I don't know how to spend my free time.
I constantly have an exhausting inner-debate about how I should spend my "me" time, which I define as free time not spent with my family. The three strings of the debate are:
1) Specialize
I should be working more to get to FIRE faster. It's hard to calculate comparative expected value of additional non-paid time (I'm salaried) spent on work, since I'm essentially trying to calculate how additional time results in promotion potential, but I suspect it's a lot higher than the next two lines. It may be relevant that I tolerate my job, but don't really enjoy it. I work 40 hours per week.
2) Diversify
I should find a hobby that I actually enjoy that can become profitable. Diversification seems useful so that I can potentially find something that I'm actually interested in that can also help me reach my FIRE goals, or gives me another marketable skill in case I can no longer tolerate my profession.
3) Whim
Do what I would if I were FIRED. Follow interesting whims and hobbies where money making potential isn't considered. Basically, just have guilt free fun.
Honestly, option 3 is most desirable (obviously, right?), but I can't shake the guilt that comes with spending my time in whimsical ways. I don't feel bad when I dance around the house with my dog, or watch Jackass with my wife, but If i try and do something whimsical on my own (i.e. write a short story, design a game, etc) I feel incredibly guilty. It seems that everyone should have a bit of option 3 to stay healthy, but it doesn't feel healthy if I'm stressing about it. Option 1 is the least desirable, but sometimes I feel like I'm being a wuss and need to suck it up and just work as hard as possible to FIRE ASAP since the faster I get FIRED, the faster I can whim out, since all my time will be free. Option 2 seems like a great compromise, but I end up feeling like anything I research that has money making potential would feel like a job once you start making money at it.
At this point, it feels like I spend most of my "me" time on researching which option I need to focus on rather than actually select one. I realize this is probably a balance I'm going to have to find out for myself, but does anyone have any insight on the topic? Have you found a way to spend your time on whims without feeling guilty? Have you found a way to convince yourself to suck it up and work hard to retire faster?
Let me know below, thanks! :)
Possibly Relevant info:
27 yo
Accountant
Wife and Dog
Goal = FIRE at 40, will probably get there sooner.