Did I Just Sabotage My Own Early Retirement?

I always thought I’d be the poster child for early retirement—until real life happened. I started chasing FIRE at 37, paid off my debts by 38, and had big dreams of escaping the grind early. But then I met someone, fell in love, and suddenly, my strict savings plan turned into a series of compromises. Fast forward: we’re expecting our first child, just bought a house in the suburbs, and my job—one I barely tolerate—has become my safety net. The stress at work is piling up, and now I’m juggling a mortgage, a growing family, and the pressure to keep it all together. My emergency fund needs to grow, and my early retirement dreams are slipping away. Honestly, I’m overwhelmed. Has anyone else faced this? How do you handle the anxiety of work when your life plans keep shifting? I could really use some advice right now. 😩🏡 #CareerStruggles #FIREJourney #WorkLifeBalance #JobCareer