The Pressure of Having to Work For Money Can Get Sickening
Although I left my job less than a month ago, I still feel pressure to be producing. I now have all the time in the world to do what I wish, yet even without a boss looking over my shoulder, I have an imaginary boss telling me to start making money ASAP or get my butt back to the cubicle.
I find the whole routine of having to be productive 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, to be sickening. I'm not sick of doing great things or working hard on projects and initiatives that matter to me. I've been having a lot of fun with those kinds of things actually. But I do have this imaginary pressure saying move quick, move quick. I believe I inherited this feeling and sense of pressure from our culture, which says that being productive and making money has to be our first priority during every week of our lives until we're 60 or so. Who came up with that and why are we subscribing to that way of thinking?
Great New Podcast - The Radical Personal Finance Podcast
A new podcast has arisen in the personal finance world, called The Radical Personal Finance Podcast. Being initially referred to it by my pal Jim of jlcollinsnh.com, I've devoured several of the initial two hour long podcast recordings during the past few days. In one of them, Joshua Sheats, the creator of the podcast, interviewed Jim on one my favorite articles of his called "Why Your House is a Terrible Investment". That was a good show. After that, I listened to a couple more, eventually stumbling on his review and commentary of Jacob Lund Fisker's book called Early Retirement Extreme. For some reason, I haven't ever read this book, although it always looked appealing to me.
What I can say after listening to this podcast is that it's a good one and a great review and commentary of what sounds like a great book. He reads his favorite parts of this book on the show. It's a way you can all get a glimpse of this entire mindset without having to buy the book, although you will certainly be persuaded to, like I am right now. There is some real good content in this show. I had no idea this book was as much about philosophy as it is. I thought it was just tactics of how to retire extremely early and how long it will take. It's a book that will open your mind up to start looking at the way things are in a new light.
Am I Becoming an Outcast?
As my values and beliefs continue to change, I feel that I'm becoming more and more of an outcast. I once was a kid that loved to consume. The reason I worked and wanted to make more money was to spend it on increasingly better stuff. Today, it pains me to consume. It physically hurts me to spend money on buying things other than groceries, carefully chosen entertainment, a roof over my head and gasoline to get me where I want to go.
I bought two pairs of sunglasses the other day while at the mall with a friend while he needed to take something back. I spent $20 on two pairs of sunglasses. I didn't need two, but my only pair broke just days earlier and I figured I would bite the bullet and take advantage of their marketing tactics of two for $20. I felt bad about spending $20 on something as necessary as protection for my eyes. Yes, it is getting bad.
Perhaps this is all happening because I now find myself with little income at the moment. I walked away from my job and, for the time being, am not earning enough money to pay my living expenses. You could say I'm living above my means right now, since I'm spending way more than I'm making. This is likely why I have the imaginary pressure of needing to earn money. Although I'm years away from not being able to pay rent, I find myself not able to escape that imaginary boss on my shoulder telling me to get a real job and quit screwing around.
Interesting Bloggers Who Live Unordinary Lives
Let me introduce a couple interesting people who aren't following the typical consume/work/consume script:
Glenn from To Simplify - Glenn's got an interesting blog, and life really. On his site, he outlines his journey of building an RV out of a VW Van, in which he plans to live in. In fact, he's on his maiden voyage as we speak, spending some time in Arizona testing the waters of his new rig. He's not forking over a mortgage payment every month, spending two hours a day in rush hour traffic or buying all kinds of nice things. All he owns fits in a van for crying out loud. That's honestly about as much stuff as any of us need. My 750 square foot one bedroom apartment looks like a mansion compared to his rig. You know what, this place is far larger than I even need.
Bob from Cheap RV Living Blog - I just found this blog from Glenn's latest post on To Simplify. What an interesting read it is. He talks about a lot of the things that are on my mind right now, such as the ridiculousness of our society. From what I've read so far, he said he wasn't really ever happy in his early life but when he decided to go live on the open road, spending much of his time in nature, he started feeling way better. Here are a couple of great posts of his to check out:
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Let Go of Your Old Ideas, and Think Your Own Thoughts
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Why I Hate Civilization - and Dropped Out of It
Chuck It All and Go Live in an RV?
I suppose you're now asking, "Kraig, are you going to chuck it all and live in an RV?" No, I'm not, but I can see the advantages of that way of life and why they did it. And I agree with several of their viewpoints:
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We don't need all the crap we buy (the services either).
