Lifestyle Choices: Saying Goodbye To A Life That Was No Longer Working
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I had a friend ask me the other day what I had done that day, and my reply was that I had done next to nothing. An honest answer in that I hadn’t done any of the things we associate with “doing things.” I hadn’t worked, nor had I run errands, gone shopping, done chores around the house…by the standards of today’s modern world I had indeed done nothing
But upon closer inspection I had done quite a bit. I visited with loved ones and friends. That took up quite a chunk of that particular day. I sat in the sun and listened to the birds and watched the clouds flow by. I stalked a deer and took a close-up picture for my memory box. I read for awhile and even managed to find time to do some writing and take a nap. Food for body, mind and soul.
I have worked one job or another for nearly forty-five years, longer than most of you reading this have been alive. I have owned businesses, been married, been divorced, raised a son on my own, climbed mountains, fought the rat race, owned homes, done lawn work, played sports for decades….in other words, I have lived life at a reasonably fast and non-stop pace.
Now, at sixty-two, I have decided that it is time to step back, gear it down a bit, and appreciate those things that for decades were ignored. And I have never been happier. I absolutely love my life. First time ever I have been able to say that….i love my life. I do not feel the need to “do” anything. I help others when I can, make sure I take time for myself, and love those so important to me. It is an amazingly full and rewarding life I live today.
When I wrote that reflection I had just finished my second year of teaching at a private school in Beaverton, Oregon. I was about three weeks from starting a new teaching endeavor in Olympia and was seriously contemplating semi-retirement at the soonest possible date. Little did I know that I would leave that new job two months into the school year because of unacceptable working conditions. In other words, my peace of mind was more important to me than the paycheck that job offered.
Is it possible for those of you reading this to do the same thing? Of course, most of us have to work. We have responsibilities that have to be met; that is an absolute that can’t be denied. There are jobs and debts and families and the list seems endless at times. Where is the time in that hectic day of yours to just be? Well, folks, you’ll have to answer that question for yourself. I can tell you the steps I took to put myself in position to do what I did, and I can also tell you the decisions I made to make it all possible.
HOW IT BEGAN
It began with a realization that I was not satisfied with my lifestyle, that it was not bringing me happiness. I had worked for over four decades, for the most part the typical nine-to-five scenario, five days a week, that leaves a person exhausted at the end of the week and wondering why the weekend is so short. Whoever came up with the forty hour work week was either a sadist by nature or had never worked under the conditions they envisioned. And since I was a fairly typical American, I managed to spend most if not all of my income each month. That left me with a vision of the future where work was necessary and just breaking even was the best I could hope for. In addition, I couldn’t help but wonder how much longer I was able to handle the stress and the physical demands of working full-time? The typical adult works straight through their most productive years only to enter retirement too tired and beaten down to finally enjoy the golden years. Needless to say, after imagining a fairly realistic representation of my future, I was not overjoyed. So what could I do? What could I change? What facets of my life were set in stone and which could be altered or eliminated? Thus the quest for a better future began.
CHANGE WAS NECESSARY
My needs were few. I needed shelter, food, and a few creature comforts. I have never needed the newest toy, the flashiest car, the next high tech gadget. It’s just not who I am. I was at that time renting a wonderful cottage on four wooded acres and I enjoyed the freedom that renting gave me….no lawn work, no repairs, no property taxes, etc. Since I live alone my grocery bills weekly amounted to less than $50, certainly not an extravagant drain of my income. I decided to monitor my spending for a month to see what I was spending my money on and by extension what I was wasting. Every penny was accounted for and at the end of the month I had a fairly good idea what I needed to do to shave expenses.
Once I had spending down to the lowest possible level I needed to look at my income. What if I quit my full-time job? Where would the money come from? I had just reached early retirement age, but my Social Security was not going to meet expenses, so that left the necessity of a part time job. Considering the fact that I had worked full-time for four decades, the thought of working part- time sounded damn good to me. Even in today’s uncertain and unstable economy, a part time job is not that hard to obtain. I also liked the freedom that a part time job gave me, and I also had the realization that if something better came along I could always switch part time careers.
A HAPPY ENDING
All of this took some time to formulate and make a reality, but today I write when I want to; I take on only the writing jobs that I want; I draw early retirement; and I lack for nothing. This minimalist lifestyle has become somewhat of a challenge to me. How can I further cut expenses? Where can I make a few extra dollars of income without infringing too much on the free time I have grown to love? As I write this it is eight a.m. on a Wednesday morning. I am having my cup of tea and watching the rain fall as I write my hub and organize for the rest of the day. Around noon I will go for a walk with my girlfriend/significant other/soulmate and we will talk about our future farm that we plan on buying and while we are walking we will watch the birds flying and the clouds drifting by and we will say hello to the neighbors. I am still young enough to enjoy life, my health is great, and I am stress free and in a very positive frame of mind. In other words, as I said earlier, I love my life.
I am not implying that most of you can just quit your job and live in a Utopian world of self-sufficiency. I am, however, suggesting that you can change your way of thinking about what is and is not important and make some decisions that will allow you more freedom to enjoy life and spend more time with loved ones. Is it more important that you buy an expensive gift for a loved one or that you spend more time with that loved one? Is it more important that you live in a bigger house and drive a newer car, buried in debt, or live more frugally debt-free? I know what I want; I took the steps necessary to achieve those things. Now it’s your turn. As Mr. Spock was fond of saying, “Live long and prosper!”
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
To see my Kindle book about Lifestyle Choices, or to order it, go to http://www.amazon.com/Lifestyle-Choices-ebook/dp/B007ZV9G2U/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1336064586&sr=1-3
For other billybuc hubs on this topic see:
http://billybuc.hubpages.com/hub/Lifestyle-Choices-Why-Am-I-So-Happy
http://billybuc.hubpages.com/hub/Lifestyle-Choices-Its-All-About-Perspective
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- Thoreau\'s Walden - an annotated edition
Thoreau's 1845 experiment in living well, with essays, photos, the Walden Express for students, and links to other Walden pages. - Alcoholics Anonymous :
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Leaving the rat race behind is a lifestyle choice. Social issues like unemployment and debt can be guarded against but it takes a conscious decision and willingness to change.
- Owning Your Life
A positive way to look at the brilliance of being you by rewriting stories from your past that keep you stuck.Empower yourself.
Are You Happy With Your Current Life?
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Love your way of thinking!!! I have always looked up to you as a very special role model and I continue to look up to you and respect your way of life. Hopefully, one day I will be able think like you!
Kathleen....thank you for following along and I wish for you what I have found for myself. I know from experience that is easy to trap ourselves in a lifestyle that ultimately is bad for us; the only way to escape is to escape by changing our thought pattern...was it The Eagles who said we never even knew we had the key? May you find your key!
Sandy, you will always hold a special place in my heart; thank you for your continued support and love.
You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing this wonderful hub.
instantly....thank you so much. I'm humbled by your words. My goal in writing has always been to touch people in some way and your words make me glow.
