It’s been 3,174 days since I escaped corporate life. I was 44. My children were tiny. Now they're teenagers. Today I turn 53, and we are infinitely happier here, in our farmhouse by the ocean. No more meetings. No more commute. If I can escape, you can too (because I'm a dumbass). #Life #Art
"That sounds very privileged!" complained the guy with zero debt. From many different POVs ANYTHING sounds privileged. You are not interesting when you point it out.
Day 923, and I even still have debt. My only regret is that I didn't overcome the fear sooner (mostly financial)
Since people keep asking, here are my books (I write and illustrate):
Been there Its awesome
I loved that Hwy 1 includes the ferry crossing. One day trip hardly scratched the surface.
Is that where Betty MacDonald lived for some time and wrote her first books? Beautiful.
AFAICT she lived on Vashon island in the US. Similar environment though.
US of coarse....
Ahhh! Nearby and a ferry trip... Good guess🛼😎💐
But it’s probably cold as fuck!!! And has more bears than anyplace. So l will stay in sunny California thank you.
Enjoy. It doesn’t drop below 40f here. And the bears generally don’t snore too much.
And don’t forget the cougars! 😓
Happy Birthday!
Cheers!
Former Comox resident here: these are beautiful, thank you for sharing. Homesick for the Island now. 😎🤍
May I ask what area of Vancouver Island these pictures show? I've only been able to explore Victoria to Nanaimo and protection Island so far. Next visit I want to explore Gabriola Island and figure out if a move is possible 😵💫
Qualicum Beach/Parksville/Nanoose Bay
Oh I've heard such wonderful things about Parksville! Any insights/tips you can provide for potential expats?
It's such an easy-going place, there's little need for tips. Best I can say is that if you're used to instant service on things, you'll need to adjust — we operate on "island time" — where everyone moves at a much more....uh...modest pace.
My soul operates on island time 😜🙌🏽 let's goooo
Loved our holiday on Vancouver Island. Took a day sail from Port Alberni to Bamfield and back on the mail boat. Wonderful scenery.
Oh how I wish! We visited recently, but unfortunately would be getting 1/2 the square footage for triple the price of our current house.
Really depends where you are, I guess. We bought a 5k sqft house in Qualicum for ~369k USD in 2016.
Woah that size of house is now 1 to 2 millions ☹️ crazy market
Wow. Gorgeous house. Things have sure changed in 2025. 1k sqft condos for $1.5 million when I was looking in May. I’m very happy beside my lake in Quebec. Just wish the winters weren’t quite as long.
You should look again. I see lots of stuff in the 400 to 500k range. Even near the beach. But Quebec is lovely!
I had the good fortune to spend a weekend at Yellowpoint Lodge many years ago. Vancouver Island is a magical place.
A friend is heading your way in a few weeks, prior to cruising up to Alaska. I've always wanted to visit Vancouver. One of these days...
We're out on the island — so about two hours by ferry to Vancouver (which also is lovely, but far more expensive). I hope they have fun!
They planned for a few days in Vancouver. Huge family group (30+ people, I understand). A few may have time to catch the ferry.
Many happy returns, Dennis!
Cheers, Lee!
It’s good to see others - escape as well ! Congratulations 🎉 and I’m glad you live this new life - to show others and your children that there’s more ways to live.
So worth it! I chose “freedom 49” and also fled to the country by the sea…best choice ever 🙂
Congratulations!!! Living your best life!
I left corporate in 2011 and I haven’t looked back. The pay is much less and the benefits aren’t there BUT the amount of happiness and peace I’ve regained: priceless.
Happy Birthday, Dennis! Have a fantastic one!
Cheers!
We moved from a sprawly NY suburb to a west coast college town. Went from a 2-hour commute to a 12-minute bike ride. It's been 10 years now and I'm grateful every day.
That sounds like a solid choice.
It was scary, but it was a great move.
