There are various ways to live without a traditional 9-5 job, such as freelancing, entrepreneurship, minimalism, and intentional living. People often feel pressure to do more, work harder, and spend longer hours at their job, which can lead to emotional and stress-related issues that can carry into the workplace. To find a lifestyle that satisfies you, consider your goals and adapt your business to ensure retaining and attracting the best talent.
The future of work will likely see a shift towards a more purposeful life, with businesses adapting their operations to retain and attract the best talent. Alternative lifestyles, such as tiny living, may not be suitable for everyone, but society is not built to fit all of our different needs. The generation is driven by impact rather than profit or reputation, and alternative lifestyles like tiny living may not work for everyone.
Federal law protects individuals from workplace discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, and other factors. Personal lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and sleep, might have an impact on work engagement, though previous studies have not focused on these aspects.
To find a lifestyle that satisfies you, consider the following tips:
- Decide where you see yourself.
- Determine your goals and aspirations.
- Develop a plan to achieve them.
- Stay updated with local resources and events related to your new lifestyle.
- Consider the impact of personal lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and sleep, on work engagement.
In summary, finding a lifestyle that satisfies you and adapts to the future of work is essential for personal growth and success.
📹 Man Quits $80K Job to Work in Grocery Store Part Time – Minimalism
Yves quit his job even though he had it all: a big salary, health benefits and a pension plan. He sold his downtown condo, too.
What type of person is unconventional?
The term “unconventional” is used to describe actions, attire, or speech that deviate from the established cultural norms of a particular society or group. It can be defined as any action, mode of dress, or form of speech that deviates from the established norms of a given culture. The perception of what is unconventional is contingent upon the context in which it is situated. Examples of unconventional practices include consuming cheeseburgers for breakfast, which may be considered unusual in one region but customary in another.
What can you call a person who leads an unconventional style of living?
The SSC CPO Result for paper I, held from June 27th to 29th, 2024, has been released. Shortlisted candidates will be called for PET/PST conducted by CAPFs. The Staff Selection Commission released the SSC CPO Notification 2024, which includes a Tier 1, Physical Standard Test (PST)/Physical Endurance Test (PET), Tier 2, and Medical Test. Bohemian refers to an artist or writer who lives and acts free from conventional rules and practices.
What does it mean to be an alternative person?
Alternate is a verb meaning to take the place of another person, and a noun meaning a replacement. It can also be used as an adjective, meaning different or other, or as a verb to describe someone taking their turn in a game. An alternate view of history is one that looks at the past from an uncommon perspective. The pronunciation of alternate is “-nāt” as a verb and “-nət” as a noun or adjective.
What if I don’t want to work anymore?
To overcome boredom with your job, consider identifying the source of your feelings and determining the changes you need to make. Consider your least favorite aspects of work, such as commute and coworkers, and brainstorm solutions. For example, if you want to work less hours or work from home, consider finding a job with fewer hours or flex hours.
Imagine your ideal life if you didn’t have to work. This can help you identify your core values and incorporate them into your career. For example, if you want to travel, consider a job that involves travel or learning about other cultures. If you have more time for relaxing or hobbies, consider reducing your commute or planning a flex hour schedule.
Lastly, make time for breaks. When you’re tired and overworked, it’s easy to think about the negative aspects of work. Set boundaries and protect your personal time by scheduling regular breaks throughout the day and week. This can help you recharge and re-enter the workplace feeling happy and motivated.
How much money do I need to live without working?
The 4 Rule is a financial planning tool that estimates the amount needed to achieve a state of financial independence, whereby one is no longer required to engage in gainful employment, by considering the planned expenditure for the first year of retirement. The calculation is performed by multiplying the annual spending rate by 25. Nevertheless, due to the inherent uncertainty in both the Trinity Study and traditional financial planning models, many high-income professionals are compelled to work longer than is optimal.
What is considered an alternative lifestyle?
Alternative lifestyles are defined as those perceived as outside the norm for a particular culture, often used negatively. These lifestyles were first highlighted in the U. S. and the U. K. in the 1920s with the “flapper” movement, where women cut their hair and skirts short as a symbol of freedom from oppression. They were the first large group of females to practice pre-marital sex, dancing, cursing, and driving without ostracism.
In the 1970s, the American press used the term “alternative lifestyle” as an euphemism for homosexuality and hippies, who were seen as threats to the social order. These lifestyles and subcultures have evolved over time, with some countries contributing to their development.
What is an example of alternative?
Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating diseases, and he developed an alternative design for the new engine. We decided to leave due to the rain, and I was offered no alternative. Alternatives are different from the usual or conventional, such as existing outside the established cultural, social, or economic system. Rock music, influenced by punk, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk, is considered an alternative to conventional rock.
How to avoid working for a living?
To make a living without a 9-5 work schedule, consider starting a business, becoming your own boss, becoming a freelancer, getting a remote job, moving abroad, or saving money. Many people have been wondering how to escape the 9 to 5 grind and find a comfortable work-life balance. The best way to do this varies among individuals and career fields, but research into which alternative path will suit you best. Consider factors like marketable skills, years of experience, and career goals.
There are many people who are not living the 9 to 5 lifestyle, such as digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. Talking to someone who has done the same in your field can provide advice, support, and networking. By doing your research and considering factors like marketable skills, years of experience, and career goals, you can find the right path to make a living without the 9 to 5 grind.
What is the meaning of living alternative?
Living an alternative lifestyle, particularly in a college community known for its liberal leanings, can be challenging, especially for those passionate about minimalism or alternative lifestyles. However, living in a car can be a viable option, as it offers some minuses. Variations in living conditions may be due to factors such as individual socialization, cultural outlooks, and the respondents’ social hierarchy. Ultimately, living in a car can be a fulfilling and unique way of living.
What is the legal definition of in the alternative?
The text presents two potential courses of action in a legal context, namely, for or as an alternative. The latter may entail specific performance or damages, or it may offer a choice or relief in the alternative. Additionally, the FindLaw Legal Dictionary provides free access to over 8, 260 definitions of legal terms, sourced from Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law.
📹 Mark Zuckerberg living a simple Lifestyle
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Honestly, this is my life goal, to be able to work a small part-time job 3-4 days a week and make just enough to live a simple quiet life. I’d rather have the extra time to find fulfilment in things outside of work instead of working 40+ hours a week at a job that drains me mentally and leaves me barely anytime with the people I care about.
I’m 28 and i’ve been “semi-retired” since I was 22 when i left a job that had me on the premises about 70 hours a week.. since then I’ve more or less lived out of my van showering at the gym or the beach. I have a small gardening business that I run with a friend and I work 3 days a week which gives me enough money to save and live quite comfortably.. The less you need to be content the less strain you put on yourself
This guy is telling my story. The only difference is, he actually had the courage to leave once he hit his breaking point. I just made 26 years at my job this past Friday and have been suffering in silence the whole time. Bravo sir for acknowledging your inner voice and taking charge of your life! Thanks for sharing his story.
I’ve wanted to do this for years. In college, I delivered flowers and was able to rent a little townhome. Zero stress. Complete happiness. After graduating came the huge job and the mortgage and the nice cars etc etc. Completely miserable. Oh I wish I could just go back to delivering flowers and living in that small townhome again. 😔
I finally quit my job after 21 years making 70K to go to work at Walmart making 20K. I have no regrets at all. I traded my emotional, mental pain for the physical pain my new job has. Can’t have everything, but I made the right choice and will never go back. I found freedom and happiness I deprived myself of for 21 years. . – If you are not happy in your life, only you can make the change.- Dont waste 21 years of your life trying to find the courage or reasoning for it. Just do it. 😃
I worked 10 years with a company doing accounting work sitting in front of a computer 8am-5:30pm. About one hour commute each way. Good salary, 401K. Covid hit and ppl got laid off including me. I had a fancy one bedroom apt, nice furniture, designer clothes, and just stuff. It was good I got laid off. I downsized everything, sold a lot of my things and kept the essentials. I have no plans to going back to doing accounting again. I rather work at a low stress and easier job to protect my mental health.
I have tears in my eyes. I immigrated from a 3rd world country to Canada, sponsored by a software company. I make “low 6-digit” per year working at home, but I keep staring at the window thinking that I don’t want to do this anymore. At the same time, I believe that I suffered a lot with low income for the most part of my life, and now I finally have a good income; still, why am I unhappy? I think I’m not brave enough like this guy.
I had the same issue awhile back, i was working too much and stuck in the corporate hierarchy with little progress up.. High pay, high stress but in the end Corporate politics was the cause of all my sorrow. I quit everything and launched my own consulting business. I work 20 hours a week.I make an Average salary. I wake up at 11 every day and go to bed at 2.. I play article games before visiting a client. Never been happier. Whatever people say, never stop educating yourself.. Education is the only way out of any situation..If you don’t have any skills, it might be difficult to just drop everything.. Focus on getting good at stuff, get expertise and knowledge in certain fields.. Even if you have to live in your parent’s basement, take that time to specialize in something you can monetize!
