I'm starting to see this article in a whole new light. Safety isn't just limited to physical. That's just a very specific example of perceived security. Any form of security is an (sometimes expensive) illusion. Are you being held back by the idea of security by staying at a job you don't enjoy? Do you really think your job is that secure or the guarantee that you will be free one day that compelling that you are willing to be miserable through it?
I bring this up because I see so many threads of people unhappy at their jobs and progress towards FIRE. And I see so many people that are working towards a "number" when the fact is that there's no "number" that will ever make you feel free. There's not any amount of money anyone could save that would make them think "yes, this is it, I'm secure now". It just doesn't exist. I'm not suggesting everyone quit their jobs or stop making money or to throw a wrench in this wonderful system we've built, I'm just saying it is worthwhile to think about this so that you really question the choices you're making for the present versus some illusory eventuality.
Financial security can be an expensive illusion in that you're being held back by your job or your idea of what you think you need. Expensive not just in terms of overall money but your health and well being of the mind as well.
It's very much human behavior to be inclined to search for stability and security. But we also want freedom. We think that security gives us freedom but that's just not true. Security doesn't exist.
In the search of freedom, we are okay with being slaves to the idea of it. Being free starts with the mind. Working on yourself and making choices based on who you really are versus what you think you need is when you are truly free.
I am writing this from the perspective of being FI and I am realizing there are so many things I would do different now and still have the time to change as well.