I retired 5 years ago at age 67. I feel that is when my “real career” began. I have never been more engaged, productive, and fulfilled. It was incredibly liberating to decide I could switch to working for no salary: no boss to argue with and working purely on topics that inspire me. It is magical.
I retired 5 years ago and began writing about... well, the mathematics of vaccine clinical trials. The times require what they require.
You're honestly an inspiration!
Thanks Rook, I appreciate the kind words. From my point of view it is just having fun, doing what I want to do instead of what someone else wants me to do.
What have you been working on?
Don't get me stated, here I have some slides… 🙂 I research “artificial life” software simulations of natural complexity. I published one study at ALIFE 2023, now in press for their journal. I'm currently collaborating on a technique for inverse design of multi-agent systems. Drafting a paper now.
I will note that being an “unaffiliated researcher” is easier for a software guy. Just me and my laptop at our dining room table. This path is less viable for, say, someone studying high energy particle physics.
Yeah, but imagine the fun you’d have on your dining room table…. Wife might be upset, but still!
Me: Look honey, I've finally finished my 3 km diameter 30 GeV collider! Her: Great. Can you clear it off for dinner?
Is there any money in that? (Currently an affiliated researcher hehe)
I assume you are being jocular. (More context by tracing up the reply tree.) My delight in having zero constraints on my research agenda is exactly BECAUSE there is no money in that! I got to an equilibrium point where annual increases in retirement savings dipped below annual benefit from freedom.
A genuine question :) When retired, I think ill still be publishing papers, and also making games. Just always on the lookout for getting closer to that without having to wait til retirement!
And thanks for the response, that makes sense
Most of the jobs I could get hired/paid for were in software development. A few years here and there I had “research” in my job description. I managed to publish a few research papers (including that made me a “one hit wonder”) but most of it was outside work, after hours hobbyist research.
So nice to hear this. I hope you continue to create and enjoy.
I’m a computer scientist at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory scaling evolutionary algorithms to run on supercomputers. Your post is inspiring because I can’t wait to relax and just focus on one or two research projects. I turn 60 this Fall. Getting closer to retirement!
Congratulations! Sooner better than later! The percentage you can add each year to your retirement savings continues to decline. At some point that small increment is worth less than the yearly quality of life boost you will get by retiring. Glad to meet another member of the small EC community!
I’m not likely to wait until 67 being mindful of that very thing. 😁👍🏻 I’m hoping to retire before 65, though that may entail migrating. And, yes, the EC community is small, but still thriving.
Good for you, but damn…67 years wasted essentially :(
I strongly pushback against the idea that life is wasted, no matter what you spend your time doing. You can still have meaningful relationships, learn, grow…you know, live. I doubt his every waking moment was at the office.
Indeed. And I (retired from salary at 67) did not use the word “wasted.” During that time I married and we raised our kids. I worked on a few notable professional projects. And in the 45 years between college and retirement, I spend time working for salary, accumulating savings, and living frugally.
To avoid being misunderstood, my statement was not intended as “man you might as well have been dead”, it was more meant as in terms of not having used one’s full potential until later. I’m nobody to judge anyone else’s life or choices 🤙
That’s a fair point, but I also push back on the idea that just existing (your “no matter what”) means you’re not wasting your life. I think it all comes down to your own potential - if you’re not utilizing it you are in a way wasting part of your life. I was going off the OP’s comment tbh
Working a job where you dream about retiring is no way to live. I know too many people in that situation. I was EXTREMELY fortunate to carve out a career where I'm appreciated, stimulated, well-compensated, and allowed enough autonomy that I have no plans to retire anytime soon.
It's been 7 years since I escaped the corporate/government world. I would have stroked out if I stayed. Never saw the likes in my 40 years of working. Full-time. Worked private then 25 years in government. My god, I gotta write that book.
Similar. I was at the end of my rope when I left.
👍
It's wonderful to pull the plug. I walked away almost years ago & haven't looked back. The worst part of all this is how the banks & investment firms con people into believing they need more $ to hang it up than they do.
