I’m really craving a break from it all, just to do nothing for a while. Back in May 2012, a month after leaving my 11-year stint in banking, I felt this same longing. I had a month to decide whether to dive back into the workforce or fully commit to my entrepreneurial ventures. Even though I’d launched Financial Samurai three years prior, the desire for a balanced lifestyle, not just more money, had started to dominate my thoughts.
During that time, I realized that once we reach a certain financial comfort, the drive to accumulate more wealth tends to diminish—though not everyone agrees with this sentiment. Despite what many think, even multimillionaires and billionaires feel compelled to keep earning, perhaps explaining why some still pursue more despite their vast fortunes.
In 2012, I retired with a portfolio and passive income that provided about $80,000 annually. Fast forward to recent times, I’ve seen folks at top firms working exhaustive 100-hour weeks. If they’re dreaming of a break after just a couple of years, imagine the urge to step back after decades in the grind!
Choosing to not return to work would mean a significant pay cut, a thought that would make most people think I’ve lost my mind. But what’s lost in income would be gained in time—time that becomes infinitely more precious with each passing year. Recent losses in my circle and notable public figures passing well before the average life expectancy remind me of life’s unpredictability.
Two years ago, the wife of a neighbor passed at 76, last year another neighbor lost her husband at 63, and just last month, a friend’s mother died suddenly at 72. These events are stark reminders that none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow.
This deep awareness of life’s brevity is why you’ll find me online at all hours or out late, trying to squeeze the most out of each day. If I can make it to 60 with this lifestyle, I’ll be grateful; anything beyond that is a bonus.
Reflecting on the past, especially my decision to delay starting a family until after leaving my job, stirs up some regrets. I wish I’d embraced fatherhood sooner. Despite these reflections, the prospect of never tapping into my savings is daunting since I’ve always lived on just a portion of my income. Using my passive income feels like a step backward, even though it’s more than sufficient to sustain my lifestyle.
As for “bumming around,” those carefree childhood summers are long behind us. As adults, the safety net disappears, and the self-imposed pressure mounts, especially when you’re used to high achievement. Even on days I allow myself a break, the guilt of not being productive looms large, pushing me to compensate the next day.
The ideal life for me would involve traveling, blogging without a care in the world, free from responsibilities or dependents. Yet, the guilt of not reaching my full potential or providing for my family as needed is a persistent weight.
In over a decade since starting Financial Samurai, I’ve built a substantial passive and active online income stream. The freedom and connections it’s offered are more fulfilling than my previous corporate life. This journey has allowed me to explore new places and maintain a flexible lifestyle, proving that stepping out on your own can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
For anyone out there living a carefree life or who retired early, I’m eager to hear how you manage feelings of guilt or the judgment of not contributing enough. Is it okay to prioritize personal happiness and leisure for a while? I’m still grappling with these questions, even if the answers seem as simple as taking it easy.
