Thread by @heymaxkoh

Will you feel happy when you finally quit your 9-5 job and never have to work again?

Here's why that may NOT happen:

3 reasons:

1. Rich is about finding fulfilling work

2. We need to "struggle" for something

3. The same traits that helped you retire early will make you unhappy when you actually do retire early.

Here's my story...

I recall that day mid of 2020, when I hit my own version of financial freedom.

It's been a day I've been waiting for my whole career.

When my portfolio crossed a certain amount of net worth.

Based on my own calculations...

I would be able to liquidate 3% of my total portfolio every year to cover my annual expenses comfortably.

That amount will allow me to live a decent lifestyle without having to compromise any parts of my well being.

So by that calculation, I was financially free.

I could retire and quit my job the next day...

Submit my resignation, never work another day in my life, and spend all my free time chilling at the beach.

So guess what I did?

I said to myself "oh cool".

Then I turned off my phone and went to bed, and continued going to work the next day.

And I'm still working at my 9-5 job even after 1.5 years of hitting my financial freedom number.

Why?

Reason #1 of 3:

Life is about finding fulfilling work, not saving up enough money to never work again.

You’re rich if the day of the week doesn’t affect your happiness

Upon reflection, I realized I was still enjoying what I do.

I get to lead a team and hone my leadership skills as a General Manager.

I get to speak in public and inspire others as a trainer and coach.

I'm still having fun. Why do I need to retire now?

So before you quit your job thinking it'll solve all your problems and worries, remember that it won't.

You'll only feel happy when you find work you feel happy doing.

Reason #2 of 3:

We need to "struggle" for something.

I believe humans need struggle in our lives.

We cant just sit by and be idle. We'll waste away and our minds lose their ability.

Struggle gives our lives meaning. It makes us feel like we're growing as a person.

The key is to find work that is worth struggling for.

And the work that I do while tough, still gives me meaning.

And even if I do leave my current role, I'd probably still want to be working hard.

It's just seeking a new mountain that I am willing to struggle for.

Reason #3 of 3:

Ironically, the people who have what it takes to retire early will usually be unhappy retiring early.

I heard this from an early retiree, and it opened my eyes.

The people who usually achieve FIRE at a young age were able to do so because they have traits like ambition, drive, focus.

They're go getters.

And ironically, it's these same traits that will make them unhappy with early retirement.

They somehow feel stagnant.

They lack a mountain to climb, and they feel meaningless.

So it's not about quitting your job to go sip wine by the beach.

It's about finding work that still brings you meaning.

This gives you an outlet to channel your drive and ambition to, even though you're "retired".

TL;DR:

1. Rich is about finding fulfilling work

2. We need to "struggle" for something

3. The same traits that helped you retire early will make you unhappy when you actually do so.

Follow me at @heymaxkoh where I share my journey on how I reached financial freedom before 30.