Latest news with #Pav
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
I quit my job to retire at 43 — here are my tips for becoming financially free
A self-proclaimed millionaire quit her $300,000 a year corporate job and 'downsized her lifestyle' to retire at the age of 43 and be 'financially free.' Pav Lertjitbanjong, 43, worked the corporate grind for 23 years before deciding enough was enough. In April 2025, her grandmother passed away and Pav realized she was too busy 'chasing success' to be there for her family. So in May, Pav took the leap to quit her $300,000 a year job, sold her Honda Civic, put her her $1 million home on the market and downsized to Minneapolis, Minnesota — living off between $30,000 to 40,000 a year in a rented a two bedroom apartment that costs her $680 a month. Pav has been able to fund her retirement using more than $1 million in savings she stashed away while she was in her corporate job and the sale of her $1 million three-bed house in Morris County, New Jersey, gave her a 'cushion' to be financially free. Pav said she doesn't have any big retirement plans just yet but feels 'liberated' and is hoping to help other professionals take this leap. Pav, who previously worked in marketing in New York City, said: 'I would say that this process has been a few years in the making. 'I got divorced in March 2020, which made me realize I was my own back-up plan. 'Since then, I have been building up my own security. 'I have been through a few different life steps recently. I sold my home, car, and now I have quit my job. 'It was scary, but at the same time, it was really liberating — I feel free. 'Financial freedom for me is being able to spend time with the people that I love. 'It is not about buying everything I want, but spend my day how I want and spend time with whoever my heart desires.' Pav had been working for a big tech company in the US when she decided to drastically overhaul her life. She wanted to retire after her grandmother died and she realized she had spent too long watching her loved ones age through a screen. Pav said: 'I missed seeing my grandma for the last time as I was too busy working on a PowerPoint presentation. 'That was my wake-up call, I spent 23 years chasing success. 'That moment when my grandma passed away made me realize that I had what people thought was success, but I didn't have peace — I felt empty inside. 'Then it hit me that I had been watching the people I love grow old through FaceTime.' Pav quit her job in May 2025 and said she felt 'liberated.' She said retiring was not a spur-of-the-moment thought, but something she had been thinking about since her divorce. Pav said: 'I have had that moment rehearsed in my head hundreds of times. 'It was not an irrational moment, where I was done with corporate life and quit. 'This was a process of years in the making.' / A self-proclaimed millionaire quit her $300,000 a year corporate job and 'downsized her lifestyle' to retire at the age of 43 and be 'financially free.' Pav Lertjitbanjong, 43, worked the corporate grind for 23 years before deciding enough was enough. In April 2025, her grandmother passed away and Pav realized she was too busy 'chasing success' to be there for her family. So in May, Pav took the leap to quit her $300,000 a year job, sold her Honda Civic, put her her $1 million home on the market and downsized to Minneapolis, Minnesota — living off between $30,000 to 40,000 a year in a rented a two bedroom apartment that costs her $680 a month. Pav has been able to fund her retirement using more than $1 million in savings she stashed away while she was in her corporate job and the sale of her $1 million three-bed house in Morris County, New Jersey, gave her a 'cushion' to be financially free. Pav said she doesn't have any big retirement plans just yet but feels 'liberated' and is hoping to help other professionals take this leap. Pav, who previously worked in marketing in New York City, said: 'I would say that this process has been a few years in the making. 'I got divorced in March 2020, which made me realize I was my own back-up plan. 'Since then, I have been building up my own security. 'I have been through a few different life steps recently. I sold my home, car, and now I have quit my job. 'It was scary, but at the same time, it was really liberating — I feel free. 'Financial freedom for me is being able to spend time with the people that I love. 'It is not about buying everything I want, but spend my day how I want and spend time with whoever my heart desires.' Pav had been working for a big tech company in the US when she decided to drastically overhaul her life. She wanted to retire after her grandmother died and she realized she had spent too long watching her loved ones age through a screen. Pav said: 'I missed seeing my grandma for the last time as I was too busy working on a PowerPoint presentation. 'That was my wake-up call, I spent 23 years chasing success. 'That moment when my grandma passed away made me realize that I had what people thought was success, but I didn't have peace — I felt empty inside. 