The Story of a Crazy Boy Who Never Forgot His Dreams
There once was a boy with dreams of doing great things someday. Ever since he was old enough to talk, he asked his parents questions about anything and everything. "Why are there hurricanes in Florida and earthquakes in California, but only Tornadoes in Minnesota? Why are cars now front-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive? Why do they make cars that go faster than the speed limit? How do trees stay alive in the winter? What would happen if our house got struck by lightening?"
This little boy saw a world full of things to learn. He also saw how most adults went to work all day long, year round and asked, "Why do adults have to do that?" This boy thought things could be different. He was determined that he could game this system and not have to spend his entire adult life doing that like everyone else. He believed that he could start his own business someday. While paging through his grandpa's RV magazines showcasing glamorous motorhomes jam packed with luxury, this little boy dreamed of living in one of those someday while traveling full time to explore the country.
Eventually, things became more grown up like. One day, it came time to take a mandatory careers class in high school. This boy went through the motions as he had no other choice. He learned that he'd have to build a resume and pick a good college and a "smart" major so that he could hope to someday get a "good job". He was taught that if he was a good enough boy, then maybe, just maybe, someone would pick him for job someday.
And Then He Grew Up
This boy eventually grew up, went to college and landed a job afterward. He loved it for the first few years and felt that he was doing great things, while also getting to tell everyone else how he had a good job and all that. This went on for many years until one day, he remembered back to who he really was. He started to feel that this high he had for his job and all the security that came with it wasn't what he wanted to do with his life. He knew that he would eventually grow to dislike the position he was in. He also knew that he was trapped because who was he to do anything else? He had no money and was completely dependent on the life he was caught up in.
This guy, now a twenty-something adult, decided to take some initiative. He remembered his dreams as a kid of doing things different, escaping the normal life everyone expected him to live. He remembered how free he felt when dreaming about traveling and being out on the open road. He remembered his curiosity and drive to learn all he could about this awesome world. He even believed he had something to offer the world because deep down, he knew that he cared about other people's happiness as much as his own.
And, This Person Is
This person is me. I've always had big dreams. I've always yearned for freedom and for a life that didn't fit the mold of today's society. One day a few years ago, I remembered that that's who I really am. So I started. I started getting out of debt. I started saving money. I started acting on making the life I knew I was made to live a reality. I started a blog. I got myself out there and met new people. I did big things. I sacrificed a lot. I worked on things in my free time that others thought I was crazy for doing. I did something.
Today, I announce to you that I'm at a crossroads in my life. My path will change. My dreams as a kid are still my dreams. My butt kicking hard work habits will remain a huge part of my life. My relationships will continue to be important to me. My values remain the same. My job? As of next Friday afternoon, is a thing of the past.
I'm Really Doing It
Yep, I've gone off the deep end. I'm walking away from the "perfect job". This job allowed me to first of all spend a bunch of money and get into debt, then to pay off that debt and eventually save half my income for years. I've done a lot with it. I helped build a company from 4 employees to 40 in my time there. I rose from the bottom up close to the top. I had a fancy title. I made good money. I was very well respected among co-workers and partners. I came and went as I pleased. I traveled regularly. I had fun.
But it is time to leave it behind. Am I an idiot? Perhaps. Am I going to look for another job? No, I'm not. Am I going to continue to work just as much if not more? You can count on it. What will I be working on? Helping people like you and me make a real difference in our lives, whatever that means. If it costs me three years and $60,000 to fail at doing so, I still know that it won't be a failure, because I believe I will have helped people and learned a lot in the process. If I end up making it and surviving, I will be a person who went for it and survived. There will be more happiness and joy in that than all the money in world. Following my dreams and making them happen in my life is something worth risking it all for, in my opinion.
I Know You'll Be There
Last week, as I felt scared about what I had done. I made a request to all of you to please email me and let me know you were there. First of all, thank you to everyone who did. I received emails from close to 20 people, all of whom I had never heard from before. The emails averaged 4-5 paragraphs each and were deeply personal. These people shared with me the impact I have had on them and shared their story with me. Let me just tell you that those emails made me feel like a person who can make it. They brought me real joy. I made 20 friends last week. I personally responded to every one of those emails and will make this commitment to you right now. Anyone who emails me directly with a personal email will get a personal response from me (except if you're disrespectful). So, feel free to email me, for any reason. I want to know you. If you want to do big things like I do, let's help each other. I'm not in this alone. We're in this together.
Off into the Unknown I Go
I've got one more week of living like a normal person and working full time. After that, I'm going to be doing bigger and better things. That means you'll be hearing more from me and seeing me do new things that I believe may be able to help us all on our paths to living below our means and changing our futures.
