I want to have more freedom. Specifically, I’d like to exercise more control over my time. I spend a lot of time working. It’s… fine. Honestly, it’s pretty great. I’m treated well. Paid well. I have smart, kind, helpful coworkers. Yet, I want more. I want to learn more. And to do other things. I want to write. I want to create things. Will I enjoy those other things? Maybe. Maybe not. But I want to find out.
Why is it hard?
This is a very important question. Why haven’t I done this already?
I could stop working now and make some slight cuts to my spending. Or take a very long break. But I have a great job, and I’m so close to being able to retire. I can measure this in months, instead of years. So I don’t think it makes sense to leave now. Given more time, this will work itself out.
Or will it?
Fear. This is a much harder problem to solve. I’m not sure any amount of money would make me feel comfortable. And that’s okay. Because that’s not what money is for. It buys things. Nothing more. Money is merely a convenient focus for the morass of uncertainty.
What if I get lonely?
How will I meet people?
What if I want to spend more?
What if I have to go back to work?
What if I can’t find a job?
What if the book I’m writing fails?
What if no one visits my blog?
What if I’m just using work as an excuse? I can change the way I’m handling things right now. But I haven’t yet. Is work just an excuse to relieve myself of responsibility?
Why do I think this change is worthwhile?
What makes me think that I will enjoy my new found freedom over my existing comfort? With freedom, I could change things if I wasn’t enjoying them. With my current job, my time is tightly constrained, but my finances are not. I think that how I spend my time is much more important than the things that surround me.
Can you claim any of the worthwhile parts now?
Instead of waiting for everything to fall into place what parts can you grasp now? I can take more control over my time at work. I can select projects that bring my more joy, or sample some of the hobbies that I plan on picking up. Instead of waiting for everything to happen exactly the way I want it to, I can pull in bits and pieces into my life right now.
What about you?
What important goals do you have? What changes have you been meaning to make in your life?