What do you do for a living?

Ms 99to1percent

Blogging about Personal Finance along with a little touch of humor. Immigrant who started from the bottom and now I’m here…to tell my story, inspire and learn from others. Paid off $40K in student loans before graduating. CPA. Saved a $100K emergency fund in my 20’s. Hopping to pay off $500K+ mortgage within 5 years at 39. Hopping to become financially independent at 45. Happily married. Mom of 1.

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31 responses

  1. In our culture, it is so engrained in us to identify as what our profession is. If you aren’t working 40+ hours a week, you are seen as unmotivated, uninspired, lazy, etc.

    It is so refreshing to see people shunning this unhealthy and unrealistic expectation, and living their lives the best way for THEM.

    Bravo on your accomplishments, and for being an example to others that they can be free to live life fully, too.

  2. I super love this!!! I can relate to people thinking we are strange. Chris had to fill out his occupation for renewing his passport. He had to think for a minute on what to write! I like idea of identifying yourself first as a parent and spouse! Best wishes on your journey to FI!

  3. Hi RJ –

    Thanks for the post and for sharing your thoughts. Congratulations on your progress.

    It’s great that you’re able to create your own lifestyle and define its terms to reflect what is most important to you. I’ll be following your site going forward.

    Thanks for sharing again.

  4. Steveark says:

    Keep in mind you will need a new answer when the kids grow up if they move far from you which is often the case. Just saying husband won’t sound quite right? Fatherhood with grown kids while early retired, my life, is very very part time at best. I alternate between saying I’m retired, which seems untrue since I’m earning six figures and saying I’m a consultant seems wrong when I maybe work 16 hours a week? I’m still looking for a great sound bite answer.

  5. Love this quote “I came to realize that all I wanted to be known for was being a father and a husband.” Not everybody needs to become a CEO to live the life they want. Great guest post!!!!

  6. Cubert says:

    Excellent. We can relate to this path you’ve taken. When our twins came along, almost five years ago, it changed EVERYTHING.
    We’re now in a position to retire early in less than two years. I expect at social gathering I can say “I do real estate” since I intend to focus my energies on our fledgling rental empire of five properties. Nice post – and best of luck!

  7. JoeHx says:

    I think the question “Won’t you be bored?” and the idea of Career Identity are the only ones that make sense for those in the know about FI. The “What do you do for money? / “How will you make enough money to live?” questions have a bit obvious answer to the FI community – for the most part, we don’t make money, our money makes money.

    My first child is due in April so I have a feeling my world is going to change very quickly very soon… I already don’t have enough time for everything I want to do, so I’ve been saving every little bit I can today so I can spend more time with the little guy later!

  8. prosperlyway says:

    Great guest post!

    The question “won’t you be bored?” just shows a lack of creativity. Kind of sad to hear that when there are so many interesting things to do in the world. I can’t wait to be “bored” so I can put all of my time into whatever catches my interest.

    Congrats on being so close to FIRE!

  9. Mrs. YBF says:

    Great Post! Congratulations on being so close to FIRE. I’m looking forward to that day.

  10. Jim P says:

    Great post. It’s really a “generational” thing (or it tends to be). I applaud your efforts and bravery. Being the oldest of 8 kids myself, my older siblings tend not to get it. If someone can figure out how to support themselves on their own terms, how could you not support that? I’m sure you’re going to have an exciting and productive FIRE.

  11. William Lockhart says:

    When did this become standard and acceptable? This is a personal question and I don’t feel comfortable telling complete strangers person things about myself.

    Why not also tell them where I live, where my car is parked and my cell phone pin number also?

  1. January 30, 2018

    […] What do you do for a living? […]

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