I wish had more time to write a longer comment -- but I have to do some chores here in the house! I appreciate this hub and I will definitely bookmark it. What you've written deserves serious reflection. My passion is for younger people to save their money for retirement but also for living more simply.
Don, I thank you for reading the hub and for your comments. I know not what is best for others but for me this is the only way I can go and be happy.
Billybuc, Thank you for sharing another thought provoking and moving Hub. Isn't it amazing how many people out there are trying to keep up with the Joneses to be happy, but they would be happier if they lived more of a frugal life. I always say, "Take time to smell the roses.":)Thank you for sharing!
This is fabulous, especially for a newbie. I must say- Good for you! I too left my job in the legal field because it was breaking my heart putting my baby daughter in daycare. I never felt good at all about strangers raising her. With LOTS of sacrifice I am now a stay at home Mom and I think it is a blessing for all of us. I think we can all learn much from the lesson you have presented here. Well done!
hazelwood4, it is always a pleasure hearing from you and reading your comments; thank you for the faithful following. Just between you and me I never cared that much for the Joneses...terribly self-possessed people in my opinion. :)
tammyswallow...thank you for the greeting and the compliment and hooray for you regarding the decision to stay at home. I look forward to reading your hubs and hearing your story.
So so true!:)
Aloha nui Billybuc! Wonderful Hub! I am so inspired by your courage, strength and convictions. Thank you and WELCOME to HubPages!
Lisa
Lisa I truly appreciate those words; if my writing inspires just one person then it is worth it.
Wow. You inspire me to act on my "dream" of selling the house and going off to build a cob house...and not work in the rat race. Hehehe...and I'm only 32...
Yeah I recently have been going through something like this. You work constantly, and you have very little precious time off, and to top it all off you really dont like your job. You have to wonder, Is this what life is about? Can it be better? Well i think it can. Great hub and great writng.
I commend you for achieving what you want - I too am living a frugal debt-free lifestyle and enjoy the time to do what I want that it has given me.
A cob house? I'll have to look that up. Thank you for following along on my journey and best of luck to you as you reach for the stars.
markmic36....yes, I think it can be better. I think we all fall for the status quo and believe it's the only way. I wish you luck in finding a new way for yourself; thanks for reading my hub.
Millionaire...I just dropped by your site and I'm looking forward to reading your hubs. Congratulations on the debt-free lifestyle; the freedom we have found is incredible. Thank you for reading my hub.
A very inspirational hub that once again shows that money cannot buy happiness - in fact, it often shackles us to misery! I am much happier working freelance from home where I am available for the kids, can go on field trips and train for marathons. I don't make any where near the money I did as a private attorney, but my life is so much happier. I am finally ME! Glad to read your thoughts and experiences in this regard. Congratulations on saying goodbye to a life that wasn't working!
p.s. I love Olympia! We will be visiting family there this weekend :)
steph...thanks for reading and we are in total agreement. Money may be necessary but it certainly isn't everything. Glad we are both happy and enjoy your time in Olympia.
Its great to be able to say, "I am loving my life". Thank you for sharing your story of what really matters in life. Time for yourself, the things you love, and the people you love. Thats life in a nutshell. I think its important to not live according to what people think is time well spent. Perhaps people are jealous of others being able to be with themselves. Regardless, of the reason, we should stay true to our heart. We should never cheat our heart. Because your heart knows best. Best wishes for a wonderful time. Your a great inspiration. Its great to be able to see both ends of the world. Voted up. Beautiful and useful....
jeyaramd....thank you for your kind words. Believe me, it took me a very long time to see what was truly important. I think many times we get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget what is crucial to our inner happiness. Best of luck to you and thanks again.
I'm so glad I read this. Good for you for stating what is important in life. I was a full time Teacher until two years ago and loved it. Now, due to circumstances beyond my control I can no longer work. I have lost my home, my car and have no assets to my name. Strangely though it has taught me that the best things in life are free. Nothing can beat time with loved ones and time to reflect on the beauty of nature. I missed out on so much of that and wouldn't want to go back to how my life was. Financially, life is difficult but i've got a roof over my head, food and water.I've got friends and family that love me. Not everyone in the world is that fortunate. Voted up and awesome. Thanks again.
Peanutritious....welcome aboard and I am so glad you commented. I was told by my dad a long time ago that all we can do during hard times is to keep moving forward; he also said that if you are going through hell just keep on moving and don't stop to enjoy the view. :) I have no doubt that you will make it through to the other side.
My husband and I retired four years ago and it has been great to be free to visit and spend time with loved ones. We too watch the birds and take walks enjoying what is around us. My mom used to tell us kids that remark you made to Peanitritious. Great jub. thanks for sharing
and thank you for reading and commenting..I absolutely love being semi-retired, although with as much writing as I do I'm not sure that qualifies as semi anything. :)
I've heard that quote, too: If you're going through hell, keep going. I loved the comments by Peanutritious and mljdgulley354. :)
Oh, and a cob house is like an adobe house, except you make it with your hands. :D
What a wonderful Hub. You painted a beautiful picture of a fulfilling life. I am very happy that you not only realized what you needed to be happy, but were able to make the changes needed to achieve it. Congratulations. Voted up and interesting!
What you describe here sounds like a little piece of heaven on earth to me. The part about the walks with you soul mate were especially moving. I rate this an all around feel good hub with some common sense ideas most of us don't stop and think about. Thank you!
Great article, showing how important time-freedom is. Thank you for sharing.
cc....thanks for reading the hub and thanks for clarifying about the cob house; I've never heard that term before.
AJ....thank you so much; it took me a long time in life to finally figure out the basics of happiness.
Poetvix...always a pleasure hearing from you. Me? Common sense? who woulda thunk it?
carozy...thank you very much and I'm glad you are now following me.
Nice subject, and even better presentation! One of life's greatest tragedies is when we don't stop to smell the roses!
Muselinguis....thank you for your comment. I've got my rose so far up my nose now that I can't smell anything else. :) I look forward to your first hub.
billybuc, I wanted to let you know I included your hub in my list of weekly favorites. Congrats. I think it is important for people to see that they can follow their dreams without having to spend a lot of money.
Millionaire....thank you so much for including my hub. As a newbie who really doesn't feed off of the approval of others it is still nice to be recognized by someone of experience....I appreciate it.
Its virtually impossible to find a life that does not require a price and work. Its not much of a life if you invest in it and it has no returns, A lousy job with people consumed by it and selfishness. All the things we purchase are tools that should not own our happiness. They should be making us happy by giving us purpose. In the end we just want happiness and this should not take a life time to figure out.
SanXuary....I love the last line you wrote...it should not take a lifetime to figure out...no, it shouldn't, but for some of us who are very slow learners it seems to. I think I always knew that's what I wanted but I kept getting in my own way...thank you for reading and for commenting.
That comment is for other people and not me. I have been searching for it all my life and never find others who our ever doing the same as well. Most people never will find out what really counts in life and what does count? Good Memories when regardless of the situation, you found others, who weathered the storm with you and you never wasted anyone's time in being alive and accepting such moments together to become a better person.
