u/ElChildOfRoth

I’m trying to figure out if I’m realistically on track for CoastFIRE or just telling myself a comforting story, so I’d appreciate a gut check from this community.

Profile:

• Age: 36
• Location: (HCOL)
• Income: ~$200k base + ~20% bonus + RSUs which are inconsistent, anywhere from $0–$100k)
• Single, no dependents, however, have a disabled brother will most likely have to take care of sooner rather than later.

Current Spend:

• ~$60k–70k/year
• Renting, no home equity

Current Assets (~$1.05M net worth):

• 401(k): ~$350k (mostly S&P 500 index + mid/small cap)
• Roth IRA: ~$135k (FZROX / FZILX / REIT tilt)
• Rollover IRA: ~$30k (VOO)
• HSA: ~$45k (broad index allocation)
• Taxable brokerage: ~$305k (VTI / VXUS / VBR)
• HYSA + cash: ~$185k
• Checking: ~$5k

No debt outside of small monthly credit card float.

Goals:

• FIRE target: ~$100k/year (today’s dollars) by 55.
• Want flexibility to step away from high-stress role in the next 1–3 years
• Considering either:
  • Lower-stress job ($80–120k range), or
  • Taking time off entirely to reset and re-evaluate career

Constraints / Considerations:

• I want to keep ~$100k cash for a 1-year runway
• Another ~$200k earmarked for a future home down payment
• That leaves a meaningful chunk of capital still being deployed into the market now
• Concerned about sequence of returns risk if I step back soon after investing lump sums
• Also dealing with some burnout + career uncertainty, which is a big driver here
• I know it's a money thread but there's still the possibility of marriage/kid(s) even though currently single so that's why I spiral on these equations. If only it were as simple as a formula.
• I see a lot of posts in this sub about coasting but still wanting to purchase a home. Getting approved for a loan for a home requires a salary too...so going to CoastFire status may void that option too.

Questions:

1. Based on this setup, does FIRE at 55 seem realistic without additional contributions?
2. Has anyone in the Tech PM transitioned to a "lower stress" opportunity to cover living expenses?
3. Am I underestimating how much I’ll want/need to keep earning even after hitting Coast territory?

I feel like I’m right on the edge of having optionality, but not quite confident enough to actually use it.

Would appreciate any perspectives, especially from people who’ve been in a similar position.