'Then it hit me that I had been watching the people I love grow old through FaceTime.' Pav quit her job in May 2025 and said she felt 'liberated.' She said retiring was not a spur-of-the-moment thought, but something she had been thinking about since her divorce. Pav said: 'I have had that moment rehearsed in my head hundreds of times. 'It was not an irrational moment, where I was done with corporate life and quit. 'This was a process of years in the making.' When it came to deciding to retire, Pav worked out the minimum amount of money she could live off and how she could make an income quickly if needed — opting to go into freelance marketing for extra income. Pav says she lived off $100,000 a year before retirement and realized she would be able to live off around $30,000 to $40,000 a year as a minimum once she retired. She said: 'You have to know your freedom number — the minimum amount of money you are willing to live on. 'For me, my old life, my freedom number was like $100,000 plus a year. 'Now, since downsizing my life, I have been able to reduce my expenses to $30,000 to $40,000 a year. 'It is also good to work out how you can get money quickly if needed. 'For me, I would help my neighbors with dog walking, so I would get some emergency income. 'Typically, for people, it could be freelancing or doing review work online.' Pav believes it is never too late or too early to retire, and too many people wait around for permission before making the jump. She says people tell her she is too young to retire and insist she is making the wrong decision. Pav said: 'When you talk about early retirement, especially people of my age, people will tell me I am too early. 'I felt like I was waiting for permission from people to retire early. 'There are voices from the outside telling you it is not a good choice to make. 'You don't need anyone's permission, most people are not lazy who retired — they are exhausted.'
New York Post
a day ago
- Business
- New York Post
I quit my job to retire at 43 — here are my tips for becoming financially free
A self-proclaimed millionaire quit her $300,000 a year corporate job and 'downsized her lifestyle' to retire at the age of 43 and be 'financially free.' Pav Lertjitbanjong, 43, worked the corporate grind for 23 years before deciding enough was enough. Advertisement In April 2025, her grandmother passed away and Pav realized she was too busy 'chasing success' to be there for her family. So in May, Pav took the leap to quit her $300,000 a year job, sold her Honda Civic, put her her $1 million home on the market and downsized to Minneapolis, Minnesota — living off between $30,000 to 40,000 a year in a rented a two bedroom apartment that costs her $680 a month. 9 Pav Lertjitbanjong quit her corporate job and retired at 43. Pavinee Lertjitbanjong / SWNS Pav has been able to fund her retirement using more than $1 million in savings she stashed away while she was in her corporate job and the sale of her $1 million three-bed house in Morris County, New Jersey, gave her a 'cushion' to be financially free. Advertisement Pav said she doesn't have any big retirement plans just yet but feels 'liberated' and is hoping to help other professionals take this leap. Pav, who previously worked in marketing in New York City, said: 'I would say that this process has been a few years in the making. 'I got divorced in March 2020, which made me realize I was my own back-up plan. 9 Pav made the move after saving up $1 million through her career in marketing and selling her New Jersey house. Pavinee Lertjitbanjong / SWNS Advertisement 'Since then, I have been building up my own security. 'I have been through a few different life steps recently. I sold my home, car, and now I have quit my job. 'It was scary, but at the same time, it was really liberating — I feel free. 'Financial freedom for me is being able to spend time with the people that I love. Advertisement 'It is not about buying everything I want, but spend my day how I want and spend time with whoever my heart desires.' 9 Pav relocated from New York City to Minneapolis after retiring. Pavinee Lertjitbanjong / SWNS Pav had been working for a big tech company in the US when she decided to drastically overhaul her life. She wanted to retire after her grandmother died and she realized she had spent too long watching her loved ones age through a screen. Pav said: 'I missed seeing my grandma for the last time as I was too busy working on a PowerPoint presentation. 'That was my wake-up call, I spent 23 years chasing success. 'That moment when my grandma passed away made me realize that I had what people thought was success, but I didn't have peace — I felt empty inside. 'Then it hit me that I had been watching the people I love grow old through FaceTime.' Advertisement 9 Pav decided to retire after her grandmother passed away and she realized her career was keeping her from spending time with family. Pavinee Lertjitbanjong / SWNS Pav quit her job in May 2025 and said she felt 'liberated.' She said retiring was not a spur-of-the-moment thought, but something she had been thinking about since her divorce. Pav said: 'I have had that moment rehearsed in my head hundreds of times. Advertisement 'It was not an irrational moment, where I was done with corporate life and quit. 