It was a hell of a ride for me but it was all worth the price that it cost me...thank you for commenting.
billybuc, You Are Da Mayan!
This hub was so me that as I read it I began to think I wrote it. (Though not as eloquently):)
Kidding aside, the expression of freedom immediately inspired me and resonated within my very being. I am 59, still working a full time j-o-b but I am learning each day that I too, can choose to live life in my own way.
What impressed me the most about your hub, lifestyle and viewpoint is that I actually felt your reality. You painted feelings with words that helped me exercise my imagination, especially when you spoke of the minimalist life, renting and long walks.
What made it cool for me is that I'm doing those things now. I'm not retired yet, and probably never will be because my dream was to invent and execute the adventures of teaching, coaching, writing and speaking about the philosophy that underlies this hub.
Correct me if I'm wrong but bought a bill of goods that wasn't fruitful. We didn't and don't need all the stuff we were told would give us perfect lives. Mostly what we received was sore backs from shoveling the dung!
Thank you so much for breaking free...and for writing about.
I'm now a fan of your honesty!!!
Born2care...wow, thank you so much for writing such an insightful comment. Love your sense of humor and yes, my back was sore from shoveling the dung. I'm glad my hub hit a spot within you and I really appreciate your support.
A real uplifting hub, thank you. So many of us dread the close of Sundays because we know what buttons we must push all over again come Monday morning, so we stretch Sunday out as long as possible. Living minimally to achieve some sense of peace and contentment is great in my view. At least you are not a statue. You live. Have a good week.
ytsenoh...I do live and love every single moment of my life. Thank you so much for reading and commenting...your words mean a great deal to me and validate what I feel daily.
Hello billybuc, I hope to one day live the type of lifestyle you described in your hub. Trying to run this rat race of life is enough to make anyone think about changing their lifestyle. I'm so glad that you are finally happy with your life. Be blessed.
nina64...always nice to hear from you. I, too, hope that you can one day lead this kind of life...take care, be happy and thank you for reading my hub.
Joseph Campbell would be proud of you--follow your bliss.
Melanie, great comment; thank you and may you find peace as well.
Thank you. I found real resonance in your hub because, I, too, am facing a career/personal crossroads. You've given me incentive to follow my heart and abandon old ways just because they're all I've ever known.
I wish you well Melanie; these choices are not easy by any means but sometimes they are very necessary...at least they were for me.
Thank you for the hub! I hit 40 years and suddenly realized I was not what I wanted to be when I grew up... I hated my job, my kids are growing and need me less and less for daily living, I hit mid life like a brick wall so I had to take a step back. Your insight is wonderful - great hub :)
Hreichel...thank you for the comment and for taking the time to read my Hub...I'm hoping that brick wall didn't hurt too much. An interesting side note is that it took me a little while to figure out what to do with my time when I wasn't working a 9-5 job. Best of luck to you as you re-appraise your life.
Judging by the comments you've received, you've really touched a nerve. I think everyone who is caught up in the rat race and is not happy should copy this hub and pull it out and read it every month or two.
RetailRich....I agree with your assessment; unfortunately few of us are able to actually pull the plug and follow a simpler life. It takes a lot of preparation to finally reach the point that I am at...still, it is a goal worth chasing if the rat race is overwhelming and affecting happiness...thank you for reading and commenting.
I like your perspective on life. I could so live a simple life...I don't have a lot of needs or wants, either...my choice would be hitting the road and traveling.
Enlydia...I am going to incorporate traveling in my future as well. I want to travel and write and write and travel and tend to the farm and then travel and write some more....not being too greedy, huh? Thank you and best of luck to you.
Hi Billybuc. This is such a beautiful hub. Thank you for reminding us to slow down and enjoy even the simplest things. I love taking long walks with my pitbull and appreciate nature and his company. All of a sudden everything looks different when you slow down.
Turtlewoman....thank you for reading and commenting...and you are right, of course; everything looks different when you take the time to really look.
I enjoyed this hub because it shows the steps you took to get from one point to another. I had to make a change from a negative workplace myself and that prompted me to find ways to be more self-sufficient and avoiding dependance on a single employer/single paycheck and the rat race.
Express, it can be done by many more; I think fear keeps many people from taking the huge step of getting rid of that which makes them unhappy. Once you overcome the fear a whole new world can open up for you. Thank you for following along.
Sir, this was awesome. Rhonda told me about you. She speaks very highly of you, and just reading this one piece, tells a person a whole lot about you. Rhonda says that your a smart cookie, and that it may be worth my time to try and roust you out of your comfort zone to help me do something cool, like perhaps ... save a nation? Sounds ominous, I know. Rhonda is the newest member of my little unpaid team, and has already been a big help. I've got a new organization called the Housefire Project. I've got a plan that will work, but I'm only as good as the people I surround myself with. Visit our website, and Rhonda will fill you in. http://www.housefireproject.com/
Back to the hub business. You've got a very easy-going style, and it makes a person feel good just reading it. I'm going to send a friend your way. He's a very close friend of mine, and he reminds me a lot of you. His name is Mike. (Oldpoolman) . He's sharp, a loyal friend, and one of the best humans God ever put on this Earth. Give em a big Howdy, when he comes by!
jim
I will indeed, sir, and thank you for the compliment. I actually have been to your website and I was impressed. I'll drop by again and look at it in more depth.
This was a truly amazing hub, and the timing could not have been better. At the age of 74 I just sold my business and put on a pair of those retirement shoes. I have been somewhat afraid of this thing called retirement, and your hub puts my mind at ease. It is time for me to start walking and watching the birds. Thanks for writing this.
Well shoot, you are most welcome! We are programmed to think that we need to work to be happy, and many people define who they are by what they do for work. It is silly of course but still very real. Enjoy your retirement; you earned it! And thank you for reading and commenting.
Love this hub, and my hat's off to you billybuc. You have paved the way for many others, and because of you, they can see it can be done. Great hub!
Thank you Karen! It took years for me to realize what is truly important in life. Sure glad I finally found it. Thank you for reading and following along on my journey.
Wonderful hub! Bravo!
Well thank you EuroNinila, I appreciate you stopping by to read my ramblings.
As most of us here start approaching retirement age; simple is great. You can't take the fancy cars, houses, etc with you so you are right "Time to enjoy life" stop and listen to the birds sing, the flowers bloom while you find peace and happiness under the sun.
Thanks for sharing.
I think you stated it much better than I did; I'm just sorry it took me so long to figure this out. Thank you for reading and commenting so eloquently.
At least you DID figure it out before it was too late to enjoy it. It took me 51 years to start writing...something that has been in my heart and soul since I was a teen. Better late than never I always say!!!
Karen, for sure, better late than never. I look at it this way: without all of the experience I gained from my earlier years I wouldn't be half the writer I am today. It was worth the effort and trials to be where I am now. Best of luck to you and thank you for reading my hub.