As you can probably tell, I'm nervous about a lot of things but excited about them at the same time. I'll be there for you going forward. If you feel the urge to be there for me as well, I'm excited and very thankful for that. If you want to encourage me during this time of unknown, of course I would love to hear from you (kraig@createmyindependence.com).
Now, I'm Really Living
I decided a few years ago to live like a poor person even though I made good money, saving over half of my income and looking like a freak for doing so. Today, I'm ABLE to walk away from a life that isn't my dream to go and chase it. I'm able to do it all because I did big things and knew my "why". That "why" is to live a better life, not the one I've been living. I've got bigger and better things to do with my life. I owe it all to this personal finance stuff, for without it, I'd be trapped, stuck, miserable and dying inside. Now, instead, I'm really living.
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43 Comments
- July 2, 2013 at 9:13 PM
Good luck Kraig! If I can help, let me know! You're a brave man and I'm sure you'll do great things.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 2, 2013 at 9:14 PM
Thanks, Lance. I'm looking forward to it. Let's connect soon.
- Pauline says:July 2, 2013 at 9:19 PM
Congratulations on taking the leap! I am sure this is the beginning of a wonderful journey.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 2, 2013 at 9:24 PM
Pauline, Thanks for the words of encouragement. Yes, I believe this is the beginning of something great. It most likely will delay my journey to financial independence, but like I said, it's a risk I'm willing to make.
- krantcents says:July 2, 2013 at 10:34 PM
Good luck. Do you know what you want? Next, do you have a plan? All you ever need is a goal and a plan!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 2, 2013 at 10:39 PM
KC, Yeah, next, I want to earn a living working on my own, without an employer, doing what I love doing. I want it to be in this niche that I blog about. I think there's real potential here. Great motivation on "all you ever need is a goal and a plan". I agree. Thanks for the encouragement.
- Lynnette Anderson says:July 3, 2013 at 7:05 AM
WOW! I am so inspired by you. It is exactly what I want to do, let go of the "conventional" job and do my own thing. I wish you the best of luck!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 3, 2013 at 7:12 AM
Hi Lynnette, Thanks for commenting and for the kind words. I'm really glad we're on the same page because it's exactly what I want to do as well. I'm actually doing it... aww... scary! I hope you'll be around to share in the journey and I hope I can help you get there someday as well. Take care!
- CashRebel says:July 3, 2013 at 7:13 AM
Kraig, good luck with your leap of faith. You'll be hearing from me soon via email. I also would like to do "big things". Im excited to hear about whatever is next for the boy who never stopped dreaming.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 3, 2013 at 7:15 AM
CR, Thanks a lot. I'm going to need all the help I can get. It's very exciting and very scary at the same time, especially since I don't have a very big income right now outside of my job. But I do have ideas, a passion and a heck of a lot of motivation to kick some butt. I look forward to hearing from you via email. Let's pow wow and help each other get where we want to go. I think you are I are a lot a like in our dreams and aspirations. It'll be fun to continue on our path together. Have a great 4th of July!
- Elizabeth T. says:July 3, 2013 at 7:13 AM
Good luck, Kraig! Looking forward to the next few years!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 3, 2013 at 7:17 AM
Liz, Why, thank you. It's going to be fun and exciting! I can't wait to spend more time with my nephews like I did last week. That was great.
- Daiane Correa Morais says:July 3, 2013 at 7:23 AM
Hi Kraig, I am really happy for you. I knew something like that was coming after your last posts. I have only started my financial independency journey and your blog is helping me a lot. I am really grateful to you for the time you have spent creating it. Now my husband and I, also my brother(in Brazil) are following your history. Thank you, good luck and pleaseeee keep us updated!!! =)
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 3, 2013 at 7:33 AM
Hi Daiane, I'm so happy to hear from you. I love the fact that I have people from all over the world following my journey, as well as people here in the U.S. I'm excited that you and your husband are getting serious about your financial independence journey. I haven't yet reached it, but I am temporarily independent and I believe that has its value as well (obviously). I'm thankful that I'm able to help you. I'd love to hear more about your journey and the ups and downs of it. This stuff isn't easy, but it sure is rewarding, looking back. I do plan to keep you updated. It's going to be an interesting journey ahead. I'm excited to share it with you, your husband and your brother. Thanks for the comment and have a Happy 4th of July!
