I can’t remember if I posted about it, but late last year my partner and I decided to do something crazy and buy a house. Unbeknownst to us at the time, the wild housing market was just getting started, and we got pretty lucky to snag the place we did: a 3 bedroom, 2 bath Cape Cod style home that was severely outdated and needed quite a bit of work.
So far we’re about 1/3 finished with the renovations. There’ve been a few hold-ups, but we’re finally getting things done. And while that’s been happening, I’ve been getting used to living on my own entirely alone with my partner and our dog. Though to be fair, it’s been pretty easy. Living at home was nice and all, but I really enjoy having my own actual space where I can truly feel like an adult. Plus, our setup is super cool.
Oh, I’ve also been trying to slide my way into a new job at a different company. See, my current company “hires us out” to other financial institutions who need bodies for their compliance departments. The current project that I’ve been assigned to since earlier this year just happened to be the exact kind of place I’d like to find myself.
Couple that with the fact that they’ve been on a hiring spree, I figured I’d take my chances and toss my hat (er, resume) into the ring. So far I’ve done two interviews, and there’s one more to go. If all goes well, I’ll be saying goodbye to my current employer and hello to, hopefully, the rest of my (work) life.
Sure, I just got into the compliance industry this past December, and I haven’t even been with my current company for a full year yet. It definitely feels weird to already be shopping around for a new job when I’ve been having a pretty decent time where I’m at. But even though I’m definitely underworked, I’m also severely underpaid, at least as far as industry standards go. And, well, I’m here to work smarter, not harder; a $20k-$25k discrepancy ain’t something to sneeze at when you’re trying to achieve FIRE.
Not to mention Company B is entirely 100% remote; has unlimited vacation/sick days; and even gives you a weekly lunch stipend. Those are definitely all major driving factors into why I’m so adamant and ready to jump ship.
Will I have to do more work as an employee rather than as a consultant? Yeah, definitely — I mean, I probably work 2.5hrs per day right now, max. But I’ve already been “working” for Company B for well over 7 months now, so it’s not like I don’t already know what I’m getting myself into.
Listen: I’m doing this to achieve my ultimate dream of being able to just pick up and go at a moment’s notice. And, you know, being entirely remote, getting paid an above-decent wage, and having unlimited vacation days happen to line up with my values just right.
– K
Neurotic Finance 