This is true, almost every loan offered in...well...anything is a trap.
Kudos 💙
📌
Good for you.
Sure as hell your NO Dumbass! Farmhouse/animals/friends/food..the Ocean/peace/food/sunsets..Looks to me like you bought a piece of heaven..lucky children, lucky you!!🩷🩷🩷
My dream
Inspiring to read. In the rut of it. Seeing that life changes brings hope. Enjoy arting 🖼️ make some fun stuff
2) Am 61 now working in a call center to make ends meet - spent last 5 years learning the writing craft. When I turn 62, going start taking Social Security, and then will be writing full time and traveling. My Substack is here: resistanceradio.substack.com
1) I was forced out of a fortune 100 company at 55 - early 'retirement' (choice between $500 annuity at a time when jobs were getting scarce and the pandemic was kicking off - or a lump sum of $250,000 - I took the lump sum and paid off all my bills/mortgage/college/kids college).
Good! (Why would one choose a $500 annuity when even earning 1% on the $250,000 lump sum would yield $2,500 each year?)
I retired 3 years ago after 43 years as a registered nurse. I do not miss one thing! From the stress of a critical ICU patient, to poor management, to rush, rush, rush in pre-surgery. Time is money! Every minute the patient is late to the operating room cost the hospital so many dollars. Don’t miss!
Happy birthday! You are an inspiration to us all!
hahaha, many folks never took the corporate life to begin with.
What? You know a couple of farmers do you?
Happy birthday Dennis!
Cheers!
By the way, do you do any con appearances anymore? We met at GenCon 2016, but I'm guessing you aren't coming back to any US conventions anytime in the near (or as it seems far) future. I know I'm not, anyway.
Happy 53 and enjoy your life. I love the freedom of being able to come and go as I please, on my own time and not engaged in the corporate culture anymore.
Lovely
Change like this takes courage! Congratulations.
It WAS deeply scary, yes, and risky. But I'm glad to say it worked out and it's possible.
If you replace the comma with the decimal point in the day, since you escaped your corporate life, it’s funny how close that number is 2 pi
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday 🎂🎉🎈
Happy birthday!
Cheers, David.
As my Grandpa said. The most element for successful & happy retirement: STAY ENGAGED
Happy birthday!
Cheers, Steven!
Congratulations
Happy birthday! And thanks for all you do
Cheers, Matthew!
🥳🥂🎂🌻
Retirement is great. I don't have to deal with anyone if I don't feel like it. We'll, maybe my fur baby Ruby Rose.
Girl! Yessss! Livin’ life in the slow lane! #farmHER
Congrats. I retired 9 years ago to Ecuador and it has been amazing. I have a “hard stop” at 2pm to meet with Siesta. Most days. I rise at 6:30, let the dogs out, send directions to my one employee. Drink some water. Stretch. Head back to bed unto 9:30. Oh yeah !!
In Israel, they call them Kibbutzim.
No regrets
Happy Birthday!
Cheers, Jason!
I left at 44, now 58. I still miss the work in a lot of ways, never found a place for those skills outside that world, but grateful for the time with my family. Pretirement is a tough choice.
My job was writing and drawing for corporations, now I write and draw for myself. I've never had any problems. But it may be a unique situation.
Risk analysis and auditing sensitive industries and major projects was my gig
Love this. Exchanged corporate life for something I actually believe in earlier this year. Earn a fraction of what I once did but so much happier.
🤞🤞I hope so. Good stuff
What do you do to earn income now, or did you already have enough assets?
Nope. I make art and writing for myself that the world somehow finds compelling and pays for. I make more money now than I did as a Vice President for Warner Bros. in San Francisco.
Thanks for your post & honest answers. You achieved much in your life! I envy you sorts of folks. Your psychological predispositions do put you in a special place. IMO the majority of people lack what you have. Most work hard to make it, but few possess the combination that allow what you did.
