People Who've Successfully Escaped the Rat Race, Please Post Here

[Matt J.]

Hey everybody! I had this idea today. As I'm progressing toward my goal of building enough passive income through buying and holding small multi-family properties in the Duluth, MN area to replace my income, I came to the realization that this is actually a possible goal. I know before I actually got started down this path, I had a hard time believing people have done this before. So I was thinking it could be cool for those of you who have built up enough monthly income to quit that 9-5 to post your story as inspiration and validation that as long as they keep working towards their goal, that it is possible!

[David Zheng]

I do what @Laura Thorne did and basically have various levels of "lifestyles" I want.

my lowest only requires $2300/month to basically kinda live. My highest is $113k/month (LOL) but that comes with nice cars, yachts, and private jets. Hey, its ok to dream right?

I started investing in Dec, 2015 and my lifestyle then required about 3k/month with my full time. Now just from buy and holds, I'm cashflowing 12k/month which is more than twice my W-2 job which I still have and plan on holding onto for a bit. My lifestyle has remained largely unchanged simply because I keep reinvesting. I honestly think I'll be at 20k/month before I take a step back into a part time position and then maybe 30-35k/month before I actually quit the rat race.

Just letting you know, it can be done! However I don't largely trust the "freedom number" of just replacing your regular job. I think you should have at least 1.5-2x that to account for market fluctuations, worse health insurance rates, etc.

Good luck on your journey!