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Spending more time in nature makes us happier.
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Living more simple lives can actually be easier rather than harder for us.
The five years of city living expenses I have saved from my job over the past several years would last something like forever in a lifestyle like that. Hmm.. So, I could live the city life and go back to work, working for the man 40 hours a week, hanging out under a bunch of florescent lights and listening to the boss man. Or I could give up my conveniences that I think I need and never have to work another day again for the man. It is actually compelling. The point is, the less you consume, the less pressure you have on you to earn and the more you can really just live.
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26 Comments
- sendaiben says:August 6, 2013 at 4:28 AM
Do you know Tynan? He's big on RV living and simplicity/producing... http://tynan.com/
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 9:10 AM
Sendaiben, You know, I had heard of him before and visited his site in the past. He no longer lives that way but used to, correct? Either way, thanks for the suggestion. Take care,
- Canadian Budget Binder says:August 6, 2013 at 10:14 AM
You know we have friends who thin that way, the less you consume, the more you can live. It's true though. We are the same way when it comes to spending. I nodded the whole way down the post. Maybe it is because of what you think or maybe you are so into the PF world now that money encompasses your being and you know it much more personal than someone who doesn't blog. I mean, we read SO MUCH about money every day. Sometimes we just need to pull back and live. Cheers mate
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 6, 2013 at 10:38 AM
CBB, Yes, we definitely think about this stuff all the time. You're right, we need to settle down once in a while and just live. I'm going to figure out how to do that here real soon. Take care,
- Wade says:August 6, 2013 at 1:27 PM
Kraig, Have you ever read any of the "Jack Reacher" novels by Lee Child? Jack is retired military and he basically owns 1 item. A fold up tooth brush. He travels around the country by bus most of the time. When his clothes need washing/changing he throws them away and buys a new cheap outfit to suit the climate. The books are about more than his minimalist lifestyle, but that owning nothing lifestyle is attractive at times. Of course it works better if you are single. Married with children it doesn't work as well.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 8:51 AM
Hi Wade, That sounds like some real interesting reading. I'll look into that. I have to say I hadn't heard of him or his novels until now. Thanks for bringing them to my attention. I would bet that lifestyle doesn't work the best when married. :)
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:November 26, 2013 at 9:46 AM
Jim, Thanks, my friend. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Take care,
- Done by Forty says:August 6, 2013 at 2:10 PM
I'm a huge fan of tosimplify.net. There is something about alternative living situations, especially tiny dwellings, that I find incredibly appealing. Being an outcast isn't so bad. You can always be normal again with a snap of a finger...but being really different isn't as easy.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 8:49 AM
DBF, To Simplify does rock. I'm intrigued by those alternate living situations as well. It really sounds fun but my biggest question is how it would be long term. You're right, I can always be normal again with the drop of a hat. Take care,
- jim says:August 7, 2013 at 12:38 AM
Ok - I'm totally confused re: your discontent. What is this sh## " working for the man 40 hours a week" crap? WOW - really????????????? Are you seriously that unimaginative/trusting that you think "working for the man 40 hours a week" sucks? WOW! K - gonna pull the old man act here - grow the F up. Learn how to negotiate your "oh so burdensome" 40 hour a week job. Ever hear of flexible hours? Ever ask to take the lead on projects that actually intrigue you??????????? Good God! You're living in America. If you want to go live in a frikin 3rd world country where you actually CANT work a decent job for a mere 40 hours a week - GO. What is with this crap ass attitude? You ought to be counting your blessings.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 9:05 AM
Jim, Valid points. You make a valid case on them. We do live in a great country where we should be thankful for all we have. And perhaps I should grow the "F up". But, perhaps I have valid points as well. In fact, I believe that we both do. I don't expect everyone to agree with me here so thank you for challenging my viewpoint, however, I do require that all conversations on my website are done in a respectful manner, which this comment is outside of. Feel free to voice your opinions in the future as well as tell me that I'm off my rocker when I am, but please remember that disrespect isn't allowed here. Thanks and take care,
- Financial Samurai says:August 7, 2013 at 9:41 AM
Why work when we got Obama and the Fed baby?! The stock markets are at record highs. Unemployment is coming down. Real estate is on fire in many parts of the country. Things are good!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 10:43 AM
Haha. That's funny.
