Category: Musings

12 Months To Retirement: Recognition & Combating Self-Doubt

by A Purple Life, posted in Countdown To Retirement, Early Retirement, Musings

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:

A few months ago I was tottering along with my life of work, play and blogging when this happened: Continue reading “12 Months To Retirement: Recognition & Combating Self-Doubt” →

Balancing Overthinking And Apathy At Work

by A Purple Life, posted in Jobs, Musings

I have a dilemma that I’d like your help solving. But first, I need to set the stage. I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. I actually gave myself ulcers in high school from studying so hard. It probably didn’t help that I rarely slept more than 6 hours as a result of my mountains of homework combined with time spent studying, working on extracurriculars and commuting 3 hours a day. Continue reading “Balancing Overthinking And Apathy At Work” →

13 Months To Retirement: Prioritizing Loved Ones

by A Purple Life, posted in Countdown To Retirement, Early Retirement, Musings, Relationships

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:

So let’s get into it! This month I’m in Atlanta for 3 weeks – working from my Mom and stepdad’s house. I’m currently typing this while sitting in their backyard and listening to birds chirp as the sun slowly rises over the treelined horizon. My Mom is about to join me, but is currently fighting to create a Pinterest-style fruit boat for a potluck she’s attending later today. Suburbia is weird. Continue reading “13 Months To Retirement: Prioritizing Loved Ones” →

Why Retire Early? Because Death Is Coming.

by A Purple Life, posted in Early Retirement, Musings

Unfortunately I’m no stranger to death. My introduction to the Reaper happened at my father’s funeral – he took his own life when I was 7. During the next 13 years I attended the funerals of 5 close family members…And there weren’t that many of us to begin with. At our peak there were 11 of us. Continue reading “Why Retire Early? Because Death Is Coming.” →

Cheers To 1 Year Of Public Blogging: Highs, Lows & What’s Next

by A Purple Life, posted in Blogging, Hobbies, Musings

It’s late July 2018 and I’m working from my parents’ house in Georgia. At this particular moment, I’m hunched over my laptop in my Mom’s office while my butt starts to fall asleep from sitting in this chair too long. The day has involved an endless gauntlet of conference calls that haven’t allowed me enough time to take a break and stand up, let alone take a quick walk to rejuvenate my behind.
Continue reading “Cheers To 1 Year Of Public Blogging: Highs, Lows & What’s Next” →

14 Months To Retirement: Battling The Impatience Beast

by A Purple Life, posted in Countdown To Retirement, Early Retirement, Jobs, Musings

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.

I’m trying to continue my habit of updating y’all monthly on what’s happening in my world and in my mind as I inch closer to early retirement in case it helps anyone on their path. In previous months we’ve covered the drama surrounding where we’ll be living next year, the sad decline of my current company in my eyes and reflecting on why I’ve felt stressed lately. This month we’re tackling an age old topic: My Impatience. Continue reading “14 Months To Retirement: Battling The Impatience Beast” →

Why I’m An Unproductivity Advocate

by A Purple Life, posted in Blogging, Hobbies, Jobs, Musings

I am sitting on my couch with a book perched on my lap and a YNAB blanket wrapped around my legs (#swag). Every 15 minutes or so I look up and out my apartment windows to see what new wildlife I can spot.

The usual suspects include a cute green hummingbird (I’ve named him George), blue jays, black-capped chickadees, ravens and squirrels. The Space Needle and the Seattle skyline chill in the distance. I’ve been in this spot for six hours and it’s been absolutely glorious. Continue reading “Why I’m An Unproductivity Advocate” →

Jobs Suck Because They’re Never-Ending Group Projects

by A Purple Life, posted in Jobs, Musings

There are only a few two word phrases that would strike fear into my school-aged heart. As for the overall winner, it’s a hard choice between “pop quiz” and “group project.” Actually, who am I kidding, group project wins. Continue reading “Jobs Suck Because They’re Never-Ending Group Projects” →