- Mai says:July 3, 2013 at 7:56 AM
Good luck, Kraig. I know you'll be successful, because you have passion and dedication. You'll be missed here, but let's keep in touch!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 3, 2013 at 8:00 AM
Mai, Thanks for the vote of confidence. It means a lot to me. I'll miss working with you (although we haven't talked much lately). We need to keep in touch. I know you know where I'm coming from on a lot of this stuff. You have similar aspirations, don't you? I may need your incredible talent for a few things in the future so I'll be in touch. :) See you in a bit (literally) and I hope you have a Happy 4th of July.
- July 3, 2013 at 9:01 AM
Best of luck Kraig! It will be great to follow you on your journey. Once I reach FI my plan is to devote much more time giving back to the community, whether through teaching or through volunteering. Helping others is one of the biggest sources of happiness you can find.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 3, 2013 at 3:01 PM
JC, Thanks for the words of encouragement. I agree that helping others brings a deep sense of satisfaction. That's one of the reasons I am so motivated to continue to inspire and motivate others to do great things in their lives. By trying to help others, I end up helping myself in the process. It's a great feeling. Have a great 4th of July!
- Kyle @ Debt Free Diaries says:July 3, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Wow! Congrats on taking the step into leaving your job! I've only been reading your blog for a couple months (and recently started commenting) and I know this is a goal you've mentioned before on multiple posts. Super inspiring too. I have many similar values as you do when it comes to money and finance, but I'd consider myself a few years behind you on the track to where we're headed. Congrats again and I look forward to seeing you on the other side! (No job, pursuing your passion, etc.)
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Kyle, Thanks for the kind words. Yes, this has been a goal of mine for quite some time (actually, since I was a kid). I'm glad that we're on the same track. It's really a great track. I feel great about where I'm at and even better about where I'm headed. I hope you do as well. I'll be sure to be here and share my journey on the other side! Just let me finish up my duties. :) Talk to you soon!
- Katie says:July 3, 2013 at 12:39 PM
Congratulations Kraig! I'm very happy for you and your next adventure. I'll be there every step of the way :)
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 3, 2013 at 2:59 PM
Katie, Thanks so much! That means a lot.
- Wade says:July 3, 2013 at 4:11 PM
Kraig, I applaud your leap. I am curious if you have read "Quitter" by Jon Acuff? Jon now works for Dave Ramsey. Just curious if you read "Quitter" and said I'm leaping anyway. Bravo if you did. My wife and I are in our early 40s. We are debt free, have good jobs and have done well saving so far. We also have 3 kids to usher to adulthood. Healthcare expenses and keeping a roof over your head would be my two primary concerns if I was in your shoes. Obamacare could really change the cost picture for young healthy individuals such as yourself. But likely you've thought of all that. Hopefully Obamacare settles down as it is implemented. Good luck and it will be exciting to hear about your journey.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 7:39 PM
Hi Wade, Thanks for stopping by and saying hi. Regarding the book "Quitter", I have not read it. Being a Dave Ramsey follower, of course I had heard about it though. I decided to do this on my terms. I understand your points on healthcare and living expenses. That's why I'm a huge advocate for saving every single penny you can while you earn a good income (which I did for several years). For the next short (hopefully) while, I'll be earning a small income. My goals now will be to build the income. When I get there, I'll once again save a big percentage of it. All in all, I should be able to keep a roof over my head and health insurance paid for. By the way, my employer didn't sponsor my health insurance. I have been paying it out of pocket this whole time and it's been fine, although I am aware that it will keep going up. Thanks again for stopping by. I look forward to sharing the journey ahead with you. Best regards,
- Net Worth Snowball says:July 3, 2013 at 4:32 PM
Congratulations Kraig! That's a very exciting change and I look forward to following your progress as you pursue your dreams. Way to go!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 7:33 PM
NWS, Thanks a lot. I really appreciate the kind words. It is exciting. I look forward to sharing the journey ahead with you. Thanks again!
- Dividend Mantra says:July 3, 2013 at 7:24 PM
Kraig, Awesome stuff man. I'm really inspired by what you're doing. You're going for it and this is going to change the rest of your life. You came to a fork in the road and went straight. Can't wait to hear how freedom tastes now that you're going to be experiencing it every single day. That's really fantastic. I wish you nothing but the best. It's great that you never lost sight of those big dreams. If there are no dreams then all that's left is nightmares. :) Keep in touch! Best wishes.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 8:51 AM
DM, Great to hear from you. I'm inspired by you as well so keep at it. Yes, this will indeed change the rest of my life. I absolutely love your analogy there, that "I came to a fork in the road and went straight". That's exactly what I'm doing. My job got too much for me to handle and it was either, push yourself to extremely uncomfortable levels or switch jobs and find another one that will do the same thing. I choose to put a little f-you money into play and say the hell with the job all together. Not so I can sit around and watch soap operas, but so I can do EVEN GREATER things with my time and energy. I really look forward to it. I'll let you know what the freedom tastes like once I have it. One more week to go. Talk to you soon!