Joyeux anniversaire from Normandie.
Cheers, Andy!
From the looks of this photo, your escape was heavenly.🌝
Corporate America will suck the soul right out of you.
Looks like he's Canadian
Technically Canada is in N America and corporate culture is not all that different there.
As it is in Europe
THANK YOU!!
It can be different even at big corps. Also: social supports, public health, and no such thing as at-will employment. We're "not that different", yet we are. 🇨🇦 (not "rubbing it in" - wish everyone had this and more) more like, worth reminding myself of it sometimes
At-will employment functionally exists in some provinces. Not quite the same, but very much we can fire you for any reason, with no severance, whenever we want. As sad as that is :(
As a matter of fact the CEO made a point of telling me that it was nice to have me around but it wasn't necessary. I made my decision to quit in that moment. Why would he fuck over the person I actually worked for like that? They got stuck with the work and I was doing a lot.
My response to at will employment is at will if I feel like quitting I do and I just did. It was clear to me that while my help was appreciated it wasn't ever going to be compensated or the job expanded. I walked away with no regrets. They'll find someone else to appreciate to a limited degree.
And?
He moved to Canada before Trump was inaugurated the first time.
It's weird seeing all your reposts, yet your own writing in interpersonal interactions displays the cognitive capacity of a One America News network subscriber.... Wait, are you John Cusack?
Am I?
What’s your secret?
No real secret. Just reduced spending to as low as I could possibly stand it, moved to a low cost of living area and zeroed all debt with a hard no debt for ANY reason rule.
Good on you! I’m getting there. I’m a couple of chess moves behind, but I’ll make it.
I wish I could achieve the life that you have, I'm pretty envious of you tbh.
Happy birthday!!
Cheers, Lee!
You're most welcome, squire.
Happy birthday, Dennis!
Cheers, Paul!
I need a spouse. Not interested in corporate life.
Thanks for sharing, it's great to see people who've come out of it on the other side. 🥺 Currently experiencing some corporate grind burnout myself.
Good for you! The important thing is to find peace within yourself.
Same for me (at age 46, 10 years ago) My former co-workers are still slaving away at their jobs, spending all their income going to and from work, buying expensive cars and houses and spending huge amounts of money on lavish vacations. I feel sorry for them.
Yes. This is also central to it. We don't take on debt. We don't go on huge vacations or lease fancy cars or buy tons of clothes and other things.
I already had the mentality, but reading this guy told me I was headed in the right direction. www.mrmoneymustache.com
My wife loves this guy.
I want to escape, but I’m solo and would need to reaffirm myself to another community before getting chances again.
Did the same. I’m now 60 and my kids are grown and we’re so happy to already be in the place we want to retire in. We’ve had many years to reno our place to how we want it. Couldn’t be happier.
Sounds idylic!
I did it. I left that tick tock world behind when I turned 49. Purchased a run down farm to rebuild. Wish I had done it earlier. It was a challenge, but I and my family prevailed. That was 22 years ago, and was one of the best decisions I had ever made.
As an artist, I was never cut out for corporate life, so spent many years living paycheck to paycheck. Sounds like corporate life at least did you well enough to enjoy your life now. I’m about to turn 67 and hoping and praying maybe by 70 I might be able to retire.
Are you worried about the weather at all there? I live on the US gulf coast and here we get bad windstorms every year and a major hurricane every few years. I’ve only been here five years but the insurance has doubled in that time and won’t come close to covering the cost to rebuild.
Nope. We’re good. We’re on the strait of Georgia (interior). We see hardly any storms at all. Ever.
Awesome. I can come up with 300k for a house. Move over I’m coming up there.
Congrats! It's been 7,342 days for me since I left corporate America!
Many happy returns, sir! ✨👍🎉
Trying every day to manifest this for me 🤞
10 years for me. Just do it.
Happy birthday!! 🥳
Happy birthday Dennis. You’re living the dream.
Cheers, Bryan!