After 21 years at my job, I am going through a similar transformation. Pay was decent but yeah, a 70 mile commute each way, sitting at a terminal covering half the U.S. and Canada sales was not only mind numbing but soul draining. 12 hours out of the house, didn’t see my Wife and when I did, didn’t feel like talking. Just gave my notice this week and don’t really know what’s next. I’m a bit older than he was but I think we might just be happier with me biking to work at my local Home Depot! Sure you need money to live but if you have no life, what’s the point? This man finally has his priorities straight!
I’m a self taught entrepreneur and did the same 11 years ago when I was 34 years old, sold my business and bought a peaceful cosy small farm living without mortgage and debts surrounded by beautiful landscape, working part time at the local supply store and the rest just enjoying life. I turned the barn into a woodshop in my first year back and I made all of the rehap in the farm all by myself. I will not go back to the business world, it was stressful and unfullfilment, just didn’t work for me, there was no meaning into it just greed. Now I’ve settled in a small town where everyone is friendly and they treat you as one of them, bit like a family. There’s no better reward than contributing in a friendly familiar community, I was a city business man now turned into a farmguy, sometimes life is weird you know … don’t be afraid of changes, if you feel it strong inside … just do it.
This is just as much about living a meaningful life as it is about downsizing. I’m following a similar story as this guy. The problem is the current narrative says you have no ambition if you don’t want MORE. MORE money, MORE toys, MORE stuff, BIGGER house, BIGGER car. MORE MORE MORE. As it turns out… ambition is about finding meaning, my ambition is to have better relationships and and a better community, so what if I don’t want a car and a house.
I can relate to him, working at a job 40 hours a week doing work you absolutely hate sucks no matter how much money you make. It seems as though you are married to your miserable job and working for a weekend of freedom that lasts a measly two days then you are back on the grind again working for another weekend, endless cycle of misery. I quit the workforce 7 years ago and started my own business online and now have the freedom to go and do whatever I want along with making more money than I ever made at a job. However, all of this is possible because I have been fortunate enough to not have gotten a gal knocked up and never got married. lol It’s much easier to change your lifestyle when you don’t have kids and wife to take care of like the guy in this article.
I’m in the same boat as this guy….I made the brave decision to leave my 6-figure salary and pursue a more meaningful career. It’s early on, so I still struggle with my ego and the loss of income, but pray that I settle into my new lifestyle soon. I will say my stress level has gone down tremendously…
Society keeps pushing this idea of get a job, work hard, buy stuff, keep working harder, earn more money so you can buy more stuff and that’s the key to happiness. It’s a “never enough” mentality, and I did the job/buy more stuff thing, but it drove me to utter depression. People in my life told me to basically suck it up and keep working, but living that way for an extended period of time caused me to have a complete breakdown! I had to learn that the secret to a happy life was not in stuff, but in working on making myself a better person, and doing what I love.
Drive a bus three days a week live life the rest of the week. Built my own dream house very cheaply reading books in my free time. My neighbours think I’m a millionaire living in a 6 bed 6 bathroom house. What they don’t know is I earn a fraction of what they do. I read a lot so I do everything my self. My mother is dying of cancer but a can still truly say my life is great, and I’m greatful for everyday on this beautiful blue pale dot we call earth in this vast universe.
More power to him, but I think only someone who has experienced wealth and all it’s luxuries could think this is a smart idea. Live a life on meager wages and you’ll eventually experience the true hardships of life, and having money and a job with quality benefits makes it easier to get through them. However, he most likely left his old job with a very nice chunk of money to fall back on, which in and of itself must provide a great sense of peace.
“Alot less money” You got paid 80.000$ a year for eleven years. And sold a condo, that i guess was worth a lot. Dude your good. Your networth is probably about 500.000$ or more. Money is not an issue. Now imagine what its like for ordinary people, who also hate their job at the food store or factory, and they get maybe 20 to 25.000$ a year. They dont have the skills you have that landed you that 80.000$ salary, so they are genuinely trapped.
I did this back in 2009. We live in a career obsessed society. I started working in retail too, people were in my ear too, asking me why I left corporate America. If I didn’t I probably wouldn’t be here to write this. I’ve always been a minimalist and having a lot gives me anxiety. It has its difficulties but it has been so peaceful ever since 🧘🏽♀️😊🙏🏽🙏🏽
My story is similar. I used to work in an IT job, making good money but the hours were very long at times; being on call 24/7 for weeks was deadly. The stress and feeling of entrapment was killing me. Did this for 11 years and the last 5 of it from home. You’d think that working form home is the perfect way to go but even that turned sour staring the the computer screen 8-12 hours per day. I quit the job. Currently in passive mode, just working part time here and there while deciding what to do next. My monthly bills are low so the job, 2-3 timers per weeks about covers my expenses. I do have good savings so I am not freaking out. I feel so much better now. Clearly I could not do this if I had children as the sense of responsibility would chain me to my situation.