Great hub. I'm glad you're on the path you enjoy!
Thank you for this beautiful Hub! I was thinking the same thing yesterday about how much I had got done. And according to the Inner Critics yard stick, I hadn't done anything. But I had a nap, and that was the best gift I could have given myself. Clearly I needed some rest and my body was happy to oblige.
Voted Up. Have a great Monday!
Thank you Worldofwow,and I love your name...I appreciate you taking the time to read my hub and commenting.
SMD, we do what we need to do to stay happy and healthy and anything else is window dressing. Thank you so much for your comment.
thank you for sharing this. I have also changed my lifestyle and finding living with less is acutally more! The saying "things that make you happy aren't things" is very true.
mind2mind, I couldn't agree more and I am happy that you have changed your lifestyle. I think we are going to see quite a few others doing this in the near future. Thank you for commenting.
Again: How did I miss this one? I also left my job of 22 years, that I'd been miserable in.And, well you know my current situation, what I've been through etc. yet, I have absolutely no regrets, and never have. And like you, people mean way more to me than things do. As usual, awesome work! And congrats on hitting 200...
You're my inspiration for obtaining the lifestyle I want. I have a ways to go, but I want to get there. Thanks for sharing this with us and giving us hope. Voted up and everything but funny! Sharing!
Vicki, you are very welcome. Please, anytime you have a question just fire away, and thank you so much for your support.
This is a really amazing hub. Thank you for sharing your story. I am also planning on how I can stop working full-time. It is just going to take some work to get there. I am entering year 2 of my 5 year plan. Voted up and awesome!
I love five year plans and best of luck on yours. It is a process and one that has to be undertaken with patience, always seeing the final goal out there. Thank you so much for following along on my journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this hub. It was both thought provoking and motivating for me. I realized I am not happy with my current situation. It is not a bad situation by any means. Some things just need to be changed. By the way, I love all the snow in that picture. We don't see much of that here in East Texas.
In truth, James, we don't see that much in western Washington; it was a rare major snowstorm from about three weeks ago and we lost power for five days. Thank you for reading and I appreciate your comments. I hope you find a way to bring about that change that you want.
I found your hub and your shared thoughts inspiring! You have given us lots of food for thought! Thanks for Sharing.
Jlava73, thank you! I think personal experiences need to be written about so they can help others who might be going through the same things. I have nothing to hide; nobody can hurt me as much as I hurt myself over the years and now it's time for those experiences to do some good. Thank you so much for your comments.
Beautiful hub! thanks for sharing billy. it was like a part of me sayin' what's on my mind...and what i'm trying to work on right now for myself. yes indeed, getting on with a life of our choice requires a major revamp of our life and the life we want to lead. not to east tho' for a solo working mum like me or the many others around the world who also deserves such kind of a break.
I'm trying to change my life this year. The hardest part is dealing with expectations, mine and those of my family.
angela, it won't be easy for sure but it is all so worth it. I wish you well in your journey and never lose sight of your goal. Thank you so much for your beautiful comment.
That Grrl...I wish you well and I completely agree; I have found my own expectations to be the hardest to overcome. Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Great hub, many people do what is easiest and continue on a path that does not help them. I agree with you that we must do what is best for us and our future.
ur hub and reply is truly inspiring. hope to take the same pattern u made with success, hopefully soon.^^ wishing u continued happiness even in its simplest form Billy. *huGs*
Angela Kane, thank you for those kind words. It took me a long time to see the light and truth but I am so happy that I did.
Thank you again Angela; some day you will have to tell us all what it is like to be a single mother in the Middle East. I would be fascinated to hear that story.
hey Billy...that just brought a twinkle in my mind. well, i hope it would be easy narrating such long & struggling story to tell :( but i'll try...shukran!
shukran means thank u in arabic.
And shukran to you as well. I look forward to your story.
I enjoyed reading this. My husband is only two years away from 62 and they want him to work 7 days a week. We've been struggling with ideas on how to make a change. You got me to thinking about the unnecessary expenses, but there are only a couple. I think we'll start doing away with those though and start tucking the money in the bank so he can retire at 62. Maybe we could do away with this house and get a smaller one too.
Nice hub! And your article really inspire me. Thanks for sharing this!
Love this hub - the perfect antidote to mindless consumerism. Well done!
Very interesting hub! This move certainly calls for courage. I am not too sure that it would work while you are still sending kids to college, but it does sound appealing for retirement.
Barbara Kay, I appreciate you writing your thoughts; I wish you well in your vision and I hope it works out for you as well as it did for me.
ayliss, I am glad that it helps you in some way. Our experiences are only valuable if there are lessons that are learned along the way. Thank you for your comments.
Nordy, I couldn't agree more (about mindless consumerism); I have spent the better part of my life chasing that which I could never acquire in that fashion...now I have found it...happiness that is! Thank you for reading and commenting.
Joyette, I'm not so sure about the courage it calls for regarding my move. I tend to react when I am in too much pain; pain is the great motivator for me, or at least it has been in the past. I think I might have found a new motivator: happiness. Thank you for commenting.
Biggest cause of our pain is our own desires, live simply and work to fulfill your needs.
birdslover, I couldn't say it better myself. Thank you for reading and your excellent comment.
Hi billybuc, I have to tell you, I've walked a similar path that you described above. Now I work from home part time and freelance, and was amazed to discover that I make about the same amount of money as I did when I worked full time! Because I am home more, I have less expenses. Life has gotten *much* better. Thanks for your heartfelt Hub.
Great Hub! Good luck to you and wish I could join you!I have always dreamed of leaving my day job and living a more peaceful and happy existence. I have always lived minimally and although it isn't enough for me to quit my job, it is enough to give me peace of mind and freedom that if I had to quit because of the crap at work I could survive
Good Luck to you billybuc!
awesome hub.fear is the greatest enemy of development
i love this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)) im pretty sure if hubpages saw that i wrote a million smiles on this, they'd delete my account. :)
And here I find myself again, drawn in by a title, fed amazing food by the content, and in no surprise that you were the author of this amazing story of hope, encouragement, and inspiration. You have a gift, my friend. I am so sorry that it wasn't released years ago and thankful that it is now flowing freely from your heart and head to our eyes and ears. Thank you for sharing quality hubs from the heart that help us all to become better people. If anyone can read this and just move on without taking time to reflect upon his/her own life, I admire the person a bit, as this just allowed me to decide it is time to move into journaling and reflection and then head to sleep. You are amazing BillyBuc. I am definitely a hooked fan.
Wow I have to say I truly feel like I need to do something. It all comes down to me wanting to move to Arizona but I worry about my mother will she be mad what will she say. Though what I'm experiencing isn't the same it has inspired and proved to me that you can't live the status quo in my case trying to make others happy. This was a great Hub. Thanks again.
Thanks Bill for writing this! it gives me a lot to think about in my own life.