Congratulations! What you gave your kids money can’t buy! My hats off to you!
Lovely, happy for you. I’m sure you’ve earned it too. But most of us don’t have the income to even consider this. We’re stuck. Watch this space
I was stuck too, and I was 800k in debt when I started this plan.
We’re listening. 🙏 How’d you do it? I’ve been in the Corp grind for 30+ yrs. Currently looking after layoff last year (Tech) and it’s rough! Don’t want to go back if I didn’t have to. What’s your income stream now?
Look through the rest of the thread. Cheers.
How?
Read the other threads. I break down what I did.
👀
I meet with this fellow who works for a corporation He brags about the stock price and the company a leader but he describes how they treat staff Fire for no reason because new VP didn't like the person He describes events that are clearly constructive dismissal But he likes the prestige and pay
Glad you figured out what was really important. It makes all the difference. No dumb asses here, only good people making good decisions. AAA+++
On the flip side, I enjoyed the corporate life. We created well paying jobs with good benefits for people, made the country a safer place for all Americans through our defense products and services, and I got to meet a lot of really smart and interesting people. I did it until I was 70.
What skills do you have?
I’m an illustrator, game designer and writer.
I m also writer and digital marketing, can u recommend me where I should apply job?
Sorry. No idea; it’s been 10 years since I’ve worked for a company. I just applied at video game companies I liked.
This is a wonderful picture 🖼️
Congratulations - brilliant move.
Im 44 and need whatever you did.
On the family farm but all the land is rented out and I work a full time job. Driving myself crazy trying to figure out how to escape the 9-5
Just do it. You’ll figure “it” out along the way. Trust yourself.
You're not a dumb ass. You opted for something better & you achieved it. 😉
Sounds lovely!! Happy for you
I’m on year 8 of early retirement. 2nd trip to Europe in last 4 months.
Living the dream! Enjoy every moment of your well-earned adventures
Trying to figure this out for myself and my kiddo too. ☺️ well done!
Write a book tomorrow. I’ll read it the next day.
Happy Birthday! Glad you’re happier than before.
Cheers!
Enjoy your day. 😊😊
Congrats! (Also, HOW???)
1. Reduced all our costs to as low as possible. 2. Paid down all of our debts as low as possible. 3. Sold our home, zeroed all debt, and moved to a place that had an extremely low cost of living. 4. Borrow no money going forward. 5. (For me, just worked very hard on my own art).
Thank you for sharing! It def sounds doable when you list it out like that
Leaving corporate America was the best thing I’ve done.
Happy birthday 🎂
Cheers, Michael!
I left the corporate world 15 years ago after taking anti depressants for 6 years, while realizing I would never again make that kind of money. I quit the job, quit the meds and a month later found myself to be happy. If you are not happy money will not cure you.
The other nation to the south is slightly more affordable. Those Canada tax authorities are quite a bit pricier to satisfy than Americans might be accustomed to.
It's also a fascist dictatorship with secret police and no guaranteed due process. So, there's that. But even beyond that, as a self-employed individual, I pay FAR LESS tax than I would in San Francisco.
Interesting. Mexico is a federal republic, not a fascist dictatorship. I think people should be able to live wherever they want, but that viewpoint doesn’t sync with the current geopolitical reality.
I was talking about the US, which is south of Canada, which is thought you meant. The US is a fascist dictatorship. From what I understand, Mexico can be fine in a bunch of places, but certainly has a random-armed-people prone to murder ratio that is much higher than I am comfortable with.
In Canada, we actually get things in return for paying our taxes.
In the US, we get to prop up the military industrial complex with our tax dollars. Yipee!
I'm so sorry.
I am halfway there! ⛱️🏖️🏝️☀️🌊🐠
Good luck, Patrice!
Happy Birthday!
Cheers, Lee!
show us your way senpai
Happy Birthday Dennis! You and the Delta Green braintrust have been a huge inspiration for me ever since I heard about DG in the late aughts. I'm also impressed that you saw the writing on the wall in 2015 when Trump came down the escalator and escaped to Canada before he ever took office.
