My Journey Through the Crypto Rollercoaster: From FIRE to Regret and Back

Hey there, folks. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? You might be wondering what happened to FatFIRE Dad and why I seemingly disappeared from the blogosphere in 2021 (and no, I didn’t die of COVID).

Well, gather ’round, because I’ve got a story to tell – a story of financial highs, crippling lows, and the path back to my FatFIRE dreams.

The Crypto Boom and the Fall

In May 2021, I hit my FIRE number through some crypto investments that defied all expectations. I watched my portfolio skyrocket over 5 months, with some projects going as high as 600x their original value. It felt like I was on top of the world, and the possibilities seemed endless.

But here’s the twist – I didn’t sell. Instead, I got swept up in the world of crypto trading, mining, and DeFi projects. I believed that the crypto wave would keep going, and I wanted to maximize my gains. So, I held on (HODL’d), convinced that I was on the verge of becoming a crypto billionaire.

Then, over the next two years, the crypto market did what it often does – it pulled a 180. Prices plummeted, and my once-soaring portfolio started to dwindle. Regret started to creep in as I watched my gains turn into losses. Anxiety and depression became my unwelcome companions, affecting not only my financial well-being but every aspect of my life.

The Domino Effect

As the crypto market tumbled, so did my emotional state. It began to affect my work life, causing me to miss out on a promotion I had been working towards for years. The constant worry about my financial regrets was a dark cloud hanging over my head, making it hard to focus on anything else.

My relationship with FatFIRE Mum also suffered. We used to be a team, working together toward our financial goals. But the regret and stress I carried affected our communication and, at times, led to heated arguments. I wasn’t the partner she deserved, and I knew it.

Even my interactions with the kids were tainted by my anxiety. Every time they asked for something, whether it was a toy, a holiday or even hypothetical discussions about renovating their rooms or moving house, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of my financial decisions pressing down on me. It was like a never-ending cycle of guilt and remorse.

The Long Road to Recovery

I won’t sugarcoat it – the past two years have been some of the toughest of my life. Regret was a heavy burden to bear, and it took a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. But I couldn’t let it define me forever.

With the support of my family, I started my journey back to a healthier mindset. Meditation became a daily practice, helping me find moments of peace and clarity. Positive affirmations became my mantra, slowly replacing self-doubt with self-empowerment.

Exercise became my release valve, a way to channel my stress and anxiety into something productive. And, most importantly, I made the decision to seek professional help, speaking with a therapist who specialized in financial anxiety.

The Comeback

As I write this, I can proudly say that I’ve emerged from one of the darkest chapters of my life. I’ve changed jobs, which has brought a fresh perspective and renewed determination to my financial journey. I’m more committed than ever to reaching my FatFIRE goals.

I want to thank you, my subscribers, for your patience and understanding during my absence. It wasn’t easy to share this story, but I believe in transparency and honesty, even when the truth is hard to swallow.

So, what’s next? I’m getting back to what I do best – sharing my financial insights and strategies with all of you. I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way, and I’m eager to help you on your own path to financial independence and retiring in style.

Remember, setbacks are part of life, but they don’t define you. The journey to FIRE or FatFIRE is filled with ups and downs, and it’s how we handle those challenges that truly matters. Stay tuned for more content, and let’s forge ahead together towards our financial dreams, wiser and stronger than before.