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What do you want to do when you reach FI?
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Why don’t you find some EAs at the company you are targeting and talk to them. It always depends, but EA can be a 24/7 role.
EA's who make $120k work hard and truly earn it. There is a misconception that it is an easy job but it truly isn't. It is a thankless, unappreciated job where many people who you don't support use your services to get things done and never mention your name instead take the credit. EA's are frequently stepped on by others who are trying to climb the ladder and they are rarely given bonuses by those folks, most times they don't get as much as a thank you. It involves lots of work and little appreciation. Good luck with your decision
$120k EA doesn't sound like a coast job to me. Honestly, i'd probably try to stick it out another year or 2 where you're at and bank as much as you can. If you think you can fully FIRE after 5 years coasting, can you get there in 2 years where you're at?
Totally agree EA making 120,000 a year and fully remote. They are going to take you through the paces. If you’re lucky you’ll get an executive who’s OK if not, it’s gonna be hell on wheels.
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How do you know it's five years? Are you assuming steady returns? That is not reliable at all.
How much is your current portfolio, and how much is your FIRE target? How much are you saving each year now, and how much would you be saving if you took this hypothetical role? What is your current asset allocation?
If remote is your priority, I think it’s a worthwhile switch. If the person you’re supporting seems like a horrible person to work for, you’ll probably be able to sus it out with strategic questions (where do you need the most support? What’s the biggest challenge and how could I support you? Do you travel frequently? would be top of mind for me).
I personally prefer to go to the office but know plenty of people who don’t and they’re genuinely in a horrible head space going in 3+ days a week.
That said, how transferable is your experience to being an EA? It’s one of those things that everyone associates with being easy and “anyone can do it” but typically they’re looking for people who have been an EA or have transferable experience (office manager, receptionist, etc).
I would encourage you to think about repercussions before making any permanent moves. I am also in my 40s with young kids and decided to take a job at a client. It’s a hybrid role with similar pay but much better work life balance. Moving from a director to an EA is a career limiting move. If you ever decide when your kids are grown to take another job, it may be tough. EA jobs are also getting cut. Look what our own company did to our EAs. Just my two cents but it may be that you are burned out, our company has had a lot of ups and downs, and you’re trying to run away from something rather than taking the time to find the right next step. I would work with an executive coach to figure it out. Best wishes.