Edward, I really liked this essay, and your progress through all these phases of life. Many of us have tried these various approaches in an effort to find what works for us long term.
I don't think we want to run away from working, we want to run away from meaningless work, from stressful dynamics with coworkers, from not being able to stop when we need to stop working.
Also, it's the typical resistance to work when it's imposed externally (schedule, boss's requests, etc.), then you don't want to. But when you *choose* to do it yourself, you'd do the same thing twice over. Or maybe that's just me. 🙂
Work is fundamental, what a great title! For the same reason, I don't enjoy holidays longer than one week. I'm not a workaholic, but I like to chop wood. More than to work, what we need is to feel a sense of accomplishment after having worked on something meaningful.
Thanks for sharing! A lot comes to mind - wish I’d have my Substack up and running during COVID to save you from those losses!
But also how I’ve come to a similar conclusion to you about work. Kind of like the Japanese concept, Ikigai.
FIRE is a great goal no doubt, even more so for guys like us in finance where job security is more volatile, but you have to enjoy the journey, you don’t know what the future holds!
Beautiful essay…
I helped build a company that helped 3k doctors (mainly PCPs), and now after it went public, have seen the lives of many “post-exit.”
My conclusion, after seeing both, is: purpose is in the process.
We may want the outcome of BEING a doctor or BEING financially independent. But these are just means to a greater end…
Which is to find the DOING we feel is worth doing. The work we find meaningful.
I agree Rick. It sounds corny but it's all about the process
Edward, I really liked this essay, and your progress through all these phases of life. Many of us have tried these various approaches in an effort to find what works for us long term.
I don't think we want to run away from working, we want to run away from meaningless work, from stressful dynamics with coworkers, from not being able to stop when we need to stop working.
Also, it's the typical resistance to work when it's imposed externally (schedule, boss's requests, etc.), then you don't want to. But when you *choose* to do it yourself, you'd do the same thing twice over. Or maybe that's just me. 🙂
Work is fundamental, what a great title! For the same reason, I don't enjoy holidays longer than one week. I'm not a workaholic, but I like to chop wood. More than to work, what we need is to feel a sense of accomplishment after having worked on something meaningful.
Thanks a lot Monica, I agree with what you say about a sense of agency or choosing. Here's to continuing to chop wood on our own terms!
Thanks for sharing! A lot comes to mind - wish I’d have my Substack up and running during COVID to save you from those losses!
But also how I’ve come to a similar conclusion to you about work. Kind of like the Japanese concept, Ikigai.
FIRE is a great goal no doubt, even more so for guys like us in finance where job security is more volatile, but you have to enjoy the journey, you don’t know what the future holds!
Glad you enjoyed it Ismail!