Orceles's journey

Today marks a significant turning point in my life as I was laid off after 13 years at my company. I had always been a high-performing individual contributor, often the lowest paid in the room despite my hard work and dedication. I genuinely believed I had positioned myself as someone who would be the last to go, but I was mistaken. Now, I find myself at a crossroads. Thankfully, I've managed to save enough to last me about eight years based on my current spending habits, along with some retirement savings. However, I still have a long way to go before I reach retirement age, and I don't own any property. I've always had a passion for AI and have gained considerable experience in this field. This layoff might be the opportunity I need to explore AI on my own terms, rather than for corporate objectives. At the same time, I feel a strong desire to travel and see the world, but I also feel incredibly exhausted from the years of hard work. I had set a goal to achieve financial independence and retire early (FIRE) by age 50, but this unexpected turn has pushed that goal further away. I'm feeling lost and unsure of what my next steps should be. Should I take some time off to rest and recharge? Dive straight into personal projects? Start job hunting immediately to stay on track with my FIRE aspirations? Or should I take the plunge and travel? Additionally, I've neglected my physical and mental health for too long, and I want to prioritize that as well. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this complex mix of feelings and options.