Thanks. I also took some similar changes this past year, running a business that was running my life and taking its toll on my health. I decided to change direction and to shed that which isnt working. Im am still transitioning and carving out my new life, Im discovering less is often more. My health has improved and I can see a debt free simpler but happier life ahead.
Thanks
I love this hub and all that you write. While I'm only 54, I've been paying myself first and living on the rest. It works for me. As soon as my house is sold, I will have one year left to "work" while I build my retirement home (Eugene, OR). There I will be opening a bakery -- any my little girl will sleep in her own bed at night instead of at child care.
Thanks for the hub. Readers, set up accounts for emergency, house, car, and stuff. Put something in each every payday. Get a piggy bank and pay for things will dollar bills -- never spend the change and the change goes in the piggy bank. At the end of the year, cash in the piggy bank and use it for a splurge. The system works. I paid for my last vehicle (Rav4) in cash.
Ahhhh Billybuc-- I am so on the same page with you in terms of accepting and embracing change and living life moment by moment. Seems to me that change is the only constant in life and when we start to resist it and live in the past, we start to die. Life is beautiful and best lived in the present moment. Kudos to you. I love this hub and I am running over to your profile now to become your newest follower--oh yes and of course I am voting this up and awesome.
Billy, even if your Social Security had been sufficient to cover your monthly expenses, you were wise to choose to work part-time. In fact, I just had this discussion with a guy who came to the same conclusion you did, that it was time to quit the full-time job and enjoy life for a change, but works part-time with his son, an IT consultant.
There's a growing recognition that men quitting the 40-hour (or more) rat race cold turkey are more prone to drop dead within the first year (or sooner!) than those who ease into retirement. The sudden and total absence of work-related stress seems to be as much of a shock to the system as staying in the rat race.
For some reason, retiring doesn't affect women this way, perhaps because women fill the "free" time with the same family and social obligations they've always had and therefore have never known how to do "absolutely nothing".
Voted UP and awesome!
I think it is essential to use these tips and ideas for ourselves as we begin the process of becoming the people we want to become.
Euro, I thank you for reading and commenting, and I'm very happy that you have found a free life. Best of luck to you my friend.
Peace of mind is a pretty big bonus I would say; best of luck to you and thank you so much for following along.
Geraldnduru, I like that saying; thank you for sharing and for your nice comment.
Belen, as always, thank you so much. You make me smile with or without the smiley face.
Eyes, you have me blushing. I love writing about what is important; I'll leave the other stuff to others. Your following me makes me very happy and I greatly appreciate you.
Billy, I liked your Hub, but it hurt my head. What I see from the thread is that most everybody is ready to give it up and get it on. The nine to five and commute to and from is just not hacking it and finding our special calling is becoming front and center in that all important 4" between our ears.
My problem is a little different in as much as I have retired on and off for over 5 years (I say on and off because I have had 5 jobs during that 5 years) and have yet to find the joy of it. I live in Nasty Winter Iowa albeigt not so bad this winter, and being a Wholly Hooked Golfer, find the 4 months of inability to play the game, a real back breaker.
I am 67 and feel my life force slipping away at an alarmingly quick pace, so my dilema of maintaining the life style for my family is presently outweighing the choice I would make if it were only myself to find that ultimate happiness we all so surely seek.
William, I hope you do what will make you feel good because you deserve it. I wish you well my friend and thank you for stopping by.
iamaudraleigh, as always, thank you for reading. Not sure if you want me to use your name so I will refrain; just know that you are appreciated.
mind2mind, then I am very happy for you. Freedom is what we were meant to experience; man was not meant to be shackled to job and bills...best of luck to you and thank you.
Baking, I am excited for the day your little girl can spend more time with you and less at day care. What a wonderful message you are sending out to the world...thank you!
robie2, a heartfelt thank you to you and I am honored that you are following me. Best of luck to you; you are greatly appreciated.
Jama, I have actually heard that and took that into consideration. As busy as I am writing now I don't think inactivity is going to be a problem. Thank you for your valuable comments; I hope others will read them.
mikey, I believe it is and best of luck to you on your own journey.
Aliswell, I hear you; my family is from Iowa (Charles City) and that state can wreak havoc on a golf game. Sounds like Arizona is calling you. I wish you well and I hope you are able to find some compromise that will enable you to find more happiness. Thank you for reading and your sincere comment.
Really beautiful - thanks.
No, Natashalh, thank you! The comments of my followers mean the world to me and I am the one who is grateful! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
billybus, do you believe in serendipity? I am right on the threshold of possibly making a huge life change for the very same reasons you mention in this hub. This has cleared my thinking even more but it's a big step and I'm still deciding.
Joos, I actually do believe in serendipity and I applaud your decision. It is a huge decision to be sure and I had to do a lot of thinking and deciding before actually doing it, but it was oh so worth it. Thank you for your great comment and I wish you luck.
I have made the choice you have as well. Back in the 60's many of us embraced the concept of a simple lifestyle and followed Thoreau's precepts. However, most of us got caught up in the money game and led quite empty lives. With the economic downturn in the world today, perhaps more will discover the joy and peace that living simply brings. Thank you for sharing your story.
Dancing, you are more than welcome. I do believe we are in the early stages of a cultural revolution of sorts with more and more people being forced to consider a major lifestyle change. I wish you well in your choice and thank you for reading.
Fantastic hub as usual!I agree completely , and did change my life drastically a few years ago because I didn't feel that the way I was living was congruent with who I was or what I wanted out of life. Thanks for a meaningful, heartfelt piece of writing.
Grinnin, you are very welcome. I love my life now and it sounds like you love yours...and that's the whole point, isn't it? I'm glad you made the move towards happiness and contentment.
Great hub billybuc. As we get older I think we realise that the thing we have been seeking is peace of mind.
Well that certainly is the case with me. Thank you for following along and my best to you!
very inspeiring work thanks for sharing!
You are very welcome Jasper, and thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it greatly!
It is me who thanks you for the wonderful reading material. I wish I was at least 1/10 as eloquent aas you!
Baking, you are kind indeed. We all have our unique voice when writing; mine just happens to have the right "sound" for many who are reading right now. I appreciate your following and your generosity in your comments.
A very thought-provoking hub - thank you for sharing your journey with us! You always write from the heart. Voted up and interesting.
Thank you Marcy; I don't know any other way to write so I guess I'll keep at it. I appreciate you following my journey.
I absolutely love it when people make these kinds of changes!!! Great topic and hub!!
Well thank you Chelsea; much-appreciated and it's nice to have you as a follower.
Life is what we are doing while we make plans.
Congratulations to have the fortitude to be yourself...
thank you Dallas and I have always loved that quote. I appreciate you stopping by and following my hub.
I just love signing in and going straight to this :)
Belen you are so sweet! I hope you had a wonderful day, filled with love and unlimited possibilities.
Sacrifices sure are rewarded Billybuc.
I am glad the end brought you peace and happiness!
Cheers!
Love your article, simple, frugal and finding joy............YUP!!!!! Thanks for the insight!!!
