Recently, Dr Wealth blogged about the topic “Are Financial Bloggers Suffering?”. The topic has drawn the attention of many fellow financial bloggers. It has also got me thinking “Is My Sweet Retirement Suffering?” This recent topic sounds pretty similar to a blog post I written two years ago about the struggle to Financial Freedom. (Read more: The Path to Financial Freedom).
I remembered a conversation with my wife. I told her we need to cut our expenses to free up some cash flow. She replied that we should find ways to earn more money instead.
If you followed my blog, you know I drove a car. I will also prefer to “suffer” by choosing the nearest car park with either per entry or cheaper hourly parking rates.
Dr Wealth also mentioned on the idea on saving money by cutting down on Starbucks. I do agree coffee at Starbucks is expensive. I am a coffee addict. However, I am not a fan of Starbucks coffee. I make my own Nespresso coffee at the comfort of my home.
People choose to Suffer now for a better tomorrow.
Am I suffering just by choosing to park my car at a cheaper car park, cutting down on Starbucks or going for less holidays? Honestly, that has not came across my mind that I am suffering because of these.
It is the people who have high ability but choose to Suffer that left me torn.
I dislike working because there are many demands from the company I am working for. I dislike not having to work because I will be bored without work and achievements. Both need to strike a balance. Does it also mean that people who have high ability should quit the comfort of their current jobs and go somewhere challenging to compete? Personally, I think it is foolish to do so. We can always take on a more challenging role within the same company.
Last but not least, I do not think I am suffering in order to achieve financial independence. It is more of an ambition of achieving financial independence that I will like to work hard towards to. Because by achieving financial independence, this means I can wake up anytime I want, go wherever I wish, do whatever I want to!
I don’t think you dislike working, I think it’s because you are not working in a area you are passionate about, or you have a bad boss, or the corporate politics.
Most successful people I know don’t talk or dream about financial independence. They just go to do something they are passionate and meaningful, as a result become very good in what they are doing, and make a lot of money because they are good at it. Financial independence is irrelevant. They are working into the 70s or 80s, doing what they love for maybe the last 40 years or 50 years. They spend almost their entire working life doing what they love, not dreaming about financial independence.
Life is short, we need to do what we like, then you don’t have to work another day.