January and February of this year seemed to drag on forever. I used this time creatively, however, and mapped out a few things – strategies mainly. It’s not like there was much else to do in the middle of a Canadian winter – what with four feet of snow and -30C temps.
I knew the type of lifestyle I wanted to maintain. I calculated how much per year I would need to fund that meager existence. And, I had a plan to generate enough money to cover my needs.
I should mention that I chose to live below the so called “poverty line.” I do not consider myself poor. I don’t struggle to pay bills. I am not stressed out over my finances. But, most importantly, I feel proud of the fact that I consume less than a quarter of what I used to consider the bare essentials. I don’t feel guilty living the way I do because I don’t take more than I need. But, most importantly, I’m the happiest I’ve been in years. I eat healthy, I keep fit, I have no stress, I come and go as I please, I don’t report to anyone, and I have time to experience life.
Now, I do get a lot of flack from friends and family about how “destitute” I’ve become. I am constantly criticized over the way I’ve “given up” on life and become a bum without purpose and direction. Hmm…
You know, if I let all that get to me, I’d be back on the corporate hamster wheel in very short order. Fortunately, I can see this criticism for what it really is – Jealousy – plain and simple.
Yes, it may be disguised as genuine concern, but deep-down, most people are jealous of the fact that they are still slaves to the system, while I’ve found a way out. I’ve created a sustainable system to support my chosen lifestyle. Income equals expenses, with a little left over to squirrel away.
All this, while working only when I want to work.
Wow, I’m starting to sound like an infomercial. But, believe me, there is no magic in what I do to sustain myself. When I do work, it’s physically demanding, dirty, and below many people. In fact, I’m sure that some look down on me because of what I do to make money; but it’s not like I have to put in 40 hours a week like they do. That, in itself, is immensely gratifying.
I’m getting a little ahead of myself here, however.
Hi Phil,
I have just read all the entries in your blog, and a lot of your thoughts and feelings are similar to mine.
I have been in and out of the rat race myself, and couldn’t really see a way of escaping it, but then a friend of my mine introduced me to the concept of no debt life, and the freedom it gives you — what an eye opener!
With that goal in mind I managed to land myself two 20 hour jobs, promising myself to quit one of them when I reached the land of the debt free. When I finally got there though, I was like a rabbit in the headlights — I was afraid to quit and enter the unknown — what if I couldn’t get another job? Eventually I got a bad case of burn out, so I quit one job and my contract wasn’t renewed at the other.
I’ve been being work free for a year now, and I have never felt better — I really needed that time to recuperate. Come to think of it, I think the symptoms of burn out started when I was around 7 or 8 years old 8o)
Sure, some friends can’t grasp the concept, but most are not negative towards the idea…
I have a web site running which gives me a little income — just enough to pay for the rent — and I plan to launch a few more soon.
I wish you the best of luck with your plans,
Nicolai
Comment by Nicolai — September 4, 2007 @ 8:06 am