'This was a process of years in the making.' / Advertisement A self-proclaimed millionaire quit her $300,000 a year corporate job and 'downsized her lifestyle' to retire at the age of 43 and be 'financially free.' Pav Lertjitbanjong, 43, worked the corporate grind for 23 years before deciding enough was enough. In April 2025, her grandmother passed away and Pav realized she was too busy 'chasing success' to be there for her family. So in May, Pav took the leap to quit her $300,000 a year job, sold her Honda Civic, put her her $1 million home on the market and downsized to Minneapolis, Minnesota — living off between $30,000 to 40,000 a year in a rented a two bedroom apartment that costs her $680 a month. Advertisement 9 Pav Lertjitbanjong quit her corporate job and retired at 43. Pavinee Lertjitbanjong / SWNS Pav has been able to fund her retirement using more than $1 million in savings she stashed away while she was in her corporate job and the sale of her $1 million three-bed house in Morris County, New Jersey, gave her a 'cushion' to be financially free. Pav said she doesn't have any big retirement plans just yet but feels 'liberated' and is hoping to help other professionals take this leap. Pav, who previously worked in marketing in New York City, said: 'I would say that this process has been a few years in the making. 'I got divorced in March 2020, which made me realize I was my own back-up plan. 9 Pav made the move after saving up $1 million through her career in marketing and selling her New Jersey house. Pavinee Lertjitbanjong / SWNS 'Since then, I have been building up my own security. 'I have been through a few different life steps recently. I sold my home, car, and now I have quit my job. 'It was scary, but at the same time, it was really liberating — I feel free. 'Financial freedom for me is being able to spend time with the people that I love. 'It is not about buying everything I want, but spend my day how I want and spend time with whoever my heart desires.' 9 Pav relocated from New York City to Minneapolis after retiring. Pavinee Lertjitbanjong / SWNS Pav had been working for a big tech company in the US when she decided to drastically overhaul her life. She wanted to retire after her grandmother died and she realized she had spent too long watching her loved ones age through a screen. Pav said: 'I missed seeing my grandma for the last time as I was too busy working on a PowerPoint presentation. 'That was my wake-up call, I spent 23 years chasing success. 'That moment when my grandma passed away made me realize that I had what people thought was success, but I didn't have peace — I felt empty inside. 'Then it hit me that I had been watching the people I love grow old through FaceTime.' 9 Pav decided to retire after her grandmother passed away and she realized her career was keeping her from spending time with family. Pavinee Lertjitbanjong / SWNS Pav quit her job in May 2025 and said she felt 'liberated.' She said retiring was not a spur-of-the-moment thought, but something she had been thinking about since her divorce. Pav said: 'I have had that moment rehearsed in my head hundreds of times. 'It was not an irrational moment, where I was done with corporate life and quit. 'This was a process of years in the making.' Pav's top tips to retire early : Don't wait for permission Know your freedom number — the amount of money you need to survive on Work out how you can make money fast if needed Downsizing your life to adjust to retirement When it came to deciding to retire, Pav worked out the minimum amount of money she could live off and how she could make an income quickly if needed — opting to go into freelance marketing for extra income. Pav says she lived off $100,000 a year before retirement and realized she would be able to live off around $30,000 to $40,000 a year as a minimum once she retired. She said: 'You have to know your freedom number — the minimum amount of money you are willing to live on. 'For me, my old life, my freedom number was like $100,000 plus a year. 'Now, since downsizing my life, I have been able to reduce my expenses to $30,000 to $40,000 a year. 'It is also good to work out how you can get money quickly if needed. 9 Pav now lives off of $30,000 to $40,000 a year in Minnesota. Pavinee Lertjitbanjong / SWNS 'For me, I would help my neighbors with dog walking, so I would get some emergency income. 'Typically, for people, it could be freelancing or doing review work online.' Pav believes it is never too late or too early to retire, and too many people wait around for permission before making the jump. She says people tell her she is too young to retire and insist she is making the wrong decision. Pav said: 'When you talk about early retirement, especially people of my age, people will tell me I am too early. 'I felt like I was waiting for permission from people to retire early. 'There are voices from the outside telling you it is not a good choice to make. 'You don't need anyone's permission, most people are not lazy who retired — they are exhausted.'
