“But men labor under a mistake. The better part of the man is soon plowed into the soil for compost. By a seeming fate, commonly called necessity, they are employed, as it says in an old book, laying up treasures which moth and rust will corrupt and thieves break through and steal.” — Henry David Thoreau
There comes a point in everyone’s life when time matters more than money. Ever since I read Jacob’s Early Retirement Extreme nearly two decades ago, I’ve set a goal to save enough to reach financial freedom. I think the mid-40s is about the sweet spot to begin a new chapter. At this age, I still have the energy and health, along with the resources, to do the things I want. And I might discover other mountains that I’d like to climb.
Facing the unknown requires courage. And giving up a decent-paying job, along with the perks and status that come with it, isn’t easy. But once one had a taste of those things, they start to feel less special. While I enjoy meeting smart people, having intellectual conversations, and learning new things, I’m less interested in the lifestyle many people in my industry pursue. People in high-paying jobs often network, socialize, and spend on expensive status markers—high-end watches, alcohol, cars, houses, luxury travel, and fine dining. I’m more drawn to a simple, minimalist life. I don’t have the courage to live like the toilet cleaner in the film Perfect Days, but I do believe I have enough to live meaningfully.
Most of the things I enjoy in life are free (running, drawing, playing basketball) or relatively inexpensive for the amount of enjoyment they provide (video games, streaming services, books). Things can be costly, but diminishing returns kick in quickly. I think it’s better to own a small number of high-quality things that truly bring joy than to accumulate too much to keep track of. Often, expensive purchases are positional goods, signals for showing off, rather than sources of intrinsic value. Experiences like travel are one area where money can help. But to maximize enjoyment, it’s best to do them occasionally, so we don’t get used to them and take them for granted.
For me, the ultimate freedom is being able to thrive under any circumstances. As Thoreau discovered in Walden, it doesn’t take much to live a good life. Time, attention, and freedom may be the most valuable luxuries. Or in Thoreau’s words, “Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.”
After my kids were born, I started revisiting my childhood hobbies. With more resources and a more mature mindset, I’ve been able to improve and surpass my younger self in many areas. Focusing on my hobbies may not be a good way to contribute to society. But as long as I continue to learn and grow, maybe I would discover new possibilities I can’t yet imagine.
Perfect Days and having enough:
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