Tim Ferris, the author of The 4-Hour Work Week lives my dream life. Not only does he not work much, but he spends his free time doing things I want to do: travel abroad to learn new languages, train in local martial-arts, and other fun things. (No wonder I bought this book right?) So the book is about he achieved what he calles the "New Rich" lifestyle. The "old" rich is slaving away most of your life to make lots of money so you can enjoy the last few years of your life. What kind of a life is that? This book gives you step-by-step instructions on how to free your time to do things you want to do while generating income to sustain your lifestyle.
The book starts off being pretty inspirational. Few pages in and I was ready to sell my house and become a nomad again. Then it went into some practical advices on how to be more effective and free yourself from work, whether you are an entreprenuer or employee. The least interesting sections to me were the ones on how you can automate income generation - which really involved setting up a business to sell a product of some sorts. Yet, it does get me thinking though. How bad do I want to free myself from work? What's easier? Becoming the remote employee who works from whereever he wants? Or the successful business owner? Probably the former for me, but I will give trying to become the latter some thought. The last bit of the book then goes into how you can travel abroad (most people's dreams). This was the least useful section since I've already done their so-called "mini-retirement" back in '03. (2 months USA road trip, bumming in VB for the summer with family, 6 months backpacking through Southern Africa, NZ, and OZ, and a final month long hang out in Japan.)
Speaking of mini-retirements, it's been almost 5 years now so I am probably due for one soon. However, given that my life since that break has been mostly surreal (2 years of grad school, 2 years living in Europe), I'm attempting to give the normal life I built here in Virginia a try. I must say it is quite nice having your own place to come home to and have a hobby you can do on a regular basis. Then again, is this better than the week I spent in Sydney hanging out on the beach every day? The days I spent in the Blue Mountains hiking all day, and then going for a swim to cool off at end? What were the toughest moments? Missing close friends and family.... Without them, I could be on the road indefinitely. The ideal situation for me would be to travel few months, and then back again for a bit. I have a few ideas in my mind to get me traveling again, but it might take a few years to implement. Meanwhile, I curse my desire to want it all and make my first mortgage payment tomorrow.
To get back on the subject, I'll end this post with couple of my favorite quotes from the book:
Doing something unimportant well does not make it important. I wish some of my bosses would read this one. There's nothing I hate more than having my time wasted. The book also suggests being productive, not just active. Don't invent things to avoid the important.
By working faithfully eight hours a day, you may eventually get to be a boss and work twelve hours a day. - Robert Frost. Need I say more?
sounds like an interesting read. Although I do wonder how you can startup your own business and work less hours, don't you need to spend more hours if you want to make your business successful?
ReplyDeleteso, Di - you did not change too much, huh? still undecided what is good and what's better? :D these conundrums are getting even worse when you start to really think about them. So - maybe we shouldn't? trying to find a good way in life is like trying to find a perfect partner for life - will not happen, haha! listening to your heart - that is what's really working for me. And - sometimes just letting it go altogether. According to me, you have a house now because, deep inside, you wanted to have one. Subconciously. Maybe this time will pass and maybe - will stay till the end of your days - who know's that? noone, not even you.
ReplyDeleteYou could become a travel photographer! :)
ReplyDeletenow that I've read the book, I really want to quit my job!
ReplyDeleteBut haven't find the killer idea to make me self-sustainable yet :(