Carl here!
I'm part owner of a coworking space with Mr. Money Mustache. This week, a potential member sent Pete and me an email:
How can I know if I'm the right fit? Are there other people in the community that also still work full time, or does everyone else have a flexible schedule? Will I get a "face punch" for still choosing to be a "sucker" who commutes to a job 3x a week with a gas guzzling Subaru? I guess I'm not sure what to expect, and I'm wondering if there will be a lot of judgement about the life I currently choose to live.
The email surprised me because I've found our community to be really, really good people. Here is how I responded:
I'm a pretty severe introvert, but you wouldn't know it if you saw me at an HQ event. The people in this community are some of the most friendly, open minded folks I know. I think that this is because we all feel like outcasts to some degree, so we bond well.
I love the FIRE community. My favorite part about the Mile High FI podcast is all of the interesting people that Doug and I get to meet. We were at EconoMe last month and talked to many old and new friends:
FIRE is different for everyone. For me, it started as a money lesson. Now, it's a circle of really good friends.
I don't know what you get out of FIRE, but if you're a recovering introvert (aspiring extrovert?) like me, my wish for you is that you push yourself out of your comfort zone this year. Here are some suggestions:
Attend a Camp FI (I was terrified going to my first one, but now I've been to 6!)
Attend EconoMe
Come to an event at the HQ (we are hosting one tonight if you're in the area)
Next time you're in Longmont, ping me and say "Hi!" in person: [email protected]
See you soon!
-carl