Once upon a time…
I was raised to be a learner, a troubleshooter and a natural do-it-yourself “creator”
Having a normal “American” story influenced my “coast through life” mentality. Just taking small life problems, solving them and moving on. From college, to start-ups to enterprise. I built a career on technology, design and people.
I have what I need, a job others would dream of and a life that is healthy and simple.
Recently, I’ve started questioning the meaning of work. Work appears to be a place to be “busy” and protective. Directed by others and in constant conflict. Seeing a heavy tie of ones ethos to work and not life. And, most importantly, trapped in repetition.
Then one day…
I opened my eyes and ears…
I heard people say, “I’m super busy” one too many times…
I saw how everyone cares about materials, prestige and work image…
I saw a disconnect in work vs external personalities…
I saw a world trapped in repetition of just enough work to just enough make money and be given just enough free time to buy things… rinse and repeat.
I read blogs dedicated to Financial Independence and listen to those around me= no longer understanding why they are in the office…
And I question the 40-hour work week created for the factory workers.
Because of that…
I created an ingrained habit of reading. I consumed, and consumed a lot.
I read about financial freedom. I began dedicating my days to understanding what “enough” is for me. Exploring income through investing and looking at business value to find my own path forward.
Until finally…
I have a point of apathy for my current work situation and am ready to tackle a new problem – outside the cubicle…
I have come to realize my current job does not align to my future self.
Being in an office, delivering other peoples dreams and doing repetitive work (daily or semi-yearly) puts a drain on my engagement, energy and mood.
So now…
I’m finding what enough is and how I can reach financial safety early on and avoid the paid-work race and focus on passion-work and side projects — free of stress.
I’ve established a financial practice that includes automating the things around me. Increasing my net worth has become a game for me. There is so much to learn, so little time and no support from an employer.
This is why I’ve created a phased approach from debt to financial freedom. I’ll continually blog about it here. Helping those that come to the same realization, there is a way out.
Now, I’ve moved on to the education piece. I want to share what I have learned, am learning and hope to learn in the future about changing our established belief of career and work.
– MM