You build this argument so well, Stefano! I’m currently investing my life savings on getting a 31-foot sailboat ready to take around the world forever. I’m 37, but I’m done with the office/professional life. I’ve done the six-figure income thing and it’s a trap. If I never make >$30k per year again, I’m ok with it. I’ll live on my sailboat or Thailand.
I love all these points, especially the one about retirement. Is that even the goal for working-age people these days? At 60, 70, 75, I’ll still be doing work that I love—and I’m not opposed to needing to make money then. I look at my parents who were so focused on retiring (“never needing to work a day in their lives again”) and now they watch TV all day and have such small lives. Work is so meaningful to me—when I’m focused on the right work. I never want to stop this.
They’re in their 50s, and they could retire now if they wanted, but they keep working. I think because they don’t know what they’d do otherwise. But my dad loves his job, so there is also that.
And I think as long as you do something you love, you can work until you die. It’s about finding what that thing is that you love and you would be happy to continue doing without stopping.
I only managed 3 years in the corporate life Cory! I got out, it’s scary right now as I don’t have an income, but I am figuring it out along the way. Thankfully, I invested money and can sustain myself for a while, so I am quite lucky with that. I know not everyone can afford to do that because of life circumstances and living pay-check to pay-check.
I’m the same as you, if I don’t make more than 30k a year, I would also be okay with that. As long as I’m doing what I love and have enough money for the things I care about, I’m good.
For me, I care about travel and good food, that’s about it!
Thanks again for the thoughtful reply, Stefano! I didn't mean to shower you with so many comments at once! Haha. I was just excited to see someone speaking my language, if you know what I mean.
Three years in the corporate life is still longer than me! I've spent 6 years in the government life, which you'd think would be better, but not in the U.S. at least. I'm done. People have asked me if I'm planning to go back and I said, without a shadow of a doubt, "No."
Sorry to hear it's scary right now. I'll be entering that world soon, too, without an income. I've also saved and invested well, and have a bit of a runway, but I'll need to figure out some thing soon. Keep writing, dude. You're super talented at it.
Travel and good food is what I'm about, too. And film!
Man, thank you so much for complimenting my writing! I still don’t think I’m very good, just keep smashing out the articles to keep testing my ideas and refining. The best thing I did was not trying to perfect everything. Just get it out there and see what people think!
And happy to hear you invested—because a lot of people just let their money sit in the bank and do nothing!
Glad you are on the same journey as me! We are running into life. We could die tomorrow—may as well die doing something we love, with a smile on our faces.
Hey Betty. That’s a great point you make about how meeting people while travelling has changed the standards you set for yourself and the people you choose to allow into your life back home! I think it will have the same impact on me.
I’ve been travelling for two weeks now and have met some amazing people along the way. I agree with you that they are humble and courageous for sure. And also very fun! People seem to laugh more and be more open to conversations and sharing experiences.
You build this argument so well, Stefano! I’m currently investing my life savings on getting a 31-foot sailboat ready to take around the world forever. I’m 37, but I’m done with the office/professional life. I’ve done the six-figure income thing and it’s a trap. If I never make >$30k per year again, I’m ok with it. I’ll live on my sailboat or Thailand.
I love all these points, especially the one about retirement. Is that even the goal for working-age people these days? At 60, 70, 75, I’ll still be doing work that I love—and I’m not opposed to needing to make money then. I look at my parents who were so focused on retiring (“never needing to work a day in their lives again”) and now they watch TV all day and have such small lives. Work is so meaningful to me—when I’m focused on the right work. I never want to stop this.
Same with my parents to be honest Cory.
They’re in their 50s, and they could retire now if they wanted, but they keep working. I think because they don’t know what they’d do otherwise. But my dad loves his job, so there is also that.
And I think as long as you do something you love, you can work until you die. It’s about finding what that thing is that you love and you would be happy to continue doing without stopping.
I only managed 3 years in the corporate life Cory! I got out, it’s scary right now as I don’t have an income, but I am figuring it out along the way. Thankfully, I invested money and can sustain myself for a while, so I am quite lucky with that. I know not everyone can afford to do that because of life circumstances and living pay-check to pay-check.
I’m the same as you, if I don’t make more than 30k a year, I would also be okay with that. As long as I’m doing what I love and have enough money for the things I care about, I’m good.
For me, I care about travel and good food, that’s about it!
Thanks again for the thoughtful reply, Stefano! I didn't mean to shower you with so many comments at once! Haha. I was just excited to see someone speaking my language, if you know what I mean.
Three years in the corporate life is still longer than me! I've spent 6 years in the government life, which you'd think would be better, but not in the U.S. at least. I'm done. People have asked me if I'm planning to go back and I said, without a shadow of a doubt, "No."
Sorry to hear it's scary right now. I'll be entering that world soon, too, without an income. I've also saved and invested well, and have a bit of a runway, but I'll need to figure out some thing soon. Keep writing, dude. You're super talented at it.
Travel and good food is what I'm about, too. And film!
Man, thank you so much for complimenting my writing! I still don’t think I’m very good, just keep smashing out the articles to keep testing my ideas and refining. The best thing I did was not trying to perfect everything. Just get it out there and see what people think!
And happy to hear you invested—because a lot of people just let their money sit in the bank and do nothing!
Was tripping around a few places recently & so your article really connected - love the vibe! Thank you :)
Hey Tui! Glad you liked it, where have you been recently?
This hits home!! Everyone says that I’m waiting to run away from facing my life straight! No. I’m the happiest when I am travelling.
I’m not running away from life. But just running into life! 🍂
Thanks for this beautiful reminder, Stefano! <3
Hey Anjali!
Glad you are on the same journey as me! We are running into life. We could die tomorrow—may as well die doing something we love, with a smile on our faces.
What’s your favourite place you traveled to?
I loved Andamans a bit more than any other! Such a beautiful dreamland! I’m sure you’ll love it too!
I had to look that up as I’ve never heard of it before, looks amazing!
I have always thought you were Italian Stefano! It was a surprise to see you were born in London.
Your argument about spending $700 to travel for a month vs London rent is very persuasive!
I am Italian, but it’s a bit complicated.
I never lived in Italy, but both my parents are Italian. I feel Italian, although if you hear me talk I have a very British accent haha.
Also, I write in dollars because of Substack….
That makes perfect sense as to why I thought that then, you are! Just without the accent.
Hey Betty. That’s a great point you make about how meeting people while travelling has changed the standards you set for yourself and the people you choose to allow into your life back home! I think it will have the same impact on me.
I’ve been travelling for two weeks now and have met some amazing people along the way. I agree with you that they are humble and courageous for sure. And also very fun! People seem to laugh more and be more open to conversations and sharing experiences.
Thank you for reading, it means a lot!
This is awesome, Betty!