- Rita P @ Digital Spikes says:August 7, 2013 at 1:10 AM
Your point is very much valid the less you consume, the less you are under pressure. It may take sometime for you to settle down as it is barely a month since you have quit your regular job.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 9:06 AM
Hi Rita, Thanks for the encouragement. I agree that it's going to take some time. I appreciate you stopping by here and saying hi. Have a great day!
- Financial Samurai says:August 7, 2013 at 9:38 AM
RV vagabond living! I love it! I think it'll be fun if you get a 2nd hand RV and document your travels around America. Baker from Man vs. Debt did it and it was fun to watch. He was able to get Adaptu as a sponsor too so that helped. I just tallied up my 4 week summer vacation and it came out to around $9,200. I would normally spend around $6,000 for 4 weeks, but this time I just went for it and I didn't regret it one bit due to an attitude shift that I write about in my latest post. Come check it out! Sam
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 10:50 AM
Sam, I'll come take a peak. Now, you've got me curious.
- August 7, 2013 at 9:45 AM
I really want to get more in touch with nature. It's always so relaxing being out in the wild. After reaching FI/ER, I plan to take a survival course and when I feel confident enough in my skills I want to go test it out. I think that would be such a trying time but 100% completely, absolutely worth it to come out knowing that you can survive on your own. Talk about a confidence booster. Why would you ever need to feel like you're not getting praise at work when you know that if everything goes wrong you can survive.
- August 7, 2013 at 9:52 AM
Just read through the previous comments. I don't understand why some people get so hostile about someone else's life. Especially someone that they will most likely never meet or even bump in to. I don't know if it just comes down to the fact that what you're doing is different so it must be wrong. Or if it's a deep down jealousy because they are now in a situation where they're forced to work until at least 60, or even worse 70+? Who knows and I hate to speculate on the reasons but the hostility is annoying. It's a different lifestyle, so be it. Keep up the good work and shoot for your dream!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 10:49 AM
JC, Thanks for the comment. I'm not sure why the hostility is necessary either. But if there's one thing I've learned from all this blogging and putting my thoughts out there, it's that people will disagree with me and they will make it known. I'm going to need to accept it if I'm going to be a blogger. It's tough sometimes to do. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I really appreciate it JC. Rock on. BTW, how long until you reach FI? Take care,
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 10:46 AM
JC, I agree with it being more relaxing being out in the wild. I really love it and don't do it enough. I need to change that now. Just curious, do you ever watch Man vs. Wild? I really like that show. It's about the exact thing you're talking about, surviving in the wild. Very true that it would be nice to know no matter what happens, you can survive. It's kind of the same thing knowing that you could make it in an RV. It's extreme, but it wouldn't be all that terrible, I don't think.
- Sandy says:August 7, 2013 at 11:20 AM
I believe that it was Dave Ramsey where I first learned the phrase "It's sick to be normal." I totally agree. Life is so much better thinking instead of spending, finding joyful ways to escape the consumer treadmill. DH has two pair of pricey sunglasses, both for free. One pair it ESPN brand and the other is BOSS brand. Both apparently retailed at over $100 each and there are no scratches on either of them. We found then on one of our walks. (Once he found a men's 14K gold wedding band that was recently appraised at $500-700.) My sunglasses were gleaned from garage sale free boxes, many different styles over the years. Comfortably living below the poverty level off this wasteful culture.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 12:08 PM
Sandy, Nice work my friend. That type of living will bring you, or likely already is bringing you, tons of freedom. Wish I could find a ring worth hundreds of dollars! :)
- Blair@LifeDollarsandSense says:August 7, 2013 at 6:50 PM
Feeling the pressure and need to work is not necessary a bad quality for self-employment. So many individuals do not have the self-discipline. On the other side, stepping back and enjoying the little things (RV trip cross country sound amazing) is def. a good thing as well.
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:August 7, 2013 at 7:42 PM
Blair, You're right, that internal motivation IS a good thing and it's exactly what drives me. It's too bad that it comes back to frustrate the heck out of me as well. I do need to step back and enjoy things a bit too, especially since the weather is absolutely beautiful right now here in Minnesota. I wish I was taking an RV road trip, but gladly, I am planning to take a 3-4 week road trip in late October down south. I'm looking forward to that as it's something that I should take advantage of given my current freedom. :)