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Red light: Georgia blocks licence path for Irish learner drivers
A process allowing Irish residents to fast-track obtaining Irish driving licences by travelling to Georgia has been closed. Georgian officials at the Ministry for Internal Affairs told Prime Time that new legislation has come into effect in the last week, requiring any new applicants for a Georgian driving licence to have been resident in the country for a minimum of 180 days. A memorandum of understanding signed between Ireland and Georgia last year had meant that a driving licence obtained in Georgia could be exchanged for an Irish licence and vice versa. Competent drivers can pass their tests in Georgia and receive a licence in a week or two. The country's fast and efficient driving test process has drawn applicants from across Ireland and countries in mainland Europe. As of 31 May, the national average waiting time for a driving test in Ireland stands at 20.6 weeks — a slight improvement from the 27-week average recorded at the end of April, according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Last week, Prime Time travelled to a driving school in the city of Rustavi, around 30km from Tbilisi, Georgia's capital. The school specialises in preparing foreigners to pass their driving tests. There, Mika Vincheuski, a Belarusian living in Georgia, spoke of how he facilitates driving lessons and arranges test dates for non-Georgians who want to get their licence quickly. He said numerous Irish people had been to through the process with him over the last year, and obtained their Georgian licence for exchange back in Ireland. "We're supporting foreigners in getting a driving licence here. It's a fully legal process where people arrive to Georgia and they go through the examination; they prepare for the exams," he said. "They need to know very well how to drive. But we guide them through the whole process so that they don't have to handle Georgian bureaucracy and figure it out all by themselves," he added. Mika has used social media to promote his business. Prime Time met several Irish people at the driving school on the day of filming attracted by Instagram adverts, each at different stages of obtaining their licences. One Irishwoman, Laura, had already passed her Georgian exam and received her motorcycle licence. Once back in Ireland, she can exchange it for the Irish equivalent in a process that will take just a couple of weeks to complete. "I did the motorcycle one, so it's been a success three days in: theory on the first day, on the third day then I did my test - passed, license in hand," Laura said. Laura and her boyfriend Pav decided to make a holiday from the trip. Both had experienced problems with the long wait times for a test in Ireland. In Laura's case, she said being unable to rent a motorcycle for the day of the exam meant that she had to cancel and reschedule. By the time she got another date, the time limit on her driving lessons had expired, putting her right back to the start of the process. Pav told Prime Time that he had only sat in the driver's seat of a car for the first time two weeks before travelling to Georgia, and hoped to earn both his motorcycle and car licences before returning to Ireland. Working in tech sales, he can work remotely in Georgia while he completes the process. Both noted the difference between the Irish and Georgian systems. "The [Irish] system must be under resourced or inefficient, one of the two," Pav said, "You'd expect that it wouldn't be as smooth or as clean over here, if we're not able to do it. There's something clearly very wrong." While the new changes to Georgian law mean that fresh applicants must now prove residency of at least 180 days, the country's licensing process remains remarkably fast and efficient. There are three elements to the Georgian driving test. As with Ireland, the first stage is a theory test. A practical exam in a controlled environment — known as the platform or autodrome — follows, where applicants must complete six timed manoeuvres. Those who pass then progress to the final stage: the city driving test. All practical exams are taken in official test vehicles, equipped with cameras, sensors, and an automated computerised system that determines pass or fail, with little room for error or