! You have a great perspective – keeping my eye on the prize!
This is my current situation exactly, except I’m self employed so it’s my clients instead of coworkers. The team got a new manager and soon afterwards, the house started falling apart. One by one my favorite people were fired or quit, to the point where I don’t recognize the company anymore. My strategy is similar to yours: enjoy the perks of the job while minimizing the yucky parts. That Batman quote is perfect.
Fascinating – it didn’t occur to me this could happen as a self-employed person too, but that totally makes sense. Ugh – I’m sorry that happened and hope you can follow those clients that quit or find equally awesome ones! In the meantime I obviously love your approach 🙂 . Glad you liked the quote lol.
My average time in jobs is 4.5 years and I tend to see the same breakdown.
I take the job for the good things (income, duh, and the work itself) and then over the course of the next two to three years, the cracks will start becoming obvious. They were almost always there, it’s just that in the first year, I don’t tend to notice it or I try to do my little part in fixing what I can.
In years 2-4, I can see whether the company cycles or spirals. If they responded to my pushes, they go through their crap and then improve, and go through more crap, and improve. If they didn’t respond to my or other people’s feedback, then they’ll spiral and I made plans for my exit sooner.
Whatever their response, I’m usually staying there for a specific money goal so I learn to either ignore or mitigate the annoying things to achieve that goal. There was one job where I went out fighting because I still wanted my team to have a good work life, but ultimately I had to save myself from the grueling politics of the place so I found another better job when it was clear I couldn’t protect them any longer.
At this point, I do my best work when I get to run my stuff on my own but I’m still organizing group work and making that work.
That is so interesting. I had no idea this pattern was that common. This company was around for 8 years before I came as a very small team and has since quadrupled so maybe that has something to do with it. Sounds like it might indeed have been inevitable based on your experience. Do you think this is just a natural cycle of a company that doesn’t listen to its employees and make changes?
I’m sorry you had to go down fighting, but I’m sure your team really appreciated it even if it didn’t work out. Seems like so few people are willing to go to bat for their team. I’m glad you escaped and found more solo work!
That’s the real beauty in being financially secure even well before FI – you can be bold when it comes to work situations to shape them to fit your needs better. Because ultimately, if they won’t fit those needs, you can leave. There’s no guarantee a great job will stay a great job, which is really why everyone who can should be pursuing FI even if they never see themselves leaving the workplace. You just never know.
Completely agree. You’re spot on. I’ve seen myself become bolder on this journey and have started asking for what I want instead of just jumping ship and overall it has worked out really well. There’s definitely no guarantee and I’m really grateful I have been saving and have options for how to proceed. The benefits of pursuing FI are definitely larger than the possibility of leaving work. Thanks for stopping by lady – are you trying to give Modest Millionaire a run for her money lol?!
Ah yes, this sounds very familiar. I am two weeks from leaving my current job because I ended up doing an entirely different job from what was agreed upon. My favorite part was the shock (shock!) when I told them I wasn’t going to stand for it and turned in my resignation. Like, really?
WOW. Ugh I’m sorry that happened to you. And seriously they were SHOCKED?! People amazing me sometimes. Good job getting out of there!
my company sucks but they pay. it’s all about the benjamins. i lucked into a spot like where you’ve landed where i mostly work alone and i love it. “leave me alone and i’ll be over here doing a good job.”
Haha I need to get on your mindset. It’s awesome they leave you alone though. I guess my ‘alone’ isn’t actually alone since I’m still dealing with clients daily. Maybe I should try a truly ‘alone’ job before quitting…Not sure what that would be with my skills though.
I’ve been incredibly lucky that I still love the company I work for and my bosses. On the other hand, I work customer service. So the downside to my job is pretty obvious: I work customer service. Still, I’m able to work from home, and did I mention I love my bosses?
The one time I got a truly belligerent customer — who swore at me and was generally the most nasty guy I’ve ever had to deal with out of all of our customers — my boss told him he couldn’t be abusive to the employees, cashed him out and closed his account. Talk about backing me up!
So I figure it evens out. Which is good because I’m nowhere near retirement!