Very nice sentiments, please let us know from time to time how your life unfolds.
Ruchira, I thank you for your comment; it was a long road but to finally fine peace and happiness makes it all worth it.
Appleanniega, thank you so much and you are very welcome. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. For me it's not about money I can make on HubPages but rather the opportunity to help others through my words.
Monica, you can be sure that through my hubs you will be updated on my life. Thank you for the lovely comment and the empathy that you have shown.
I only have one thing to say: I am so glad you ended this hub with a quote from Mr. Spock. :)
xlorna....that was funny! Thank you for taking the time to read my hub. Anyone who like Mr. Spock is a person worth following, so I'm heading to your profile to do the same.
I love this. It has given me the courage to do something new!
Tori, that is very exciting news and I'm glad...so what is it you are going to do?
Thank you for reading and commenting. I wish you luck with your new endeavor whatever it may be.
I loved your submission...I too live the simple life and I am so in love with my life it is a wonderful feeling. Oprah was right your perspective changes when you turn 50..and mine sure did! Happy farm dreaming!
Thanks for writing this article billybuc. I voted it up because it's so worth reading. I'm trying to do the same thing but getting to it while I'm younger. I haven't gotten to where you are but slowly, changes are being made. Thanks.
Nicely written. Definetly a must read for anyone that has found himself in that "crossroad" and doesnt know what to do. Thanks man.
oh thank you so much for sharing
and please sense i am new to hubpages i need some followers can you follow me guys i'll follow you back thanks
picadilly, I am so happy that this hub meant something to you. Life really is quite good for me nowadays; I can't imagine ever re-joining the rat race. Thank you so much!
Flightkeeper, good for you. Starting young is the thing to do and I'm glad you have the good sense to do so; I had to take a few decades to figure it out. Thank you for reading and commenting and best of luck to you.
Akuma, you are very welcome. I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Freak, you are welcome. May I suggest you sign on as a follower on hubbers who you enjoy; most of them will follow you in return...and welcome to hubpages.
billy - Interesting read. I am of similar presupposition in the folly of Hedonism, Materialism, and Narcissism. I have seen these little 'gods' appear in the lives of many of my family over my 70+ years, and none of them seemed to satisfy. I have asked many in my family and also friends this question: WHEN DID ENOUGH BECOME TOO LITTLE ?? Usually there is a look of disdain coupled with guilt, followed by a defensive accusation that I consider them morally inferior. I always answer that I am not judging, nor accusing... merely inquiring to learn the cost-reward paradigm because I am unable to see their goals. I choose not to debate why I think that Contentment is a great gain and envy is folly. Thanks!
Hated, you said it much better than I did; thank you for your thoughtful comment and I wish you well as you battle the hedonism in your family.
Congratulations on your new, happier life! I agree that changing one's thinking is the beginning. We really do not need as much as we tend to think we need. I think it is a brave and sometime scary adventure to reconfigure one;s world. Thank oyu for sharing your story.
Best Regards,
alifeofdesign...love you hub name by the way...and thank you! It is scary to undertake a major change in life, but for me it was a matter of survival and so I moved through the fear with some help of some very loving friends and family. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Fantastic hub, really got me to think about how I could change my own life. Voted up and thanks for SHARING.
Daughter, I am happy if that is the case. I write to reach readers on some level and it is very gratifying to read a comment such as yours. Thank you!
Great Hub, it inspires. Thank you for sharing. Voted up.
Great hub. Thank you.
Couldn't agree more. We did the same thing just over 12 months ago and we're still in our early 40's - so you really don't have to wait. We left friends and family behind in the South East and moved 300 miles north to live in the beautiful English Lake district. So many people tell me they wish I had my life, well they can. It's all about choices. We are a LOT worse off financially than we were but a lot better off in so many other ways.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
We did the same thing. We moved to Brazil to find it though. It is amazing how much 'fluff' people have in their lives. When they realize they would be happier without it, it changes everything.
There are two ways to have everything you want in this world. Make more money or want less.
I will give you an example. Last week I was fishing in one of our lakes and a flock of whistling ducks flew over. I hadn't seen a sizable flock of ducks since I was a kid. This to me was priceless.
Beth Pipe is correct, it is all about choices. My husband and I aren't young and my husband is an amputee. These are only barriers if you allow them to be. Perhaps we are the equivalent to the pioneers of yesteryear.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Great hub, I have felt that way myself for several years. Just waiting till the kids are out of the house to make some big changes.
Thank you jainismus, I appreciate your words and thank you for following along.
One2get2no, I appreciate you reading my hub and taking the time to comment. Best of luck to you!
Beth Pipe, I am so happy that you are happy! I think more and more people are coming to this realization; it is very liberating once the decision is made. Thank you for sharing.
Blond logic, I like that...pioneers of yesteryear. I wish you continued happiness in Brazil and thank you for droppping by and sharing your story.
Maria...oh yes, the kids. I understand that completely; my fiance and I are waiting to buy our farm until her daughter is out of high school in three years, but all the other moves have been made. Thank you for sharing; I appreciate your following along.
This Hub sure resonates with all of us!
I also left the "rat race". My late mother encourages me to retire at 60 because my husband had passed away; we had no children together and I was working those 40 hour tiring weeks with a long commute.
I paid down debt from my almost 30 year marriage and on the last day of my sixtieth year handed in my resignation. It took a year to get up the nerve to leave a paycheck and get used to the idea of life on a shoestring.
Ten months later there are no regrets. I have many projects on the go... not much money, but lots of time and too much hubris from the working life of mindless consumerism. (think money I could have saved!)
It seems there still are not enough hours in the day... I need to cut back more...lol
Scribenet, I agree...why aren't there enough hours in the day for me to do all the things I want to do? But then, I write full time, so it's not like I quit working...I just quit working at jobs that did not satisfy me. I love my life now and I'm so happy that you have found satisfaction in yours. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Amen Brother! Love this hub and relate to much of it. Voted up and useful!!
Askme, your words are kind and I appreciate them greatly. Thank you for following along and taking the time to comment.
Wow that was awesome your a great writer!!! It took my breath away great hub keep it up!
I couldn't agree more. So often we strive because we are living out society's "shoulds" for us--and meanwhile, life is passing us by. Practicing good self-care is giving yourself permission to be who you want to be, not living and struggling to fit a predetermined mold.
when we simplify--and learn to be happy doing so, we free ourselves from self-imposed slavery.
Things are just things but our relationships are so important.
wonderful hub billybuc! I absolutely dread Monday mornings because I know I must work at something that no longer suits me and it drives me insane. I want to retire and write, and watch the birds and go for nature walks too...complete happiness is such a wonderful blessing and good for you for grabbing it by the tail!
Enjoyed reading this hub! I could not agree with you more. Keep sharing!
Simply WOW !! That's what we all should do.. Great one! Voted it up :)
Mrs Loki, that was very sweet. Thank you for the lovely comment.
Athlyn, it sounds like you completely understand. I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to comment.
moonfairy, I wish the same for you...and soon. Enjoy life and all that it has to offer...bless you!
