Make hay while it still shines. You have a good paying job with no “push” factor. It is more advisable to work for a few more years and build up your investment portfolio. You can also keep a lookout for potential job opportunities elsewhere.

Ben

Thanks for the kind words, Lady Dividend! I’m sure I’ll have a better idea of what I want to do as it gets closer and closer to the time when I have to make a decision. It all depends on what kind of income I’m earning outside of my day job at that point…so we’ll see 🙂

At that point you won’t be wondering what to do, you’ll be figuring out how you can make that dream a reality! Good luck!!!

In the immediate future I’m more interested in freedom/travel but I would like to have a family one day when I’m older. I’m trying to find a nice balance between living for now while also being mindful of the future. I agree, I have some good options to choose from either way and I’ll be sure to keep the updates coming on this situation. Thanks for the kind words, Matt!

I completely believe in that – I think the more experiences you have, the more you get to know yourself and the more you learn what you do/don’t like. I appreciate the feedback, Mike.

“It’s hard to give up the solid income and fairly easy life for the big scary unknown.”

Those are my thoughts exactly. I don’t want to stick around for several more years when I could potentially be fine financially by quitting sooner. I also don’t want to leave too soon when I’m earning good money in a comfy situation. I’ll definitely put plenty of thought into this decision over the coming months. Thanks for the support 🙂

I also like the flexibility of renting just because it gives me options to move around at a moment’s notice. I like the idea of being able to enjoy a place but still always have the option to leave and pursue something else if I feel inclined. Thanks for the kind words 🙂

I like that advice from your mentor. I do have a tendency to over-analyze even when all of my options are good options. My top priority is achieving some level of confidence where I don’t think I’ll have to go back to a traditional 9-5 again. The current job I have isn’t stressful or toxic at all, so I’m in a good situation if I do want to stick it out for a while. I just don’t want to get too comfortable and stay in a boring job for longer than I have to. I do like your analytical approach to figuring this situation out. I’ll be sure to give that a try and thanks for the feedback as always 🙂

Thanks, Mr. Grumby! I’m not quite there yet but I should be at $100k by the time summer ’18 rolls around. And I’ve always been wary about “follow your passion” advice. I think it has the right idea – to follow your true interests in life – but most people are too quick to chase after some passion without considering the financial costs.

Thanks for the feedback 🙂

It sounds like either way you choose you’ll be in good shape. Between blogging/freelance writing/tutoring you could easily make ends meet. What is more important to you in the near future, travel/freedom or a wife and kids? If a wife and kids are your main priority, I’d pick a place to grow your roots and then just utilize vacation days or negotiate a work from home arrangement to give you more flexibility.

Your expenses will increase substantially with marriage/kids, and I’d say it’s better to save up for a couple more years now than risk having to go back to work further down the line.

Interested to see how it all plays out for you these next 9 months, and you’re definitely creating a lot of exciting options for yourself by your dedication to savings!