Can you explain what it means to "fail" FIRE?
Consider a typical candidate for FIRE who happens to be frum. The couple has combined income of $100-250k / year and achieves a savings rate of 30-50%.
Fast forward 5-8 years and the couple now has several children in school. With tuition and other expenses adding up, they reduce their savings rate to 15%. They also happen to have $0.5M+ in the bank. Too little for FIRE, but far ahead of their peers on the journey to financial independence.
Knowing how far ahead they are so far ahead, the couple has options to consider. Maybe cut back hours to spend time with the kids? Maybe the take on riskier projects at work with high payoff potential?
Is this couple really a failure?
My response is "LOL."
The suggested income, as well as the proposed saving rates, are unlikely.
The point is that most newly married couples are also relatively new to the workforce. And as you start to earn more money, your tuition breaks get reduced as well - so with, say, 4 kids in school, you're tuition is easily $40-80k, depending which community you live in. As a starting point, that makes it difficult to save 30% of your income, even if making $150-200k.
That said, I think trying to save money and retire early is definitely worthwhile. I know there are lots of things I'd love to have more time for that my job doesn't allow for. More time with family, friends, learning, davening...