Dennis Amen, God meant us to live that way.
Cheers!
HBD!
Cheers, Gary!
Great salary helps, I assume...
I actually make more now on my own than I did as a corporate VP in San Francisco. I had no idea THAT would happen.
corporate VP
Beautiful
Thanks… I needed this today as I ponder what comes next after my corporate job was eliminated.
Farmhouse on the ocean sounds dreamy 💫
Happy Birthday
Cheers!
I did. I retired early (age 58, had my years in) and am taking care of my father - dementia, age in general - and enjoying each day as it comes, best as I can. Dream life has to wait on dad. I can't move him again, alas. And no, I won't put him in a "home."
very noble especially in this day and age.
You will never regret having taken the time and putting in the effort required to care for your dad. It is an amazing act of love & I applaud you. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you. At first it was necessity - to keep him out of facilities during Covid while his collar bone and shoulder healed. Then I saw how well he adapted to living with me, and realized a "home" would not afford him the freedom to be as happy and secure as he is here. That's important to me.
What do you do now instead for money?
Read the rest of the thread.
Doesn’t sound very lucrative.
I would imagine I make much more than you think.
Was just a joke Dennis.
(Forgive me, a lot of assholes in the thread. Cheers!)
💚💚💛💛💜
Same at 50, but I prefer fresh water
Hmmm looks very similar to the view I had a few days back …not in BC are you?
Yes. Qualicum Beach.
I took that in Texada last week so same view but across the water…just had to keep eyes peeled for Tex
Haha. The Grizzly? I'm sure he's harmless! ;)
how does one do this if they have no ambition and like expensive toys?
Hahah.
That is Jo e for you and your family. But no, not everyone can.
*nice (not Jo e)
If we all did you'd have no internet to use to post this nice picture.
I somehow think I'd take that trade.
Grateful you escaped. But let’s be honest—this isn’t an individual victory. It’s a statistical miracle. The game is rigged so escape feels like a fluke instead of a right. 📜 dailyliesreport.substack.com/p/the-powell...
Of everything that you are or might be, You’re definitely NOT a dumbass! 👍🏼🙂
Dennis, you have not allowed work to steal the best years of your life. You understood your priorities and have been rewarded accordingly. Enjoy life, seek adventures, make memories. See you out there!
I retired 3 years ago. I dream of going somewhere peaceful and quiet, away from the news and every day bull crap. Unfortunately I have many friends and family that keep me here. Kudos to you for doing it.
I believe you need a pile of cash to be accepted into Canada. Please tell me if I'm wrong!
You're wrong. When I applied for citizenship (in 2012) my total net worth was about -$5,000.
Did you have a needed skill? Work from home? I'm feeling the need to apply for political asylum!! We checked into this in the 90s and was told we couldn't take Canadian jobs (we are both well educated).
"We couldn't take Canadian jobs" ? Don't know what that means. I applied to a bunch of jobs in Canada as a plain American citizen. I'm just an artist and writer, no real special abilities of anything. Got a job, was a PR on a work permit for a few years; then applied for citizenship.
We are a scientist and an engineer. We couldn't get hired at a lab or firm without bumping a Canadian. Remember, this was the early 90s. Things were different, including less technology...now retired, so not an easy pathway
Not sure how retired people moving to Canada works.
$$$$
Maybe now it should be even easier since Americans can plausibly apply for refugee status? 🤕
Unfortunately, student loan debt is a huge thing for me, so wish me luck! I hope to one day work from home and never step foot in a kife-sucking job again! 🤞
Good luck.
Just popped back in to add HBD to my previous. And an ahhhh to your photo.
