Hello all. Welcome to this blog.
The reason I’m starting this blog is to share my FIRE journey, and hopefully in doing that help someone else along the way. This blog is not targeted at any particular group, however as I’m a migrant writing this story, it maybe that the migrants will be able to relate to my story more than others.
I came to Australia on a student visa in July 2003, and was lucky to get into Sydney Uni for my Engineering degree. I was even luckier to get out of it with a degree in my hand. The best Uni in the world (more on that later).
Ever since I’ve come to Australia, I’ve been either studying or working (amongst life), trying to save up for my tuition fees (international students have to pay upfront – no HECS available), rent, bills, and in general make ends meet. In that endeavour I was very lucky to have a supportive network who gave me the opportunities when I needed them.
I will fill in the gap gradually from 2003 to 2020 in this blog, but for now lets fast forward to early 2020. I had a full time job, a mortgage and a family to look after. I was asked to take some time off work (unpaid) despite doing everything right by my employer for the past almost 10 years. This was the first time I woke up to the reality that I had no control over so many things in this world, and that I could be without a job in heartbeat. I decided then, that I had to do something about it, and started looking for more information everywhere. As they say, when the student is ready, the teacher appears.
My first teachers in this space was Mr Money Moustache [MMM](https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/) and Aussie FireBug [AFB](https://www.aussiefirebug.com/). I’m very grateful to both of them for sharing their stories and making me believe that financial independence was actually achievable. I go for a walk in the morning, and would listen to AFB podcasts and ‘Ask A Question’ segments (I miss them).
My hope with this blog (and maybe a podcast in future) is that I’ll be able to keep myself honest and pass on some of the lessons that I’ve learnt on my journey to FIRE. For what its worth, I believe I’m <5 years away from my FIRE goal.
I’d love for people to send me questions/comments, and hopefully this blog will start taking shape from there.
Thanks for showing interest.
PI on FIRE