Oh wow – I’m glad you love your bosses and the company. Customer service can be rough. Way to go boss! That’s what I’m talking about! I thought my boss would do the same for me with the toxic client I had, but nope. That’s awesome for you! Bye bye mean person! So glad it evens out for you.
I’ve seen similar stuff at different companies and having friends scattered in oil and gas industry, it didn’t sound much better at any other company, lol.
I had a toxic manager at my first company and after making a business plan to move me back into business unit and not research he told me I’d be in his team another 1.5-2 yrs. I started a new company 4 months later. He was speechless when I recounted our conversation and why I was leaving.
I got a 30% base salary raise, double bonus target, LTI, double retirement benefits and better culture.
I loved that place but by yr 4 I could see the cracks. When I got the mgmt offer I would’ve taken it if we hadn’t moved but I’d be Leary about the politics and still 1.5 yrs from retiring so not super vested. It would be hard to get fired in that time frame. 🤣So like you I’d just grin and bear it and try not to play too hard into office politics.
1.5-2 YEARS?! Woah. Good on you for leaving. That’s a crazy long transition time. Woohoo on more $$ and benefits! It took 4 years to see the cracks? That’s not too bad – longer than other time frames I’ve heard. Lol – to grinning and bearing it!
Hopefully you can focus on the positive and ride out this job until your retirement date. It sounds like your company is changing and people are quitting on the management and company culture! Your vacation days are nobody business! I’m happy some companies are moving to call all days sick,personal, vacation as personal days. No questions asked!
My job offers no working remote options.. project management.. :(. It’s sad my job top three thing includes “high pay” but I’ll take it.
I’d say my top three are
1. High Pay
2. Lots of free time (still trapped in the office)
3. Not repetitive
Hopefully! It shouldn’t be too difficult (fingers crossed) since I have no filter now. If I don’t want to do something or want out of something I say so. And if it’s a big enough deal I’m willing to leave. Seriously on vacation days – and if only we had sick or person days 🙂 what a luxury. Calling them all personal days is a great idea. I’m a project manager at times and we still work remote. Is it the nature of your company that doesn’t allow PMs to do that? And there is nothing wrong with high pay being #1 – that’s why we’re all doing this right? (or at least me…). Thanks for stopping by!
I can relate to too many people leaving. I have been at my current employer for over 9 years and have seen a lot of people come and go. Most of the people I was close with are no longer at the firm. It sad to think about how many good people have left. But I try to look at the positives in that I don’t spend (waste) as much time chatting with people and can just stay focused on getting my job done. Get in, get out.
“Now I don’t even care if there is an announcement – I’d be happy to quietly slip away into obscurity.”
This sums up my thoughts about early retirement. I just want to leave and not have any announcement; maybe even skip the obligatory goodbye email!
I’m sorry your friends are leaving, but I love your positive spin on it! Since I work from home I don’t have those distractions built in, but I do need to find a positive in all this. Currently I only see a negative in that I dread work functions instead of being excited to see my pals.
This is my 6th company and I’ve never written a goodbye email – even a short one. Seems so fake to me personally 🙂 and I don’t want to play that game. Glad you’re with me on slipping into obscurity – let’s do it!
I relate with this so much!
While you know I love my remote position as well as my current boss, I absolutely am aware that things may change very quickly anytime. Long live our FI goals for helping us build that FU fund to help us work more on our own terms!
I love that you have a plan in place and sounds like it can totally help you surf that last 16 months. I hope that voicing your preference for solo projects helps!
Yes – exactly! So glad you can relate. I feel like such a pessimist sometimes, but preparing for a worst case scenario when times are good seems to have served me well. You know how we love plans 😉 . And yes hopefully I can make it! And so far being clear with what kind of projects I want has been working!!
First let me start off by saying yesterday was my last day at my former job. I have one day off. I start a new job tomorrow. I left after almost 7 years solely because of serious mismanagement. Three managers over me when there used to be one. Toxic management. Now that I’m officially gone I can blog about it. I use “pseudonyms” for the bosses but still had to be careful while working there.
Congratulations on changing jobs! I hope you’re having a great day off. THREE managers?! It sounds like an Office Space situation – I’m sorry. Sounds like a nightmare and so glad you got out! Excited to read more about it now that you’ve left 🙂 !