discretion. Applicants show up to the test centre, take a ticket and wait to be called. The theory test can be retaken every week, the autodrome every day and the city driving exam can also be re-sat on a weekly basis. The Georgian testing system has been completely overhauled in recent years, part of broader reforms aimed at aligning with European Union standards, following Georgia's designation as an EU candidate country in 2023. Georgian officials told Prime Time that many parts of the Irish and UK driving test have been transposed into what is now a very modern and efficient new system. The formats of the theory test and city driving test in particular have also been designed to closely mirror the Irish and UK equivalents. The Georgian test system is rigorous. When Prime Time sat the autodrome exam, the first attempt ended in failure despite more than 20 years of driving experience. A second attempt was more successful. During a demonstration of the city driving test in Rustavi, Mika explained that any errors causing an automatic failure will result in the applicant being asked to pull the car over and to surrender control of the vehicle to the accompanying examiner. He said it enables authorities to complete far more tests. Automatic disqualification can happen at any point during the exam, even before the vehicle has left the test centre. Prime Time observed several failed applicants on the roads sitting sheepishly in the back of the testing cars, being driven back to the test centre by their examiner. Mika told Prime Time that he's had hundreds of requests for services from Ireland in recent months. However, the change of Georgian legislation, introduced just last week, has closed off this avenue to a licence to would-be Irish drivers. It has also closed a potential release valve for the increasing pressure on the Irish system.
NDTV
6 days ago
- General
- NDTV
5 Useful Tips That Will Help You Make Misal Pav Like A True Maharashtrian
If there is one dish that screams spicy, street-style Maharashtrian comfort food, it is misal pav. Think spicy, tangy, crunchy, and comforting - all fighting for space on a single plate. You might have slurped it down at a Pune stall, a highway dhaba near Nashik, or a friend's place in Mumbai, but one thing is clear - a good misal pav leaves you wiping sweat and grinning. Making it at home, though, is a different challenge altogether. If your version tastes nothing like the one on the streets, then do not stress. These five tried and tested tips will help you make a misal pav that does justice to the original. Also Read: Poha, Misal Pav And More: 7 Classic Maharashtrian Breakfast Recipes You Must Try Here Are 5 Easy Tips To Make Authentic Maharashtrian Misal Pav: 1. Use Matki Beans The soul of misal lies in the 'usal' and that begins with the right beans. Moth or matki beans are the traditional go-to — they give the dish its signature bite and flavour. Chana and rajma just do not cut it if you are chasing authenticity. Make sure the beans are well-sprouted to get that nutty taste and quicker cooking time. Even if you are in a rush, hunt down pre-sprouted matki from the local market instead of settling for substitutes. 2. Do Not Skimp On The Tarri You know that deep red oil floating on top of a good misal? That is the 'tarri' — and it holds the power. Made with oil, red chilli powder, goda masala (or kala masala), and some serious spice, it gives misal its character. Use oil boldly; this is where the flavour lives. If your misal tastes flat, the tarri is likely the culprit. Just make sure it is not all heat and no depth. 3. Add Goda Or Kala Masala Garam masala has a minor role here. The real hero is goda or kala masala — the earthy, slightly sweet, and beautifully aromatic spice mix from Maharashtra. You can make it at home or buy a trusted brand, but skipping it is not an option. This masala gives the usal its backbone, and the whole dish leans on it. 4. Layer Like A Pro Every misal fan knows this is not just a curry - it is a layered experience. Once your usal and tarri are sorted, get into assembly mode. Start with the sprouted curry, ladle the tarri on top, pile on crunchy farsan or sev, then add chopped onions, coriander, and a big squeeze of lemon. Toast your pav slightly for that golden edge. The mix of soft, spicy, crisp, and fresh is what turns a good misal pav into a crowd-pleaser. 