I quit my job at 44 after working in an office for over 20 years. I was at my last job 17 years. Worked in a cube. Made decent money (for my area). His story is very similar to mine. I am so much happier now and I am taking some time off before I look for part-time work. No regrets. Best decision I ever made.
I heard a lot of people say money will not make you happy. it does if you use it in a purposeful and meaningful way. I also work in an office the entire year but I have sponsored college scholars overseas. I now have 14 graduates mostly professionals now. it is so fulfilling. still in the same job but it gives you that inner happiness. use your money in a meaningful way and it is worth it.
I work a part-time job at a grocery store also. the people who I live with work full time and when they come home they have no energy left and just watch TV then go to bed. I work 3 days a week and so have lots of time to work on myself, like Jim Rohn says “learn to work harder on yourself than you do on your job” and so I use that spare time to learn new languages and other stuff and it’s such a better way of living
Ive watched this article several times a week over the last 3 years.I have finally given and gone to four day week.I was trying to buy my way to happiness like this man.I felt the way he did.Ive finally decided work life balance is more important than money after 23 years of working full-time.I had to put up alot in the workplace including physical and verbal abuse by two women bosses that were brushed under the carpet my multinational corporate company.This week is the start of a new adventure.
I really love my new schedule. I realized that if I wanted to be a musician full time and put all my energy into that, I needed to quit my full time day job. After I quit, I got a part time job in which I work about 20 hours per week, which gives me so much more time to focus on my dream. I also started teaching music lessons and that’s brought me even more joy 🥰
This is me right now. I’m making a lot of money doing a shifty job surrounded by toxic people. And I’m paying so much money in taxes that I’m not even making that much more compared to someone working for minimum wage. That’s when I discovered the system is broken whats the point of making more money, working harder in a shifty job just to pay more in taxes. If your a employee it’s very difficult to get ahead in life.
I Left a high power position 4 years ago. I do not regret the decision. My health has improved, I spend more time with family and friends. Plus I sold all the material items that were cluttering my life. My life has done a 360, and I couldn’t be happier. Congrats to the gentleman for making the necessary changes, to live a truthful life!! Less is MORE!!!
A lot of people are missing the point of this article. It’s not about how anyone and everyone can live the stress free life they want to working 3 days a week a grocery store. Don’t be silly, we all know the average person can’t do that. It’s about ONE person’s decision to leave HIS job for a (in his opinion) more fulfilling life. He did this because he was able to, not because he was forced to.
People don’t know what to do with money. Having money is not the problem. It’s not knowing what to do with it. If you have extra, there’s always someone out there that’s in need. I wouldn’t of left the job without saving up and educating myself to learn how to Invest it and create my own business first.. it’s sad that people that are wealthy don’t know what kind of opportunities they have. They go out and spend their money on luxury when kids out there are going hungry or are forced to eat disease causing junk food cause they don’t have enough. Money to me equals opportunities. And the more opportunities you have, the more people you can help.. 🤦♂️
Exactly what I did also. Working in front of a computer all day long was not natural for me. We, as human beings, are not made to sit all day in front of a computer. We are not machines. Our body is made to move around. I do not feel trapped anymore, I have more free time to myself and my child, I am working less hours now and have a lesser income. Just like him, people were telling me you’re crazy for doing so. It is my life my happiness. You can’t buy happiness. The real things in life, what really matters are simple things that money cannot buy. Everybody’s life is different, but I can really relate to that guy in the article.
Love this article. I got a great job in sales, corporate credit card, fancy dinners, you name it. After 3 years I was mentally exhausted of dealing with constant phone calls and constantly people pleasing. Now I work in the warehouse doing shipping and receiving for that company and I am SO MUCH HAPPIER. Slowly but surely I am decluttering my life.
