Enough $ to retire early…ask manager to go remote?

[Anonymous]

I recently reached my FIRE number, meaning that I could stop working tomorrow and would have enough money to never work a day in my life

I’m thinking of relocating to a different state (meaning, leaving DC). Has anybody gone through with this idea with their manager? Basically, I would ask to go remote and if not possible, I would quit on the spot now that I have the leverage. Is this a good trump card against managers who may not want to approve remote? Is remote approval still happening in the federal government?

[Anonymous]

I'd be prepared to quit. I doubt it's entirely up to your manager, but agency specific.

And why quit on the spot if they say no. That feels childish. You want to leave on good terms. Many younger FIRE people end up having to go back to work. Don't burn your recommendation bridge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recently reached my FIRE number, meaning that I could stop working tomorrow and would have enough money to never work a day in my life

I’m thinking of relocating to a different state (meaning, leaving DC). Has anybody gone through with this idea with their manager? Basically, I would ask to go remote and if not possible, I would quit on the spot now that I have the leverage. Is this a good trump card against managers who may not want to approve remote? Is remote approval still happening in the federal government?

You could ask for a remote because you need to move, and if they say "no," slow quit while you line everything up to move, then give your two weeks' notice, but be gracious about it. They might change their position when you give your two weeks' notice.

[Anonymous]

Sure! Why not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I recently reached my FIRE number, meaning that I could stop working tomorrow and would have enough money to never work a day in my life

I’m thinking of relocating to a different state (meaning, leaving DC). Has anybody gone through with this idea with their manager? Basically, I would ask to go remote and if not possible, I would quit on the spot now that I have the leverage. Is this a good trump card against managers who may not want to approve remote? Is remote approval still happening in the federal government?

You could ask for a remote because you need to move, and if they say "no," slow quit while you line everything up to move, then give your two weeks' notice, but be gracious about it. They might change their position when you give your two weeks' notice.

Why would they change their position on someone who is slow quitting?

[Anonymous]

Quiet quit

[Anonymous]

I know someone who did this. It was even before the pandemic! He was SME and an excellent worker and one day just said "I don't want to commute anymore" and stopped coming in. He said he'd WFH as long as they let him, and if they didn't want to do that, he'd quit.

It was unique circumstance because he was pretty irreplaceable. Another guy did it too, but he was only part time. I think he flexed back up to full time during the pandemic, since everyone was WFH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know someone who did this. It was even before the pandemic! He was SME and an excellent worker and one day just said "I don't want to commute anymore" and stopped coming in. He said he'd WFH as long as they let him, and if they didn't want to do that, he'd quit.

It was unique circumstance because he was pretty irreplaceable. Another guy did it too, but he was only part time. I think he flexed back up to full time during the pandemic, since everyone was WFH.

Sorry I wasn't clear. But the SME has been WFH for 5 years, still full time. He does occasionally still threaten to quit so none of us will be surprised when he stops answering emails one day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I recently reached my FIRE number, meaning that I could stop working tomorrow and would have enough money to never work a day in my life

I’m thinking of relocating to a different state (meaning, leaving DC). Has anybody gone through with this idea with their manager? Basically, I would ask to go remote and if not possible, I would quit on the spot now that I have the leverage. Is this a good trump card against managers who may not want to approve remote? Is remote approval still happening in the federal government?

You could ask for a remote because you need to move, and if they say "no," slow quit while you line everything up to move, then give your two weeks' notice, but be gracious about it. They might change their position when you give your two weeks' notice.

Why would they change their position on someone who is slow quitting?

That's a good point; if you prefer, work hard until the end. I work with someone easing into retirement, and we're all struggling without his previous 100% effort. Maybe doing less and taking more time off will make a manager realize they need you. Maybe not? My last employer granted remote work to someone only after they gave their two weeks' notice, so I suggested it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Quiet quit

How about retire instead of this stupid trend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Quiet quit

They still have to go into work so how does that help?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recently reached my FIRE number, meaning that I could stop working tomorrow and would have enough money to never work a day in my life

I’m thinking of relocating to a different state (meaning, leaving DC). Has anybody gone through with this idea with their manager? Basically, I would ask to go remote and if not possible, I would quit on the spot now that I have the leverage. Is this a good trump card against managers who may not want to approve remote? Is remote approval still happening in the federal government?

It is worth a discussion with your manager. If the answer is no I would opt for staying until 3 weeks before you move and then resigning.

Just out of curiosity, what is your plan for health insurance after you leave your job? I feel like the insurance question is what is going to hold up my early retirement.

[Anonymous]

Your manager probably doesn't have the final decision on whether or not you can be remote. There is probably an agency policy on this. I think you can ask but I'd be prepared for them to say no.

I think the best card you have is to just be remote and not come in and see if they fire you for it.

[Anonymous]

You ask about remote in the federal government - are you currently a federal employee or are you thinking you’d quit your current job and get a remote fed job?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Quiet quit

How about retire instead of this stupid trend.

The point of quiet quitting is to collect a paycheck for as long as possible.