Wonderful you were able to do that. Of course EVERYONE has an opinion but I can’t help feeling negative comments come from a negative mindset or maybe they just haven’t seen the light or indeed don’t have the resources to do it. So anyway good for you & your fam 🙌
I think ascribing a “negative mindset” or a failure to “see the light” to people would be unfair. It would at least ignore the fact that most people cannot in any way retire early and move to a bucolic setting. I would avoid assuming people are against a peaceful, simpler, or downsized life.
btw I’m one of the ppl who can’t afford to retire early either
Fair enough
Good for you.
That's inspiring
I seriously hate you! I'm so d*** jealous.I'm stuck in a horrible piece of s*** house.That was the best I could afford and living in a hellhole state. That is so bad.It won't even let it's democrat colleagues and meetings where republicans decide what they're gonna do!
Live life 🫂
damn I'd just be yerkin my shiiiii nonstop out there
I took early retirement too. Not as early as you but at least 10 years later. I am grateful that we invested when we did. We are now moving to a 55+ community but are not paying anything.
I did it nearly four years ago. It’s been hard as hell but having the freedoms to take my girls to school, dr. appointments, gymnastics, etc. Is SO worth it. I know that where I want to be in my business is coming soon. What a gift. What a blessing. #damntheman
Happy birthday! (Also holy crap dude I thought you were at least five years older than me, not four months younger. 😆)
how did you get a visa
No visa. Applied for Canadian jobs in 2001-2002, got one. Was a permanent resident for two or so years on a work permit and applied for citizenship. Became a citizen in 2011. Lived in the U.S. until the end of 2015 and then returned to Canada. Renounced my U.S. citizenship in 2018.
A wildly successful one... Give credit where credit is due.
When I was a child, I thought everyone retired in the place of their choosing. I am old.
What country are you in?
Canada. But I did the same for a year in the U.S.
I've heard great things about BC. Friendly people and the beauty. I was amazed at the amount of brainwashing that went into the corp culture. I've been out two years now, and the memories and joy I had long ago is returning. Happy Birthday to you.
Cheers!
If you left corporate to seek peace with nature and your loved ones, you are not a dumbass by far.
I've just escaped, but I have no idea where I'm going. It's terrifying, but exhilarating. Any advice, anyone?
-NO DEBT -Keep costs as low as possible -Focus what money you do spend on things that bring you actual joy, not to “keep up” or to appear one way or another (for many people this is where most of their money goes!) -If you do work, live first and then build your work around it, not the reverse
Thank you!
Mmmmm
Congratulations 🎉
👍 Good on you.
Happy birthday! I also turn 53 this week. While I disregarded corporate culture while in my 20’s, I realize we weren’t offered many alternatives back then. I’m glad you found your way out. Live life and love hard👏🥳
outstanding!
Nice 👍 really love the pic are you into art or just an art lover
No, I’ve been a professional artist for about 35 years. Cheers.
What art type do you specialize in??
Fantasy, horror, etc.
That's great I am a furry artist as well nice to meet like minds
You work from home? 🏠 or are you wealthy? Good for u
I work from home, but not in any real conventional sense — that is, I don't work for anyone. I make my own art and writing which people seem to want.
Beautiful and enjoy every moment ! Good for you
Not everyone is wealthy though
That’s impressive and seems impossible some days (clearly I’ve dreamed it). How do you support yourself now?
Mostly, it's just getting to a debt-free life: we own our house, never buy anything on credit and live in a low cost of living area (people read "Vancouver" and forget the island part — we're in the middle of nowhere!) As for income, I draw and write for a living. Cheers!
So, no investments?
Nowhere near enough to support us (not even in the ballpark). All my income (99.9%) comes from art and writing I make for myself.
I keep forgetting the rest of the industrialized world doesn't have the spector of catastrophic healthcare costs hanging over their heads should they fall off a ladder or get mild food poisoning.
This video justifies universal single-payer healthcare in a new way. It is #8 in a series that uses a flowchart cartoon to show how economics can expand to include non-market organization. This is the necessary key to future successful social policy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-3C...
@fantasyyeti.bsky.social
Which Vancouver?
Inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
Idk if I can handle that cold though
It very, very rarely drops below 40º F. Here's the 28 foot palm tree in our neighbour's yard.
I truly hope I can as well. Happy that you did, every good story is inspiring to hear.
Happy Birthday! Congratulations on making good choices!!
Happy Birthday!
Cheers, Isaac!
I escaped at age 42, in 1984, never been happier, and still going!!!
You don't sound like a "dumbass" to me! Good job in figuring out what's truly important!
I have escaped myself. I am 55 and my children are independent young adults. I downsized my entire life to a 29’ 26-year-old RV and travel to mild climates that do not exacerbate my disabilities. It is a life of adventure and truly living. So glad you found your flow!
What a great idea. 💙
I escaped at age 47, after my overwork of 80-90 a week for 2 decades. I ran myself into the ground so badly I ruined my physical health & required hospitalizations to fix ignored health issues the last few yrs, returned to a similar job, trying to work 50-60 hrs, but retired at 62...2)
2) I was a teacher, & pushed myself too hard working 4 nights a week with co & extra-curricular coaching activities, meetings & 🎵performances. I loved teaching so much, & it was easy when in my 20s to age 40, but it really became hard right after that. I mistakenly tried to keep up the pace...3)
3) After I physically collapsed, I was finally diagnosed with a genetic disease which explained why it wasn't just "middle age" slowing me down. I had to take a 3-yr leave to rebuild most of my health. I returned on a much slower-paced (for me) schedule, managing my disability while still being...4)
4) a very effective & positive teacher. I taught many thousands of students in large performing groups over 40 yrs & wouldn't trade it for anything else. Advice?? Do what you truly❤️, but pace yourself even when young. I'd do it all over again, but w a healthier work-life balance‼️
Happy birthday! I wish you enjoy this day with your family and friends! I got to know about you because the [PROTOTYPE] game. There is so many themes in its story that I enjoy so much! I want to check all your creative work when RL gives me more free time and good internet connection!
Mozal tov! You're still young enough to ensure that your remaining years will continue to be fulfilling. I'm a 71-year-old working guitar player and retired art director & designer. My retirement has been wonderful. Stay the course and find the light!
Cheers!
Thanks.
But how did you afford to do that? Most people can’t. 🤷♀️
I was also in the rat race. Got to the top and didn’t like what I saw so changed roles and went to the bottom again. Never been happier. It’s not all about money. Live within your means. Well done Dennis.
Cheers, Albert!
How do your teens like it, looks beautiful.
They moved here when they were little so it’s “home to them”. They quite like it n
I have been looking for an acre or more that I can buy, install solar, septic and perhaps hauled water. Just be off grid!
Never too late for us who never try
Happy birthday!
Cheers!
No you are smart good luck.
Sounds like you made the right decision! Good for you!!
Agreed. I now hold a residency cert for Cayman, finished refurbing my house there and added a condo in Whistler for my retirement. I love what I do but I am tired. Building my company these past 20 years has depleted my batteries. At 56, I am ready for Zen.
Yeah, but they want you to think you are stuck l. Or you lose. Give them power while taking it from everyone else
Hey Dennis! Glad things are going well for you.
Happy Birthday Dennis 🎁🥳🎊💙
Thank you, I needed this message today!
Lots of people are going to tell you you can't do it. Even AFTER you do it, they'll explain why you can't do it. Keep going anyway. It's the natural crab-in-a-bucket nature of people; by default, people want you to be as miserable and hopeless as they are. Don't listen to them.
Apparently not a dumbass🤔❣️
I'm way older & still have to turn up to a job at 9:00 am 5 days a week. I fear dropping dead at that place.My only real savings are in my house, which I may need to sell, in order to ever get out. I applaud your decision to reclaim your life. Too late for me, but a great message to others
I’m sorry to hear this.
Happy birthday 🎁
Happy Birthday. You’re giving me hope.
Cheers!