I went to community college, it wasn’t for me I funded my community college by working at a grocery store (family owned grocery store) they have been in business for 45 years in a very small farming town. I grew up in that town.. I went to school from kinder-senior (5-18 years) I started working as a bag boy right after graduation on the weekends, then I moved up to cashier then I decided to quit college I was paying for the semester and would stop going after the first month, I eventually was working 40 to 50 hours a week as s cashier (paid over time) we had vacation pay time off, sick days, and Roth ira retirement plan, what the heck right in a grocery store at age 21 I became a supervisor living at my parents I was making $35,000 or more in 2011 in Washington state (not close to Seattle) in the affordable part of the state where $35,000 was alot of money for a 20 or 21 year old to be making at that time, my income increased and I was still only working 40 to 50 hours a week then at age 24 I was offered to be trained as a meat cutter/butcher and I took it and it’s all history from there it was more pay only morning shifts plus bonuses every 6 months, my boss is awsome it’s not a corporation it’s a mom and pop business, I have 3 kids now a wife and I love my job.
Awesome… well done you. My wife and I are older and worked thirty years in “golden handcuffs” but still managed to escape by retiring early at 50. I wish we would have done it at 40, but it’s a helluva lot better than at 65 or 70. I presume anyone perusal this has at least some interest in minimizing some part of their lives – work, debt, whatever – in order to maximize what’s really important. Seriously… do it. As soon as possible. The longer you wait the more trapped you’ll become by the natural inclination for humans to tunnel-vision their way onto a single path: Spend more = work more. Work more = less fulfillment. Less fulfillment = spend more. Spend more = work more. It always spirals up, never down, UNTIL you recognize the pattern and decide to jump off the crazy train. We jumped off just in the nick of time, but we very much wish we would have jumped sooner. Don’t be like us. Don’t wait until it’s almost too late. Don’t wait at all. Contentment is a choice. Make it.
I wish I can work only 3 days. Life can be very stressful and unfair for some of us. Working 5 days to get off 2 days, but then those 2 days for cleaning and trying to do other things and not much time to enjoy for yourself, and already time to go back to work and start the same cycles over and over again 😢
Mistake 1: selling the condo instead of renting it out. Obviously money isn’t everything but having that extra source of income could help him save for retirement. What people really need to get from this is that it is important to get a job that are you passionate about. He only hated his government job because he didn’t like the work and it wasn’t fulfilling. If he had been working a job that was fulfilling while making 80k/yr, he would have stayed with his lifestyle. This article makes it seem like it was all about the money. Kind of misleading to younger kids perusal. Need to address the real issue here.
Good for you! I had a similar thing happened to me where I was packaged along with several of my colleagues as the company was downsizing. I made over 85k per year after taxes, had lots of money but the job itself was unfulfilling and stressful. I picked up a part time job at a grocery store as well working 3-4 days per week and have never been happier! This is over 7 years ago and I’m still happy doing this. It’s amazing how you can live on a lot less and be happy in what you’re doing. And the little money seems to go a lot further. I always say to people “This is the best job I ever had. It’s the least amount of money I have ever made, but all my needs are met, I’m a lot less stresses and much happier in what I do!” A little can go a long way if you live simply and enjoy more time doing the things you like! All the best!!
The last 2 years working at my job I feel into deep depression; I was a supervisor in charge of a huge facility in Boston. I was making 60k a year; I worked there for 16 years. In August 2018 I took a week vacation, got my duffel bag full of clothes and just drove south without a destination in mind; drove past RI,CT, NY stopped in NJ a few hours later. I didnt play any music during the trip; i just listened to youtube articles about depression at the workplace, and this article showed up randomly on my list. I stopped at a hotel next to a beach and stayed for the night; the next morning I walked out on the beach and just stared at the ocean like a crazy person. That’s when I made my decision to leave my job; I gave a 2 weeks noticed and walked away.
I am reading the comments and I feel like a lot of people are just missing the point of this story. Choosing to have a minimal lifestyle instead of the big job and big money, to “fit” in this society, actually can makes you happier. Of course there is always a side story to every story but the point here is… making your happiness a priority. how material can take over your mind. how, if you reduce your needs to a minimum, you have to work less and so, having more time to… Yourself. which is the most important reason of your own life. think…… about…….yourself……. not everyone feels the need to have 2 cars, big house, most recent coffee machine, big tv, 5 diner in restaurants a week… and that doesnt make someone less happy. there is a life around the “life you know”. there is a world, there is people, there is time to see that. not everyone accept to have only 2 days a week to them self, some people prioritize their life and there time over this society that is make to created unneeded needs. So thank you Exploring Alternatives for you articles! great website you have!
I recently left a job I had been at for 20+ years. It was a high paying job and I worked part time. I hated it the entire time, dreaded going to work, had to brace myself every morning to face the day. It consumed my thoughts when I wasn’t there. Leaving felt like leaving a cult. There are so many societal expectations that you absorb and have to push against to make such a huge move. It took a lot of education to get there and I had to resolve questions such as – why can’t I enjoy the job when others seem to, what does it mean to be successful, what value am I contributing to my family, what is my identity without my work. I’m still trying to resolve some of these questions.