Dr. Ope, thank you so much and I will indeed keep sharing....it is a passion that won't go away.
alisha4u, thank you! Few are in the position that I am but it is certainly something to shoot for. I appreciate you taking the time to visit.
Another wonderful hub! You've really given me some thinking to do. Very inspiring, voted up.
Shell-Belle, thank you so much. I'm glad you liked it and hope that it inspires you to take action. Life really is wonderful when you have the time to enjoy it.
Many things in life get into a deadlock and there is slow progress in life. It is best to change things around for the better. http://www.micoequipment.com
Finding a way out is not always possible and I am glad to see that some people can get out of the rat race. I think you are very wise for escaping while you can and I admire you and others for doing it. May be one day I will have the courage too to just give it all up and find real life again.
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Voted up cool hub
Very inspirational hub! Thank you!
very good read here. I am also to the point where I don't need a luxury vehicle or the next i-phone 4,5 6, etc.. I don't even have 1 of those just a bland smart phone. But I do want some amenities. Peace and nature is great benefit to have every day. Congratulations !
Love your Hub BillyBuc
I wonder how many of us are actually going through this, I'm pretty sure I can be counted as one of them.
I thought it unusual, but I look forward to retiring, though it still seems miles away.
I am seriously looking into finding a part time job, I presently work full time; but I, like you, need more time to myself. There are so many things I want to do and see and write about, I need the time.
God willing, I will find a way.
Voted up!
Mike, those are very true works; thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Mark, I appreciate your words; I have no doubt that you have the courage. It just needs to come to the surface.
Sassydee, thank you! If you found anything in this that can help you then I'm happy.
Daxman, you are very welcome and thank you for taking the time to visit and comment.
ftclick, thank you and I'm glad you have found the good things in life. Peace to you as well!
Magdelene, I wish you well in your search for a way; I am no longer a fan of full-time employment. Been there done that and I am quite happy now. Best of luck to you.
Congratulations! Life is short, and you're living it the way YOU want to!
alipuckett, thank you and you are completely correct, life is too short. I wish you well and I appreciate you following me.
Great and inspirational, thanks.
You have an inspired many I'm sure! What a wonderful thing, as I am one of them. Thanks for putting a smile of hope on my face at the end of a hectic work day. :)
Graenduta, thank you so much. I'm glad you found something in it that was important to you.
Ima, it was my pleasure. I love to write and I smile every single time I read a comment like yours and know that my writing pleases someone. Thank you!
I agree with the lifestye changingplans and reflecting back on my life, it's been a similarity. I've changed my lifestyle several times and i'm only 32years of age.
Lorenzo, you are way beyond where I was at that age. Congratulations on making a very wise decision so early on. Thank you for reading my hub and best of luck to you.
Thank you for a beautiful and heartfelt hub. I appreciate your candor and relate to your story.
You are very welcome kingmaxler; I appreciate you taking the time to visit my site once again. By the way, your hub on teaching kids to read was a wonderful fountain of useful advice.
I write for HubPages in the quest for a change of lifestyle myself. My kids are grown and I have grandkids -lots of them. I want to enjoy them. My dream? Me and my laptop on my deck with the dogs and grandkids playing in the yard.
Hi. What a wonderful hub. I can say that there is hope for me. I have been worrying so much about the future and with your words I am able to see my days in a more positive way. Your words full of encouragement, thank you, thank you. After many years I am doing what I enjoy, writing. Maybe I can teach some and surely I can learn a lot.
Sinea, I wish you well on your journey then; if you want it then you should have it. Thank you for following along with me; you are appreciated.
Anna, you are very welcome and thank you for becoming a follower. There is always hope; at times things seem to be overwhelming with so many options and not knowing which option to take...that is when I slow my mind down and take it on one small step at a time...best of luck to you and I look forward to following you as well.
Anna, I just took a look at your profile and you have indeed taken a detour and a change in lifestyle. I truly do with you well and I hope things work out for you. Thank you for following me.
Very inspirational. I am what you would call semi retired and, like you, there are days when I don't do anything at all, by the standards other people describe as productive. I enjoyed reading your hub. You remind me that life is too short to keep running wildly trying to make "it" happen.
Marlene, I am happy for you and I appreciate you taking the time to read my hub and comment. Life is indeed too short so I say live it to the fullest.
I definitely appreciate the part where you mentioned about not having to do anything to be living life. There are many things in life which we may enjoy aside from busying ourselves with unimportant things. Thank you for the inspiration and sharing of the minimalist lifestyle! The less you have, the less you fear to lose. =)
Well you are welcome and I love your last line on your message...I fear losing nothing today...and that is a wonderful place to be. I greatly appreciate you stopping by.
Congratulations for you 100 score and making it to the Hottest Hub once again!!
Wonderful hub - I happen to stumble upon it (one of your followers, Tammy, shared). I find this very inspiring and as the years go by, this simpler life is much more appealing!
Thank you Tammy; this hub seems to have a life of its own and I love that people like the message.
Kris, thank you and I'll be sure to thank Tammy soon. She has been a great supporter of mine and her encouragement kept me going early on when I had doubts about my writing ability. I appreciate you dropping by and being so kind.
Awesome Bill, Congrats!
Mark, your support means the world to me as I greatly respect you as a person. Thank you sir!
billy....Here here!! to a man who knows what he wants and what it takes to achieve, accomplish...succeed. You have my respect and admiration, which I give very selectively, billy. Do you stand OUT in a crowd?
Let's see.....you've been a fellow-hubber for 7 weeks, written 50 hubs, have attracted 292 followers, have a score in the high-ninties....and receive more comments per hub than 80% of the community. Good Grief, Charlie Brown.....you're a rock star!
Paula, I always wanted to be a rock star, but my parents bought an organ and, well, you know how that went over with my friends and the girls. :) I think what we are seeing is that I have become the "flavor of the month" and will shortly be replaced by a new flavor. It is nice, though, and I have had some very touching comments left...and I just love hearing from you when you can pull yourself away from that creek on your property. Thank you my dear!
Very thought provoking. Something to reflect on. Thanks for posting.
I'm 63, just retired and not happy about it. I discovered that my job was a big part of my identity. It left a big hole when I retired. You are way ahead of me. Thanks so much for your Hub. I need to do a lot of soul searching and work.
tohimilook, thank you so much for reading and posting a comment.
Thomas, I understand completely. When I first left teaching I went through that, as though I was defined by my teaching...it took a lot of work and soul searching to see the light...best of luck to you and thank you.
You are right on the mark, Billybuc. Humans are conditioned to think they cannot be happy without "stuff" and then spend most of their lives trying to keep up with the neighbors. What a load of horse-dooey.
All too often, we live out society's or our family's "shoulds" for us: "You should do this, you should do that"--and we become stuck on a treadmill, endlessly toiling as the years slip by.
I think part of it is self-esteem. When we quite trying to measure up to others' expectations and feel secure in ourselves + give ourselves permission, life changes.
