Imagine having all the time, energy and money in this world to do whatever you want, how would spend that time?
Would you be chilling out at the beach with a glass of Margarita on your right hand, and a book on your left, while harmonising with the waves? Or would you finally embark on a journey of exotic vacations that you've always dream for? Society often paints a beautiful picture of retirement with the ultimate freedom to do whatever we want, without the fear of cashflow disruption.
This promise for a happy ending often cost us to endure meaningless jobs, as we spend countless hours hustling and grinding for the next promotion, and putting everything else on a standstill. So what if you've attained financial independence, to realise how much you've missed out in life and that you're so far away from your goals? Would you have chosen otherwise?
With no exception, work dominated most part of my life. I'd perform my usual nursing role then spend my free time working on nursing research projects or the stock markets. I believe that working hard would bring me the promotion that I sought, so that I could invest more money and retire by 40 years old to live a life I truly desire. But the trade off was - my precious time and energy.
So last year, I took the plunge to leave my stable nursing job last year to take up a challenge - entrepreneurship. It's worst! According to Forbes, 90% of startups fail and it comes to no surprise that I had to endure endless hours of 'testing and learning'. It tough, but I am much happier!
Here's why!
#1- My life is mine, truly
Have you ever felt that no matter how much effort you put in your job, your boss just don't appreciate your diligence? I had! My boss was initially not keen to give me the promotion I deserved despite my apparent contribution to the organisation as she claimed that it does not benefit the department. According to Harvard Business Review, poor leadership is the real reason why good employees quit their job. I was really upset that I had to escalate the situation for fair treatment!
As an entrepreneur today, I've the flexibility to decide my schedule for every single day, and more spend time on things that I value or people who matter most. Taking back control of your life starts with rediscovering your passion, showing self-care and creating memories with the people and things you love most. I am able to appreciate every minute of my time.
#2- I never have to seek permission, ever
Have you ever felt that it's just so difficult to take leave just so that you could spend some time with your friends and family? I had! Prior to COVID-19 pandemic, nurses had to ballot for leaves in view of manpower shortage. After the pandemic, this process had been more challenging due to increasing acuity and resignation. According to MOH, 4% of the public healthcare professions resigned in the first half of 2021. Nothing changed except heightened stress and lower work-life balance.
As an entrepreneur today, I never have to seek approval again. Period.
#3- I'm working towards a dream, not money
Have you ever felt that life is so mundane that the number of hours you contributed to the organisation just doesn't translate to the pay you received? I had! If you've read 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' by Robert Kiyosaki, he had spoken on the reality that employees exchange stability with their time and effort. In reality, I was not paid for anything beyond my contracted working hours. This ultimatum eventually made me wonder - is it worth exchanging my youth for stagnation?
As an entrepreneur today, I work for a dream - to spread financial awareness so that people have a fair opportunity to plan for their future. There's no guaranteed success or shortcuts to my long hours of trial-and-error, but I am enjoying whatever I am doing today. My obsession with the FIRE movement has inevitably created an invisible chain around my neck, suffocating me over time, and I can finally breathe; after releasing myself from it.
At the end of the day...
We might not even retire because we're so used to the lifestyle we had established over the years. I know that we are all so different, and there is more than one-way to live life. This is my preference, and it may not be yours. I am not asking you to be like me, however, I hoping that my sharing could assure you that life is much more than the pursuit of money alone. Money is important, but it can be earned.
Time, once spent, will be lost forever.
Health, once disrupted, will never the be same again...
Comments