The concept of “Going John Galt,” inspired by Ayn Rand’s character in “Atlas Shrugged,” refers to productive members of society choosing to work less as a protest against high marginal tax rates and inefficient government spending. Personally, I’ve chosen this path not just out of frustration with government inefficiency but also for a greater sense of freedom.
Working more traditionally means earning more, but at what cost? In my former routine, early mornings and long hours simply led to a higher income, which wasn’t as fulfilling as expected. Now, as a writer with a more flexible schedule, I’ve embraced a simpler lifestyle that surprisingly feels more rewarding despite the lower income.
The frustrations of dealing with unresponsive government services can be maddening. Whether it’s a broken water main that takes almost a year to fix despite numerous calls, or tax dollars funding initiatives you don’t support, these experiences can make the financial contributions we make to government feel fruitless. Moreover, when property taxes increase sharply due to rising home values, it adds to the sense of unfairness.
Reducing your income to a more modest level comes with several benefits. For one, you pay less in taxes. With a lower income, you’re also less likely to hit the radar for audits and intense scrutiny. There’s a psychological benefit too—earning less can reduce the resentment others may feel towards you, making social interactions smoother. Importantly, a lower income aligns better with actual consumption, reducing the disproportionate tax burden relative to the public resources used.
Ultimately, making less money has surprisingly increased my happiness. The stress reduction alone has been worth the trade-off. By reducing my taxable income, I not only protest against government waste but also enhance my own quality of life, making this choice not just a financial decision but a deeply personal one.