“the money you save won’t buy your youth again” bow river, Cold chisel song i did just this at the start of the year, i had a management job on a mine site, didn’t even have time to spend the money i was making, was miserable.now i go camping and on holidays, work on my hobbies, i have my life back. i will have to go back to work eventually but it will only be part time now I’m not been a fucking robot like before. i would recommend to anyone thinking about it, do it. i was worried too, my friends family questioning me but its your life, just do it you won’t regret it
As the guy in the article says, it’s not for everybody. If you want a wife and kids, go for it – no shame. Some of us can be happy living like this guy. That’s why the website is “exploring ALTERNATIVES”. My story is quite similar to his – I was making $70k in a prestigious job and hated every day of it. I paid off my debt, sold my house, downsized and took a 3 day/week PT job too. The money never made me happy – having the time to do what I wanted and reduced stress did.
I did almost the same thing working in Medical field giving treatment to patients on Dialysis. I did it for 10 years and stressed out,ended up with high blood pressure. One day I just resigned,my place is paid off,rent and mortgage free. I took 1 year off to think about what to do next. Now, I work at MARS Chocolate company surrounded with chocolate and I love it a lot. I make $16 an hour,my debt paid off except for my 5 years old car that I got and planning to pay off soon. I have one child that is 14 years old and l am single. Saving a lot more money now.
Let me give everyone the short(er) version of this story: Guy takes govt job, works long enough to get pension that will pay him for rest of his life. Guy quits really easy, overpaid, but boring govt. job…where he likely had no real responsibility. Guy takes part-time job at grocery store thinking he is solving his problem of being unfulfilled by his career choice, by taking what he perceives as a mindless job. He is able to do this since he has no real risk due to his pension. People applaud him for giving up an “$80k a year job” for “minimalism”. He basically just retired. Something that middle class, non-government employees, will likely never see in their lifetimes.
I just did this! I had a chance to be a ux designer making over 100k a year and chose to work part time at a grocery store because chasing money felt so empty. It wasn’t making me happy. The grocery store is alive. I get to be around fun people and we make art with fruit all day. And I get paid to get out of the house and LIVE!
Reading all the comments bashing this dude. I’m totally, totally behind his philosophy. I had an $80k job at one point too. I was “work force reduced” — corporatespeak for “fired without reason.” I would point out one thing though. He lives in Canada, so in two short simple words, this is why he can afford to live this way: “universal healthcare.”
I was more broke when I had a job making more money the more money i made the more i spent now i have a regular job and more time on my hand for family and budget now my credit score is increasing and i am much more happy being able to enjoy life and keep it simple i don’t even be on facebook which somehow also lessoned my stress..😎
I’m so happy I found this article. It is so reassuring to me, as I’m currently going through a very similar change myself. I had a very high-paying IT job, but I just couldn’t stand working 9 to 5 in an office any more. I used to feel physically sick every morning thinking about getting to work & sitting in the same chair all day long. I have now quit my job, sold my nice apartment, and now live on a small boat. I’m about to start working doing courier-type deliveries on my scooter, & earning a fraction of the money that I used to earn. But I will be moving about all day, mostly outside in the open air & not stuck in an office, meeting different people every day, and hopefully enjoying my working day more. I’m terrified as well as excited, but this article has made me feel a whole lot better about I’m doing.
Yeah this is great, but you’ll likely never be able to own/invest in anything, take major vacations, have benefits, retire. If he falls off the bike, the whole system falls apart. As others have assumed in the comments, maybe he inherited money, maybe he did an amazing job saving, maybe his condo tripled in price and he made bank by selling it. There is a more complete story that (likely) isn’t being told here – this is what makes these articles not only frustrating, but dangerous. Happy this worked for him and it’s likely temporary until he figures out what he really wants to do in his life that will bring him compensation and satisfaction. Moral of this story for me is we get burned out too much, we work too much, we should get more vacation time, shorter more efficient work weeks and flexibility. Sabbaticals built into your compensation package (which exists in my company but after like 15 years). The cost to companies for turnover is enormous, they should be more proactive.
When I was in my 20’s I worked in a grocery store for 5 long years full time. I hated that job. A lot of the same reasons for wanting out. It’s funny how one man’s dream job is another man’s nightmare. I think working fulltime for the man is a drain on the body and soul. Even at my current job I can see the difference in happiness between the fulltimers vs. the part timers. The part timers do the same exact work, but they are in general happy and carefree. The fulltimers are more miserable (and get caught up in the work drama), and are over worked & over stressed. Many of the part timers can’t wait to get off work to get back to their life because they actually have a life. The fulltimers only have a 2 day weekend that basically flies by so fast, you only have time to catch up on sleep and run errands and do chores. It’s not that much of life to enjoy a weekend.
