Barista FIRE: When Can You Downshift to Part-Time?

TL;DR

Barista FIRE is the point where you've saved enough to eventually retire, as long as you keep working part-time to cover your living expenses. For a 35-year-old spending $40K/year who can earn $25K part-time, the Barista FIRE number is roughly $200-250K.

What Is Barista FIRE?

The name captures the concept: work a low-stress part-time job (like being a barista) that covers your daily expenses and possibly health insurance, while your investments grow untouched toward your full FI number.

You're not retired. But you're not career-trapped either. You've bought back your time without needing a $1M+ portfolio.

How It Differs from Coast FIRE

Coast FIRE and Barista FIRE are often confused:

• Coast FIRE: You still work full-time to cover expenses but no longer need to save for retirement.
• Barista FIRE: You've downshifted to part-time work. Your lower income may not cover all expenses, so you might need a small portfolio withdrawal to bridge the gap.

Coast FIRE is more conservative (no portfolio withdrawals). Barista FIRE is more aggressive but gives you time freedom sooner.

The Math

Your Barista FIRE number depends on: your full FI number, part-time income, monthly expenses, expected returns, and years until full retirement.

• Age: 35, Expenses: $40,000/year, Part-time income: $25,000/year
• Annual gap: $15,000, Target full retirement: age 55
• FI number: $1,000,000, Expected return: 7%
• Barista FIRE number: ~$230,000

The exact number depends on whether you're withdrawing the gap from the portfolio or covering it entirely from part-time income. Our calculator handles both scenarios.

Who Barista FIRE Is For

Barista FIRE works best for people who are burned out on high-stress careers but like working, want health insurance through an employer, have a partner with income or benefits, enjoy a specific low-stress job, or are willing to live modestly in exchange for time freedom sooner.

Calculate Your Number

Our Barista FIRE Calculator lets you input your expenses, expected part-time income, current savings, and target retirement age to see exactly when you can make the switch.

Find your Barista FIRE number →

See also: Coast FIRE Calculator | Years to FI Calculator

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice.