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The SMARTEST things that I did back when I worked a full-time job.
If you want to retire early, read this.
A thread.
h/t to @oliviercantin for this tweet idea.
If you want to retire early, read this.
A thread.
h/t to @oliviercantin for this tweet idea.
Background: I spent 14-years working in information technology.
Started as a software developer, got promoted over the years to the Director of Information Technology.
Demoted myself back to a developer after HATING management.
Retired at 35.
Started as a software developer, got promoted over the years to the Director of Information Technology.
Demoted myself back to a developer after HATING management.
Retired at 35.
1: I took advantage of company-sponsored 401(k) and Roth IRA plans from my very first paycheck.
Maxed these suckers out the last two years of working full-time.
Game changer.
Maxed these suckers out the last two years of working full-time.
Game changer.
2: I asked for raises and promotions.
I never left my career to chance. When there was an opening that I wanted, I took it.
Promotions. Bonuses. Lateral moves.
I was never afraid to tell my managers what I wanted.
And, the next point enabled all this.
I never left my career to chance. When there was an opening that I wanted, I took it.
Promotions. Bonuses. Lateral moves.
I was never afraid to tell my managers what I wanted.
And, the next point enabled all this.
3: Excellent work ethic.
I showed up at 6 am every day. I did the best job I could.
I dressed for the part. Made friends. Almost never said no.
Be a productive member of the office and you might be surprised at what can happen.
I showed up at 6 am every day. I did the best job I could.
I dressed for the part. Made friends. Almost never said no.
Be a productive member of the office and you might be surprised at what can happen.
4: I switched companies (5 times).
Every time I switched companies, I got a 10 to 15% raise, minimum.
This works.
Don't remain loyal unless that loyalty is returned.
Every time I switched companies, I got a 10 to 15% raise, minimum.
This works.
Don't remain loyal unless that loyalty is returned.
5: I worked out every day.
Weight training gave me the energy, drive, and dedication to pursue this whole journey.
I got stronger. More confident.
Fitness works. Do it.
Weight training gave me the energy, drive, and dedication to pursue this whole journey.
I got stronger. More confident.
Fitness works. Do it.
6: I started my post-retirement career before I quit.
I spun up a blog. Well over 100,000 monthly pageviews. Made around $1,500 a month - minimal monetization.
NEVER wait.
I spun up a blog. Well over 100,000 monthly pageviews. Made around $1,500 a month - minimal monetization.
NEVER wait.
7: I prioritized my after-work thoughts, AT WORK.
At work, I got my work done, fast. I built in efficiencies so I could focus on other things. Better things.
Things I was proud of.
Like retirement.
At work, I got my work done, fast. I built in efficiencies so I could focus on other things. Better things.
Things I was proud of.
Like retirement.
