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So for those who have already "made it", it is clear they want to continue. And I get that, I can't imagine not trading. But what I can imagine is not trading every day, and not having the stress or uncertainty that comes with it.
Don't get me wrong, there are very few things in life that are certain. And I will never work for someone else again. But there is still that sense of "the rat race" where you just keep plugging away while you still can, before something external stops it, and you are never sure what tomorrow will bring.
I look forward to getting beyond that point, and just trading for pure joy. I envy those that are already there But to those I ask, do you agree that you are "there"? Do you classify yourself as having "made it" ? Or are you continually searching for more?
It really doesn't matter if you're a trader, entrepreneur, self-employed, or a salaried employee. Until you reach the point where you're income and savings far outstrip you lifestyle, you will never feel at ease. The income side of the equation is far harder to control, but you do have control over your lifestyle.
I dont believe in retiring...only dying doing something you love....trading or otherwise.
I am NOT rich although I got close once and the goal then and now is the same....time and geographical freedom. Which requires passive income or income freedom which I interpret to mean I can earn income when ever and wherever I choose.
I love trading but only as a means to an end... the end is this: To enjoy my life, my family and friends and to engage in things that are bigger than me.
While I fully intend to enjoy the fruit of my labor...(travel, living abroad, learning to fly, etc) there is something I really live for.....
Here is a picture of my kid with a couple of them....my kid is the one in the middle.....the pic was taken at an orphanage in southeast asia.
I paid for the cost of bringing full time electricity to the compound a few years ago, and helped with a new well and water system....this is what is important to me...this one and others.....if I can do this and live well while at the same time spending my time talent and treasure helping others live better, I will.
I realize this is my own personal agenda and that others will have no interest or even understand why I do what I do...thats ok....I do it because I love it...its that simple.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, Leonardo da Vinci
Most people chose unhappiness over uncertainty, Tim Ferris
the fact that I wake up in the morning, "hit the books" and then trade till I don't want to anymore is in and of itself pure joy. The money or the fact that I've been pretty good at it for a long time are a benefit of that joy. What ever I have is just enough, so I'm not in the greed game. I trade because I love to do it. If I really loved making bread I'd be a baker. I never get that rat race feeling. I understand where you are coming from Mike. Could it be a state of mind issue? What is making you less than thrilled?
The forum duties have been really weighing heavily lately, and really severely eating into my trading time. I haven't had a vacation since I got divorced, I guess in some ways I viewed working from home in my underwear a vacation in itself from the previous "real office day job". But it really isn't, I need a vacation of the mind
Maybe that is why I am feeling like it's a rat race lately. I need to go back to simpler times.
that is beautiful. Humbles me and inspires me...not to do better financially, but to elevate my character a little bit each day based on the example and the needs of people I come in contact with.
Especially without a staff to cover for you. The contribution you make is immense. If you where gone for a few days and the forums closed guys would really realize the weight and the value of what we have here.
What steps could you take to ease the burden of being "Big Mike"?
I was always taught there are 2 ways to obtain wealth
1. make more
2. spend less
I think don't discount the HUGE advantage you now have Mike. Huge. The dream. You are independent geographically and time wise - in the sense that you have a particular skill set that allows you to make an income from anywhere in the world (with internet). You decide when and where you work. The percentage of people in the world with this type of freedom is infinitesimal. The monthly nut is entirely up to you. Do you need a 4 bedroom house on the beach? How about 1 bedroom 1/2 mile away and a bike. Pack it all up and go rent in the islands. You won't have to look for a job when you are there because you can trade. The externals (family, routine, etc) are the things that keep everyone (traders) from back packing the Himalayas all year. If you have no externals stopping you then I say do it now. Rent don't buy and move to the Caribbean like you want to. Why wait? Can you make the monthly nut there? just a little research should tell you. Waiting until you have enough to just buy the pass and plop your ass down on a beach chair is really tough. The number always changes. see option 2.
Having "made it" is a state of mind.
gimme your address and I'll look you up next time I am down island
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Panda - that is pure awesomeness. Thanks for the insight into your thing.
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss
Since futures.io (formerly BMT) has a lot of people from all over, I thought I could ask input from you guys on the advantages/disadvantages of certain locations (specifically if you live there or near by …
Regarding monthly nut, anyone who has watched my 3-hour webinar "An Afternoon with Big Mike" knows how much I downsized and changed my live after the divorce. So I am already living a minimalist type lifestyle, compared to most people I know.
I have always thought of not moving to my "final destination" (bury me in the backyard) until I can pay cash for the ideal property of my dreams, and still have plenty of money in the bank to never "have" to work again. The idea of renting is one I had not honestly considered, and I should.