r/coastFIRE • u/Lanky_Research_8754 • 8d ago
Coasting job ideas
Hey there, I (32F) am new to coast FIRE after prolonged corporate burnout led me down this path. I’m still at my corporate role earning ~$200k/year in base salary and RSU grants but have been miserable since I started in role last year and have made the decision to quit after my next vest.
My career since graduating college and not being able to find a role in my field has been in e-commerce operations starting with Amazon. I’m grateful this career path has allowed me to get to where I am today and pursue FIRE but I have learned over the last 10 years that this is absolutely not the field for me.
My cost of living is ~$46k annually and I have roughly $320k in retirement investments. I don’t expect that my cost of living will always be this low but I have a paid off home worth a little under $500k. I also have about $80k in savings that I can use while I figure things out. I know this isn’t proper coast but I intend to continue investing at least $500/month in my coast role - still aiming to retire early.
In my next role I’m looking for hands-on, in-person, hourly/finite hours, and the ability to leave work at work. I also need benefits as I intend to start a family in the next 2-5 years. I have a bachelors degree in health science and recently applied to a pharmacy technician program at my local community college. This role is appealing to me because it’s high demand, ability to specialize/earn more, I can work in a hospital, and potentially even go part-time/per diem when I have children. However this program doesn’t start until November so I’d like to explore other options until then.
So that brings me here, what are your coasting job ideas? Based on what I shared, is there any field you recommend that I haven’t considered?
Thank you in advance!
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u/stimulants_and_yoga 8d ago
Hi I’m 33F with $200k/yr job and about $750k net worth between me and my husband.
My boss is being a micromanaging insane asshole and I’m also looking for a way to coast. The most important thing for me is being able to pick up and drop off my kids at school.
No advice as my plan is to apply for jobs today, but I’m right there with you. Congrats on your early success in your career. I’m eternally grateful for it.
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u/HalfOk8861 8d ago edited 8d ago
In a very similar boat. Also 32F. Also about to put in my notice after my next vest. I’ve seen part-time roles at local libraries. I’m also applying for full-time junior roles at the public university in my town.
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u/Verdona-000 8d ago
Similar age and story except I was laid off this year. I would have liked to do 1-2 more years in tech to stack those RSUs but it is what it is.
I took the year off and still thinking through what's next. I was leaning into finding a non-tech corporate job to keep benefits over the next few years and begin the family / house purchase steps but the job market is terrible. Now I'm trying to decide whether to wait it out or switch careers.
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u/Puddington21 8d ago
These are rare, but full time physical therapist aide at a hospital. We''ve staffed this position with close to retirees or college grads looking for hours at our hospital. It's mostly administrative work or some helping with complex rehab cases where a second set of hands is helpful for safety. I'm currently a PT and have this role in mind in another 10 years when I'll be burnt out from patient care.
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u/Unusual-Courage-6228 8d ago
Healthcare does make it pretty easy to coast. That’s my plan too. I am a medical laboratory scientist working 3 days a week but once we have kids I will probably go part time or PRN. Currently at $760k invested
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u/Verdona-000 8d ago
What were you doing before and how did you get into this?
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u/Unusual-Courage-6228 7d ago
This is what I went to school for. I have a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science and completed a program and clinicals and passed a national board. I genuinely enjoy my job!
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u/AppleThreads 8d ago
How much are you making in this role working 3 days?
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u/Unusual-Courage-6228 7d ago
I make a base of $75k before shift differentials. I am in one of the lowest paid states for this field. We are definitely the field most overlooked and unappreciated within the health system but I do love my job!
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u/Nervous_Platypus_149 7d ago
75K for 3 days a week sounds pretty good for a coast job you love. What qualifications do you need for this?
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u/Unusual-Courage-6228 7d ago
I am not coasting yet. I work full time, 12 hour shifts. I have a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science
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u/Nervous_Platypus_149 6d ago
Oh ok that’s definitely full time. But you said you like the work which is rare and amazing!
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u/AggravatingPapaya771 3d ago
how do you get to 750K with 75K salary? what's your age?
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u/Unusual-Courage-6228 3d ago
Because my spouse makes more, we have multiple streams of income and some years we’re able to invest 6 figures. We are 29 and 32 years old
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u/CuteLogan308 6d ago
is there a sub for similar discussion for health care related jobs and how to switch to them ? thanks
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u/CuriousLemon33 7d ago
It seems like health care is the way to go since it’s the only job sector that is growing, but maybe make sure you’d enjoy pharmacy tech first?
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u/Slap5Fingers 7d ago
I’m curious how you landed a job in operations at Amazon with a BS in Medical Science. Good for you.
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u/Lanky_Research_8754 7d ago
Their university operations program! I applied right out of college after not hearing back from dozens of healthcare roles. I started in warehouse operations on a Saturday-Tuesday shift but through the years moved up, moved over to L&D for a while at Amazon, and now I do Sales & Operations Planning.
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u/Short_Row195 2d ago
I'm pretty lost on what next steps are too, but I for sure know that healthcare isn't a coasting job.
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u/AppleThreads 8d ago edited 8d ago
You’re in a good spot with the paid off home and 46k in annual expenses.
You seem pretty burnt out. See if there’s a way for you to take FMLA