Striving for Enough - Financial Independence
Many people strive for complete financial independence, seeing it as the ultimate goal. However, this relentless pursuit can sometimes do more harm than good. Instead of seeking absolute financial autonomy, aiming for “enough” financial independence may be a wiser approach that leads to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
The Pitfalls of Complete Financial Autonomy
The desire for total financial independence, especially at an early age, can be harmful in various ways. One potential pitfall is the risk of becoming trapped in a high-paying job you despise, all in the name of accumulating wealth. But why endure such a job in the first place?
Take the case of many tech professionals who are so burnt out that they can’t envision life beyond work. They need a break to reignite their creative spark, a truly disheartening situation. Numerous studies have demonstrated the negative effects of overwork and burnout in high-paying jobs, further substantiating this argument.
The Cost of Total Economic Independence
When you calculate the sum of money necessary to achieve total economic independence, particularly at a young age, the figure can be staggering. This can be so intimidating that it leads to the abandonment of your efforts entirely, which is the most detrimental outcome on your path to financial freedom. It’s more beneficial to progress at a slower pace and endure than to rush and exhaust yourself.
The Misguided Perception of Work
The pursuit of complete financial autonomy can foster a misguided perception that the ultimate goal in life is to evade work. Instead, it should inspire you to seek meaningful work. The more fulfillment we derive from our work, the better we, our communities, and our families will fare.
The Concept of ‘Enough’
Imagine a life where you can attain financial independence without the need for extreme thrift or soul-crushing work. This brings us to the concept of “enough.” The goal should be to attain financial independence… to a certain extent. Enough to leave your job without having another one lined up. Enough to take a break, handle a layoff without panic, exit a poor living situation, return to school, launch a business, or support a family member through a major medical event. The idea of “enough” extends beyond merely having an emergency fund. While an emergency fund is crucial, it may not be sufficient for significant life changes. The definition of “enough” will depend on the changes you wish to implement in your life. The larger your savings, the more opportunities it will be “enough” for.
Charting Your New Course
Once you’ve defined your “enough,” you can begin rebuilding your financial cushion and continue building wealth towards the ultimate goal of financial independence. If you’re feeling drained or unhappy with your job or even your entire career in tech, don’t stay just to accumulate a fortune that ensures you never have to work again. Instead, focus on amassing enough wealth to reach a comfortable level of financial independence. Then, you can leave and take care of yourself. Many individuals likely already have that level of financial independence. Given the length and uncertainty of life, it’s more practical to aim for ‘enough’ financial security.
