The Disappearing Photograph

I’m emerging from several years of burnout and trying to take back the reins.  For most of my life, I was intentional about spending my time, energy, and attention, and I was generally happy with the results.

But then life got overwhelming.  As I got older, my responsibilities multiplied, and suddenly it felt like life was running me.  Decisions became rushed, and it was harder to feel in control.  I entered survival mode.  Opportunities slipped away, and I made impulsive choices without considering long-term consequences.

If you’re part of my GenX cohort – I know, everyone forgets about us! – you probably remember the scene in Back to the Future when Marty almost kisses Lorraine and watches his family begin to disappear from the photograph.  Sometimes I wonder if I’m doing the same thing: inadvertently changing the course of my life without realizing it.

Now I’m in the rebuilding phase.  I’m on a path back to deliberate choices.  That includes financial planning.  How will we know when enough is enough?  How can we leave something meaningful to our children without working longer than necessary?

Bona fide GenXers always lead with healthy skepticism.  For me, that includes the 4% Rule.  So, I’m building my own retirement planner.  I want to control my own destiny, or, at least, my own Monte Carlo-based analysis.  If you’re in a similar place, I hope you’ll follow along.  Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!