As we find ourselves in the final quarter of 2023, it's undeniable that this year has brought a unique set of challenges. The global economy has undergone a transformation, marked by a deliberate slowdown and the rise in interest rates aimed at curbing escalating inflation. With consumers becoming increasingly cautious about their spending habits, small businesses have felt the pinch. The growing evidence of a cost of living crisis looms large over many nations, leaving countless individuals grappling with financial uncertainty. 10 years ago I was firmly entrenched in the middle class suburbs and a nice career. But I couldn't help but wonder about the direction my life was taking, i constantly wondered if I was wasting my years. If i’d stayed there, my mortgage repayments would likely have doubled in just two short years, while my wages remained relatively steady. Reflecting on my past, I remember feeling a sense of desperation about where life was headed, despite dedicating countless hours to my career. If that sentiment was prevalent a decade ago, it would undoubtedly be magnified in today's turbulent times.
For me, a turning point occurred in my mid twenties after a long night of drinking with friends. It was a rock-bottom moment. Yet, it served as a catalyst for change. Back then, I didn't know what that change would entail, but I knew change was imperative for my well being. As I contemplated the adjustments I needed to make in my life, I found myself drawn to three central themes:
1. Generating Income in Fulfilling Ways: Shifting my focus from the pursuit of a traditional career path and money, and instead seeking income sources that were enjoyable and personally rewarding.
2. Simplifying Life for Mental Freedom: Embracing a minimalist lifestyle to declutter my mind and reduce unnecessary distractions.
3. Traveling and Exploring the World: Using the mental freedom gained through simplification to embark on a journey to explore different cultures and experiences across the globe.
Little did I know that this pivotal moment would eventually lead me to resign from my finance career in 2016, embarking on a journey that took me to more than 30 countries over the next seven years, where I lived in six of them. As they say, the average age of cells in the human body is seven years, and so, figuratively and literally, I can confidently say that I am a different person today than I was then. Let's delve into a simple 4 step philosophy to freedom that guided me on this remarkable journey and explore what I did to achieve it and maintain it.
Rethinking the Career Paradigm
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