Gen Z Guide to FI

Today, I wanted to quit but I didn’t. I was forced to come in on a Sunday after already working Monday to Saturday. For context, I earn a salary and work Monday to Friday. This means I worked Saturday and Sunday for $Free.99. I consider free labor as slavery & I am not about it.

Story time: My boss really lacks empathy and it shows. I would give him a zero for emotional intelligence. I can understand working if there was an emergency. I was literally asked to bring my tired ass to work just to sit around and waste time. I was an extra body with no purpose. There was no clear reason for me to have no weekend. My current boss has given me more inspiration to pursue financial independence. It took every ounce of my spirit to not quit on the spot.

Today, I started reassessing why I haven’t quit this job. The answer is money and work experience needed for my MBA goal. I am still many years away from retiring so I’m gonna write out all my frustrations towards corporate America (like I am now lol). I want to read this post in 5 years and smile because my future life is so much better. Ranting to my FIRE babies is my healthier alternative to quitting… for now. Future me needs to either work for myself or work with a good manager & team.

My job has also taught me a lot about my work ethic. I currently have 2 work personalities: either I work extremely hard or I do bare minimum. There isn’t really an in-between. If my job is energizing and I have a great & supportive manager, then I will burn myself out to get results. It isn’t healthy but in my previous experience, good managers are typically understanding & care about my mental health. They also have your best interests at heart despite all odds. If my boss is not great, then they get the bare minimum version of me. I won’t be burning myself out for the likes of those types of managers. Thus, I now classify myself as a selective workaholic.

Because I’ve had a good boss in the past, I know that if I’m really passionate, I can accomplish anything. I’ve proven this with my previous accomplishments. Now I just lack the motivation to give a fuck and a half. Since I’m in a funk, I’ll focus on being a good manager to my direct reports. I hope to never make my team feel the way my boss makes me feel. Today was definitely an eye opening experience.

Good managers should be cherished. I will keep striving to be a better manager for my direct reports. I hope they aren’t shit talking me on their xoxo anonymous blogs too lol. That would be the greatest plot twist.

xoxo Gen Z Fire Baby