In this episode: Google layoffs, globally work optional FIRE, Taiwan and Portugal FIRE numbers, Coast FI, finding a meaningful calling with Erika Ho

Episode Summary

Erika Ho shares how being laid off from Google created both stress and relief—and gave her space to build a life beyond corporate achievement. She explains “globally work optional,” the realization that her family could retire now in places like Taiwan or Portugal, and how that clarity helped her go all in on financial coaching. Erika and Adam also explore Coast FI, slowing down, and using mindfulness to hear what life is calling you toward.

Guest Bio

Erika Ho is a former Google data scientist and marketing analytics professional who now runs Holy Path to FIRE, a financial coaching business helping people pursue financial independence with more clarity, meaning, and intention.

Resources & Books Mentioned

• Mindful FIRE Envisioning Guide 
• Holy Path to FIRE 
• Erika's Layoff Checklist 
• Erika Ho on LinkedIn 

Erika Ho's Contact Information

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• Instagram

Key Takeaways

• A layoff can reveal relief beneath fear when you realize you no longer have to pretend a path fits.
• “Globally work optional” expands FIRE beyond one expensive location and creates more choices now.
• Coast FI can be permission to pursue a meaningful “holy path” instead of waiting for a Fat FI number.
• Getting quiet—through walks, meditation, or time off—creates space to hear the whispers of what you want.

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

• You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
• You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
• You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

• Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
• Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
• Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
• Turn yo...