- Kayla says:July 4, 2013 at 11:53 AM
Nice post - someday I might be able to follow in your footsteps :)
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 8:44 AM
Kayla, Thanks. The way it's looking, I would imagine you'll be there soon. Just keep at it. Good luck to you! :)
- GamingYourFinances says:July 4, 2013 at 10:18 PM
Good for you Kraig! I just subscribed and I look forward to following your journey, good luck!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 8:40 AM
GYF, Thanks for the kind words and for subscribing. I look forward to being on this journey with you as well! Talk to you soon,
- jlcollinsnh says:July 6, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Well played. Well earned. Big time major league kudos! When I left my last job my boss who is also a good friend said: "You might not think so now, but you're going to miss this job." We were on our way to a fancy restaurant to entertain customers we both considered friends. I said, "I'm missing it already." But not enough to change my mind or to look back. Choosing between good and bad things is easy. But if we are lucky in life, our choices get to be between good things. That's tougher, but infinitely better. :) Enjoy your new path!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 8:38 AM
jlcollinsnh, Thanks so much for the kind words. I took this one right out of your play book and decided to put some f-you money into play here. I'd have to say, creating a pile of f-you money is worth it so thank you for that. Yes, I'll miss this job as well. Some of my co-workers are real good friends of mine. I'll even miss working for some clients. But my journey ahead is much more exciting and rewarding in many ways and I look forward to, like Dividend Mantra said below, go straight ahead at the fork in the road. I'll be in touch soon. I still want to do some writing for your site and this should allow me to do so finally.
- Captain Dividend says:July 6, 2013 at 7:45 PM
Hey Kraig, what a great story and an inspiration. I just started my own journey last year, still have a long way to go. Stories like this will help keep me motivated for sure. P.S. - I love the Bugs Bunny t-shirt.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 8:33 AM
CD, I'm glad to meet you. Thanks for stopping by and saying hi. Congratulations on starting your own journey. Like you, I have a long way to go as well. I'm just shifting gears right now because what got me here isn't going to get me where I need to go. I may slightly back track in net worth to do this, but I'm confident that I'll start going forward again soon enough. I look forward to continuing our journey together.
- Done by Forty says:July 8, 2013 at 12:40 PM
Kudos for identifying what you want and having the courage to take the steps. There's a lot to admire there. I look forward to hearing more about this next stage!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 7:32 PM
DBF, Thanks for the kudos. It wasn't an easy decision to make, as I'm sure you can imagine. But it just had to be done. When it's time, it's just time, you know? I look forward to sharing the next stage with you as well. Take care,
- Thomas | Your Daily Finance says:July 8, 2013 at 1:49 PM
Kraig, this is my first visit to your site and I feel like we are close in situations. i left a great paying job and I am doing what I want to do. Its funny though when I tell my close family and friends that I walked away from a six figure job to start my own company they all were like its about time. I feel you have the same passion. When we are little young and naive we never feel the need to conform and believe that any and everything is possible. As we grow many of us lose that. I am glad you found it again and are taking the steps to follow your dreams. Best wishes on your journey!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 7:43 PM
Hi Thomas, Welcome. I'm really glad that you stopped by. I love meeting others like me. Nice work laying out the path for me to follow in and way to go going against the grain and doing something risky like that. I've gotten the "it's about time" response too actually. I guess I have been communicating my intentions for quite a while. It was just something I had to do. I'm glad I found that again too and I'm looking forward to taking the journey with you. I hope you'll keep coming by. I'll take a peek over at your site as well. Thanks again!
- Purchase Baby says:July 8, 2013 at 5:28 PM
Go for it! You are an amazing individual, and you give so many such inspiration. Go for your dreams - as life goes far too quickly. I'm happy I've found your superb website as you're giving me the passion to go forward in my life too! Respect...
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 8, 2013 at 7:45 PM
PB, Thanks for the incredibly nice words. I'm glad you get value from my writing. I am going for them and I am quite excited. I'm glad I have passionate readers/followers who'll be there and support me on this journey as well. Keep in touch!
- Steve Adcock says:November 22, 2014 at 4:34 PM
I think what you're doing is absolutely wonderful. I left a job as a Director of Information Technology this year to pursue a work from home position. The title isn't nearly as grand, but I am a lot happier doing it. You've taken that one step further, though, going off on your own to pursue your own endeavors and starting a business. Big kudos and congratulations for deciding to break free from the rat race and pursue something that you love.