5. Let It Sit For A Minute Yes, misal is best eaten hot, but give it a short breather before you plate it. That little pause lets the flavours settle — the farsan drinks up the tarri, the onions mellow slightly, and the spices come together like they mean business. Just do not wait too long, or you will end up with a soggy mess. Serve it with extra farsan on the side and a cold glass of buttermilk to save yourself from the chilli punch. Also Read: 8 Maharashtrian Desserts That Are Too Yummy To Miss (Easy Recipes Inside) Want a misal pav recipe that works? Click here. Advertisement About Nikita Nikhil Meet Nikita, a passionate soul with an insatiable love for two things in life: Bollywood and food! When she's not indulging in binge-watching sessions, Nikita can be found behind the lens capturing moments or expressing her creativity through painting. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Misal Pav Misal Pav Recipe Misal Pav Tips Show full article Comments
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Former NASA engineer and influencer Mark Rober on his visit to India, trying Vada Pav, and love for Bahubali
In a rare, whirlwind visit to India, YouTube's beloved science communicator and former NASA engineer Mark Rober took in the chaos, culture, and curiosity of the country — all with wide-eyed enthusiasm and a backpack full of physics. In his first-ever visit to India, Rober sat down for a candid chat about jugaad , Bollywood, and his plans to experience Mumbai in its most unfiltered form. 'To me, India is innovation.' Mark Rober's perception of India was instantly framed by its dynamic nature — not just the traffic, but the talent. 'India is the most populous country on the planet… They produce more engineers than any other country,' he said. 'And right now I get more views in India than any other country, even more than the United States.' 'The fact that you have a word like jugaad is amazing.' Rober's admiration goes deeper than numbers — he's fascinated by India's grassroots engineering culture. He's even running a contest while in the country: ₹50 lakh in prizes for the best examples of jugaad. 'We're doing a contest while we're here because it's like where we have 50 lakhs and in 5 lakhs per person, 10 people total. The best examples of jugaad that people can like come up with and submit. This is like MrBeast meets Mark Rober but for science. The simplest solution, the simplest engineering solution is always the best one. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The Indian people sort of capture that. You have a word for it. We don't even have a word for that in the United States. The fact that you have word like jugaad is amazing' he quipped. 'At NASA or Apple, we had millions to solve problems. But sometimes, the best solutions are made with junk lying around the house.' 'I want to ride a Mumbai local train. At rush hour.' Always the experimenter, Rober has big (and slightly risky) plans for content in India. 'I want to ride a local train at rush hour,' he said, despite being warned it's 'literally dangerous.' He laughed off the caution, determined to capture the intensity of the experience. 'It's better content if it's at rush hour!' 'My palate is not street-food ready… but I will try vada pav.' While Rober is cautious about Indian street food, he's not shying away from the experience. 'Vada Pav is on the list!' he promised, adding that Indian food ranks in his personal top three cuisines in the U.S. 'Bahubali made me question physics — and my career path.' When it comes to Bollywood, Mark Rober lights up. 'Bahubali,' he said, without hesitation, when asked about his favorite Indian film. 'There are some scenes… I wish I knew how to harness the laws of physics the way they do. I could come up with some good inventions!' He admires not just the spectacle but the unique visual language of Indian cinema. 'There's a curiosity in Indian culture — and that's why we click.' Beyond data and spectacle, Rober believes his deep connection with Indian audiences is rooted in shared values. 'There's a curiosity that seems to permeate Indian culture,' he observed. 'This trip is exploratory — a curiosity-gap-filling trip. And it's just the first step in building something deeper.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