THis is exactly my situation, same job for 9 years, making 75-80k a year, pension funds, medical, everything. But for the past 2-3 years i have been really unhappy. I had a depression last year, lasted for 6 months. The only thing i’m afraid like you said in your article is the reaction of my family. I can already hear them, are you crazy to leave this job, this is probably what prevent me from doing it.
I completely understand what hes saying but why work a grocery store? Those jobs are terrible, if you were going to switch up id buy an RV and travel the country. Use your savings to go on constant adventures, see all there is in the u.s. and canada. Go to the beach, amusement parks, national parks, see all the cities, musuems, libraries, talk to the people in the rv parks, go out there and explore. I just dont see how working a grocery story staying in place is the answer. 80k a year he could have plenty saved up to do all of that stuff
God I hate BS articles and people like these. So he got tired and bored of going nothing at work at possibly a government job (feeding at the public trough, making good money doing absolutely nothing for years), and then he just quits?. Then he gets a minimum wage job at grocery store working three day a week? He lives in Toronto. The apartment he is living in probably costs about $800 at a low minimum, How does he pay for rent and food to stay a float. LOL.. then he is paying for the rest of his “stuff”….thats in storage!. Okay that makes a lot of sense. I dont see the rest of my junk and baggages. that I’m paying for in storage ..so I’m living minimal
I am a multi millionaire and I feel like I have been living on a tread mill. I drive my deceased Grandma’s 1969 Dart its been the only car I have had for thirty five years. I can’t quit I have 35 employees, I look at them as family . My sons don’t want anything to do with my family business. If I quit who takes care of my employee’s ? I love to hunt and trap game in Alaska, I have a small cabin there I love it I should have been born 200 yrs. ago.
I left my corporate office job as well and don’t regret it at all. I don’t dread sundays anymore and was able to take a vacation in the summer for the first time in 11 years. My health has improved as well…towards the end my skin became so itchy especially my hands…I was so stressed out and anxious. I don’t miss working in downtown and esp. do not miss the commute to work. Now my commute is 10 min or less, no more itchy skin! and not dreading the weekends to be over.
I quit my 80k/year job as a red seal journeyman plumber and journeyman class b gasfitter. I have been unemployed for the last four years, and it has been wonderful! I won’t allow myself to be exploited for a low wage anymore. I also choose a minimalist lifestyle and to not have children to afford the cost of living.
Amen. My catalyst for change was when I started getting heart palpitations. I came to the realization that the only thing my job was doing for me was to enable me to afford a nicer casket. First step is to retire your ego so that you can see what is truly important. That allows you to ignore the people that look down their noses at you for unplugging from the rat race. Retired at age 50 8 years ago. Have never looked back.
Since graduating from college, I have worked in government organizations. Then I once lived in Australia, a country that taught me how to value life, 8-8-8 rules, and work-life balance. Only by working as a courier do I spend time with my family on weekends, drinking a cup of coffee with my beloved wife, and many other valuable family activities. Further, when I went back to my country, I worked at a law firm office with a high income but gave a high level of stress. Finally, I decided to quit my most valuable job and choose my way to enjoy my life.
I watch this article periodically over the years. It’s funny a few years back this seemed far fetched. Now that I’m debt free and I really don’t need much I just need to maintain my living expenses I’ve decided to work part time. I was in deep debt before and this wasn’t possible. I’m tired of consumerism and never thought the idea of working in a supermarket would be appealing but it is. I work remotely but being stuck at my desk doing unfulfilling work is n no longer enough.
I’ve been honestly toying with this idea for the past month. I’m extremely burned out after 12 years in software dev and last 3 years had to move back with my parents cause afford rent (technically could but just refuse to pay $2000+ a month and the thought of getting into a 30 yr mortgage after the last few layoffs just doesn’t make it appealing) so suddenly I’m thinking this stress is just now worth it any more. I don’t have a wife or kids or debt and I’m a simple guy just give me a gym, a PS5, and pretty much I’m happy. So I don’t know what I will do to be quite honest.
I can relate except after working a job with a crappy boss for twelve years I still make minimum wage and am micromanaged. Planning on going part time somewhere else and start an online business selling inspirational jewelry. I don’t know how it will work out, but I’m tired of my job, and the only failure is not trying. If it doesn’t work out there’s another job waiting with more hours or two part time jobs.
