Ok, let me explain: initially when I discovered FIRE it was all about, well, being financially independent and retiring early, purely as a pathway to freedom. Recently I have voluntarily taken a payout to leave my company. I now have a nice chunk of money invested but nowhere near enough to be considered FI (unless I move to a LCOL country). I know that I will have to keep working so I’m not RE, and yet I finally feel free. I never want to work for anyone else again, only myself as the boss and contracted for other work. So here’s where I’m at with freedom:
1. I’m free to work for companies I enjoy and want to work with
2. I’m free to work with people I enjoy
3. I’m free to work on projects or tasks I enjoy
4. I’m free to work how I want from wherever I want
5. I’m free to construct my day how I want to do whatever I want with my time
6. I’m free to grow my income at the pace I’m comfortable with, bust my ass make more, chill out, make less
7. I’m free to be me, my true authentic self without masks, every day with everyone I meet, because I’m not dependent on their judgment to live my life
Here’s the thing: I’m only just starting this journey. It all might blow up in my face. I already have my first client so that’s a relief. I’ve been eating healthier, relaxing, meeting up with more friends and exercising more. I haven’t been stressed yet. I’m now planning fun holidays. I only spend my money on the things that enhance the life I want for myself and keep things easy, simple and clean.
I never thought I could enjoy the benefits of FIRE without achieving FI or RE. This is amazing. There will be bumps and failures ahead I’m sure, but that’s life right? Freedom for me, is everything, I just never thought it would feel this good.
What do you want for you and your life and what can you do to have more of that sooner?