u/Stk4nams5

I am considering purchasing an ASUS G14 gaming laptop through my employer's salary sacrifice scheme before the scheme ends in April 2027.

Relevant details:

• Purchase price: $6,799 AUD

• Marginal tax rate: 47%

• Estimated tax saving: ~$3,196

• Estimated after-tax cost: ~$3,603

Reasons I am considering the purchase:

• Lower weight and smaller form factor than my current laptop (as I will be going on extended travel)

• Better portability for 1-2 years of planned overseas travel.

• Can be charged via a USB-C cable

• Replacing my laptop now may extend the time before another replacement is required (estimated to last 5/6 years)

• Ability to use a salary sacrifice benefit that will no longer be available once the scheme ends.

Current laptop:

• Gigabyte Aero (bought in 2021 and as top of the line then)

• Continues to meet all my requirements for gaming, video editing, photo editing and general productivity.

• A bit heavier, larger and can only be charged via its dedicated power brick.

I am interested in views on whether the reduced effective cost, improved portability, improved charging versatility and potentially longer replacement cycle justify the ~$3,600 after-tax cost given I already have a functioning laptop with no issues.

I know I am in a very fortunate position, and I am genuinely not trying to humblebrag.

I am 40M, single, with no children or other dependents. I’ve become increasingly burnt out and feel like I’ve lost direction and life purpose outside work. I have no close friends, not close with my family, no partner, and lately I’ve developed a strong feeling that if I don’t take time out to travel now, I may never do it.

I applied for a one-year sabbatical after 4.5 years with my employer, but it was rejected. This means my only realistic option for extended travel is to resign.

I own my home outright, worth around $1.6m, have $2.5m in shares (giving about $91k per annum after tax), $320k in super, and $150k in cash. My plan was to set aside $100k for a year of travel and use the other $50k for concessional super contributions over the 1 to 1.5 years I'll be away.

I am a Chartered Accountant with 14 years in analyst and senior analyst roles, but my current role is basically a senior business analyst with no unique expertise, and it feels very replaceable and vulnerable to AI. I also don’t have much of a professional network to fall back on.

I am worried that if I quit, I may struggle to get a similar job again and this could effectively become early retirement rather than a 1 year break. My current roles pays about $150k per annum. I could probably find lower-paid work if needed, but I don’t want to assume I can walk back into my current career. What is the reasonable thing to do?

I know I am in a very fortunate position, and I am genuinely not trying to humblebrag.

I am 40M, single, with no children or other dependents. I’ve become increasingly burnt out and feel like I’ve lost direction and life purpose outside work. I have no close friends, not close with my family, no partner, and lately I’ve developed a strong feeling that if I don’t take time out to travel now, I may never do it.

I applied for a one-year sabbatical after 4.5 years with my employer, but it was rejected. This means my only realistic option for extended travel is to resign.

I own my home outright, worth around $1.6m, have $2.5m in shares (giving about $91k per annum after tax), $320k in super, and $150k in cash. My plan was to set aside $100k for a year of travel and use the other $50k for concessional super contributions over the 1 to 1.5 years I'll be away.

I am a Chartered Accountant with 14 years in analyst and senior analyst roles, but my current role is basically a senior business analyst with no unique expertise, and it feels very replaceable and vulnerable to AI. I also don’t have much of a professional network to fall back on.

I am worried that if I quit, I may struggle to get a similar job again and this could effectively become early retirement rather than a 1 year break. My current roles pays about $150k per annum. I could probably find lower-paid work if needed, but I don’t want to assume I can walk back into my current career. What is the reasonable thing to do?

For those who don't work, what do you do when you travel? I assume there's only so much time required to date and meet women.

Genuinely question. For context, I haven't embarked on my travels yet, so just trying to understand how others structure their travels.

How are the gyms now since the change in management?

I live in Australia and I want to start using a GLP-1 (preference is Zepbound) for my cut and to stay lean. I was a competitive bodybuilder in the past. I am not sure if it’s the same in other countries, but most doctors here are only willing to prescribe the medication for obesity or diabetes.

My current doctor (GP) seems fine with prescribing it for now only because my measurements align with an overweight/obese person as I am currently in the peak of a dirty bulk (163cm @ 80kg = BMI 30.11). Having said that, I certainly don’t look obese, just “thick”. I’ve told my doctor I want it for weight lost as I have excessive cravings and food binging.

I suspect once my weight starts to drop and my BMI falls below 27, my doctor will stop prescribing it, which is not ideal as I’d like to use it to maintain a lean physique.

What’s the best way to handle this situation (ie. should I see a dedicated weight loss clinic instead of the regular doctor)?

I also have IBS-D and I also read GLP-1s help with this.

Hi all,

I’ve been reading this sub for a while but haven’t had the courage to post. I live in Australia and for a while now I’ve been feeling stuck and quite burnt out from work and life (all my enthusiasm has gone).

Getting up in the morning feels hard. I fantasize about taking a year off to travel, or doing something simpler for a while (like teaching overseas), but I am terrified about quiting because of how unstable the world and the job market is right now (especially because my corporate role is easily AI'able). I am terrified about never being able to work again. Work won't let me take a year's sabbatical.

My situation (USD approx):

- $1.56M in Australian bank stocks (fairly concentrated)

- $195k in retirement accounts

- Paid-off home ~$1.1M

- $20k cash

My annual spend is about $39k/year. No debt, single, no kids. I'd like to have a family at some stage and it's partly the fact that I am still single and childless at 40 that's bothering me too.

I appreciate everything I have and feel fortunate, but I still worry about making a mistake or not having enough.

I guess I’m trying to understand:

• Am I able to fire?

• What would you do in my position?

• Are my fears justified?

Would really appreciate any perspective.

I am very new to all of this and I am wanting to start on MJ. Do people typically go to their GP or a dedicated weight loss clinic? Should I get any tests (blood tests etc.) before I begin?

Would the tax changes increase the prices of existing properties on large subdividable plots of land in established areas? Because these could be subdivided and the 2nd/3rd homes would qualify as a new build and could be negatively geared?

I've been quoted:

• Exclusive Leasing Period: 60 days
• Continuing Leasing Period: 365 days
• Appraised Rent: $875.00 per week
• Leasing Fee: 2 weeks rental
• Agreement Renewal Fee: 1 weeks rental
• Managing Fee: 5.5% of incl. GST

Property is located in eastern suburbs of Melbourne.