Wow his story is nearly identical to mine. I quit my full-time high paying job and now work part-time in a supermarket. I earn far less but have so much free time. My current job is far from ideal but my life over the past 3 years as been far more enjoyable and rewarding. My suggestion is get off the hamster wheel life is great!
The more people that quit jobs that are toxic, the more organisations will see the failings maximising profits over people. Or their inability to care or see toxic environments. My rule now is, if it gets toxic I change jobs, even if it means being paid less. You owe it to yourself and others who have to work in those jobs.
I’m on the COMPLETE opposite side of the spectrum. Been working at a grocery store for a few years and I use to work at an office but I’m ready to leave the grocery store. I got my college degree and now I wanna do something that’s financially rewarding so I can live a stable life with my gf who I will marry. Wish I knew this guy we could have traded 😂😂 in all seriousness salute to him. That’s great 💯
Must have rich parents i guess cause no one walks away from 80k to go work 3 days a week in a grocery store. Here we are in 2022 with inflation tearing through the country and im gonna take a guess he’s back in his cubical typing away thankful for that 80k. probably 90-100k now. In the end rent and utilities /bills dont care if your happy or not especially in 2022.
What’s with so many people slagging him off – the whole point of this is that you should do what’s right for you. That’s different for everyone and most of us are not doing what’s right for us, we’re doing what others expect or want us to do. All he’s doing is encouraging us to stop & think about whether we’re happy and if we aren’t, then we should do something about it. Whenever anybody says you shouldn’t do something it usually means they wouldn’t do it and what you’re proposing is seen by them as you questioning their model of reality, which isn’t their model of reality at all, they only think it is…
The most valuable resource in this planet is time.Everybody is equal here in that we all only get 24 hours in a day.Prompts to ask the question:what are we doing with our time unless we are enjoying it in this planet? I believe we can have whatever we want but we often don’t get clear about what we want.So what are we working so hard for?Things that don’t make us happy.We really want time to enjoy the most out of life.Well done to this guy who realised that work is only really to contribute something to the community and not our whole life.
totally relate. I’ve worked in software development (remotely) in Kenya from 2020-2023, hated mornings but felt imprisoned by the gig. However I didn’t have the courage to quit but an early 2023 layoff gave me the chance to jump out of software development. I’ve since taken myself to Motorcycle repair school and I never want to go back to tech even with the money and social status that comes with that (In Kenya, it’s pretty ‘impressive’ to say you work in tech) I don’t want to do any other white collar value creation activity again, only physical labour stuff
Have you ever thought about being a massage therapist. I became one. I only work 4 days a week, 6 hours each of those days. The pay is a rough estimate of 50ish a hour if you include tips. I had to work this job because I was similar to you. I was so depressed my whole working life. This job feels like I can breathe. I am just sharing this because you seem like a very serious but deeper person. Hope whatever you do, you are happy.
Thank you for this article. This article somewhat helps me feel better. I think we care too much of what people think about us (about our career) or so we thought. I also used to work at a government job making just as much but decided to quit and moved to japan to be with my husband. I am now working at a convenience store working part time 2-3x a week just so I don’t get bored here whilst improving my Japanese. 😅
The happiness didn’t come from quitting his $80k/year job. It came from not having to do what he hated doing. For most of us, that’s working at any job no matter the pay. If you want to be happy, figure out how to make money while doing something you enjoy and it won’t feel like work at all. I know exactly what he went through because I did the same. The two years leading up to quitting my 90k/year job was just miserable and I hated waking up every morning. I would look for excuses to not have to go to work each morning before finally accepting that I “have to” go to work.
I left my corporate job for similar reasons but after discovering how to live with purpose, my passions, and how to compromise, I returned to corporate. It pays for my hobbies/passions and I’ve learned to appreciate the value of collaborative efforts to accomplish large projects, even in corporate. The middle path works too.
I’m planning to retire at 45, so I’ll have 25 years of working years which I think good enough for the pension, which I will get when I’m 60. Until I will get my pension money, I also probably with do the same as him. Work simple job, grocery store or maybe cleaning since I like cleaning two to 3 days a week. Kids already finish school and they know how to get by themselves. I was raised in a working-class family and my dad really value family time together instead of him working overtime just to get more money. He taught us to just feel enough with what we have and be happy with it. I have a good education but I just see it as a measurement of how I can push my limit. Deep down, I really like being a minimalist. I trained myself not to put too much pressure and love on money just to impress others, instead, I just want to be happy with what I have.