Are you really living the American dream OR just chasing the Rat race?

Juniper
Nimishaa

Go to company page Juniper

Nimishaa
Sep 7, 2021 66 Comments

Hi,

I have been in US since 7-8 years, did masters here and working in Bay Area since then.

My question is,

I feel like I have been constantly chasing things like anything.

- Chased College grades
- Chased Internship
- Chased full time job
- Chased H1B lottery for 3 years
- Chased better paying company
- Been through layoffs mental stress
- Now chasing million dollars Bay Area house

Life has not been peaceful with so many to do items in the list.

Have you been in a similar situation?? I do not live in the moment, constantly planning or living for tomorrow.

And yes - I am from India.

Please suggest your solution or approach in the comments. Thank you 😊🙏🙏

7 Yoe
170k TC

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TOP 66 Comments
  • Lyft
    ShyttyShyt

    Go to company page Lyft

    ShyttyShyt
    I kept myself out of the rat race till I discovered FIRE and the TCs people were getting...now I'm big fat hungry rat :(
    Sep 7, 2021 8
    • there's also fatFIRE which is the giga rich version of jerking off all day and still having money to live your luxurious lifestyle
      Sep 8, 2021
    • Apple
      iFan4Apple

      Go to company page Apple

      iFan4Apple
      I don't think fatFIRE is necessarily giga rich. I see fatFIRE as being able to retire yet spend about the same amount of money that we typically do. Most of us tech folks are spending a great amount of money on food/housing/children, and I expect to be able to spend like that in retirement too. Retiring at 40 (for example) and then shrinking your income down to $100k or $75k is what FIRE is more like, which typically involves moving to MCOL/LCOL cities and then cutting back on lifestyle. If you're fine with that, then sure FIRE works, but personally I'd like to fatFIRE so I can continue living in a place like the Bay Area.

      I think there were some rough guidelines on Reddit like:

      leanFIRE < $1 million
      FIRE ~ $1-2 million
      chubbyFIRE ~ 2.5 - $5 million
      fatFIRE ~ $5 - $10 million
      whaleFIRE > $10 million
      Sep 8, 2021
  • This is 90% of the rats. Only a few realize they are in the race and get out.
    Sep 7, 2021 9
    • @ amazon what an immature perspective. Not engaging with you anymore.
      Sep 9, 2021
    • Google / Eng
      starcraft3

      Go to company page Google Eng

      starcraft3
      I get what you mean. Thanks.
      I think I'd happily get out comparing TC etc if I don't live in capitalistic country like USA, where everything I do involves money.
      Low income means bad school district, bad healthcare, high crime etc.
      Sep 9, 2021
  • Yeah I'm a citizen and it's the same shit too
    Sep 7, 2021 0
  • Google
    UunS42

    Go to company page Google

    UunS42
    You realize a few generations ago people would go and die in war right
    Sep 7, 2021 3
  • Amazon
    Pippable

    Go to company page Amazon

    Pippable
    “Go see a psychiatrist” should be a voting option
    Sep 7, 2021 0