Oh, I love what you said, Athlyn Green, especially about the "shoulds". Now that I am older and wiser I don't worry about what people think I should do. I just do what feels right for me and the people I care about.
Hi Marlene,
Yes, we shouldn't let anyone "should" on us! I totally relate with Billybuc's feelings. I reevaluated my life, made some big life-changes, and have embraced what I call the "simplification program." We need so little, really, to be happy. For me, I learned to love myself and find I do not need to keep up with anyone, as a measure of my self-worth. More important is creating a life that works, a true indicator of success, even if this is not measured in monetary terms. Billy also understands this and has embraced it.
Looking at the number of people who have responded to this Hub, it is obvious that many know that their lives may not be "working" and thus are not generating real happiness or serenity.
ahah billy my long lost twin!! finally i met you.
i am 56 both my daughters are married,have enough property to last my life time , can by working for the next 3 years generate enough income to see me through my old age,have no expensive habits (except a wife of 33 years) and enjoy a concert or a book much more than spending money.
ANd like you am fascinated by the idea of living a minimalistic ,life style when over 60.Lets keep exchanging notes friend.
Athlyn, I completely agree. It is pretty tough on many people to break that conditioning. I'm so happy that you get it. Best of luck to you and thank you so much.
marlene, that is the only sensible thing to do; unfortunately when I was younger I wasn't too sensible. :) Thank you for dropping by once again.
Athlyn, the response to this hub has been remarkable and to tell the truth somewhat surprising. I had no idea when I wrote it that the outpouring would be like this.
I would like that very much Neeleshkulkarni; best of luck to you and I hope to hear from you again.
I am much encouraged that your style of writing is so popular - it has stimulated ideas for me. Isn't retirement (or semi-retirement) a wonderful invention.
I really don't think people retire. They just reinvent themselves. Shucks, even 82 y.o. "Grandpa" John across the street is still very active. He's just not being paid for all his work. (The various groups he is an active member of).
I don't have a smartphone, ipad, ipod, kindle, cable, flatscreen tv, boat, rv, motorcycle, sports car, etc. I'm happy (but when I move to Oregon, I'll be happier!). I have my 5 y.o. little girl and that's all that matters!
Thank you for this post Billy, it had me stop and reflect upon my life for a good ten minutes afterwards. I'm extremely happy that you are still able to enjoy life the way you want to at your age. This Hub has given my 19 year old self a lot to think about and consider for my future.
Artistewriter, it is indeed a wonderful invention. I'm glad my style has inspired you; I was told that my style might not fly on hubpages but I am relieved to tell you that if you write with passion and sincerity people out there will read it. Thank you for the visit.
BakingBread...a move to Oregon? We'll be neighbors. Where in Oregon? I think you'll love the Pacific Northwest as long as the rain doesn't discourage you. Thank you so much for following me faithfully; you are appreciated.
Fadeo, you are very welcome and thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I wish you the best as you consider your future.
Hi Billy,
I've showcased this article over at my writing site this month.
Athlyn, that is so kind of you. I greatly appreciate your loyal following. Thank you!
Leaving the rat race, the harried people, the traffic, and heading out into nature sounds like a dream come true. I know quite a few folks who would love to do that, but their entire retirement check would just about cover medical insurance. One man, his place of work is trying to encourage people to retire, and he would, and work part time, but for the expensive insurance.
Dolores, believe it or not I don't have medical...I'm waiting for the day when I make it big writing...or until Medicare kicks in two years from now. Hopefully my good health will continue that long. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my ramblings.
Awesome insight to a remarkable experience. I think we need more of these hubs in hubpages. Such experiences are hard to come by and specially for those who are nearing retirement, this is hope beyond expectations.
Pandula, thank you and I actually agree with you, that HubPages needs more hubbers willing to speak with passion about personal experiences. I greatly appreciate you following along.
billybuc,
I thought I was on one of your hikes before I came to the end of all the comments.
Popular hub, and well written, and I hope you enjoy your lifestyle of the retired and famous.
Bobbi
Bobbi, that made me laugh. Thank you for dropping by; this was an interesting hub in that I didn't really like the way it turned out and I almost re-wrote it.....I'm awfully glad I left it alone. :)
wow hiking.. that is so much fun.. I am retired.. so now I can write.. I love the outdoors too. this is a great hub.
Debbie
thank you Deborah. It's a funny thing about this hub. I wasn't very excited about it. I was in a hurry when I wrote it and I felt bad that I hadn't done a very good job with it. Then, of course, it ended up being my most successful hub. Go figure! Thank you for dropping by and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I enjoyed reading this, it gives me hope that one day I can do the same. I would love to have more time to write and get out of the rat race. Please tell me my day will come!
BabyBoomer, your day will come! There, done...now you have to believe it and make it happen. Best of luck to you and thank you for dropping by.
Well billybuc;wow how many comments have you ???
I had read this one before but must have forgotten to comment;however great because then I read it again and you should be so very proud of yourself.
You are now living life as 'YOU and I can relate to all you say;material possessions have no great importance in my life either .
You Left your job because basically you didn't agree with the system; again I left my job with our Youth Offending team because I also did not believe in the system
However I have positives from those days.
I worked with some great kids who to this day keep in touch every now and again.
I also have met my partner/soul mate/best friend and all else.
This one has me very highest 'up up and away'plus a bookmark into my Special Hubs' and then I proceed on to chapter 2.
Take care my friend and I wish you and your partner a great weekend.
Eddy.
Eddy, you are too kind but I'll accept your words with thanks. Coming from someone I greatly respect that is high praise indeed and a great way for me to start my day.
Awesome hub, billybuc! It's just what I need to help me achieve my dreams/goals. I, too, am unhappy with the corporate world and at age 55 am in a quandry as to how to successfully leave the rat race and embark on a writing career. You've offered logical insight and great hope!
Bravewarrior, I truly wish you success in making the move. I believe there is a way; it's now up to you to figure out that way. Best of luck to you and may you find happiness on your journey.
You're absolutely right, billybuc! Where there is a will, there is a way!
Bravewarrior, you said it perfectly. There has to be willingness to change or the change you seek will not happen. Thank you so much for saying in a few words what it took me 1500 words to say!
Tee hee!
Bravewarrior, I will assume that Tee Hee is a good thing. Thank you for dropping by and visiting once again.
Yes, tee hee is a very good thing! I was chuckling at your 1,500 words versus my few..... But your 1,500 words gave me an idea for a plan, so keep inspiring!
Oh I just love it when a plan takes shape. Get busy and give it roots and it will grow. Sending my best to sunny Florida from the wet and windy Pacific Northwest.
March 2012/ I commented on your hub a long while ago. However it did not give this hub justice!
Your statement, "my peace of mind was more important to me than the paycheck that job offered." made so much sense to me! It is something I am trying to figure out now in my own life and can relate to!
I an so glad you are happy in life! You deserve it!!!
I totally voted up and shared!!!
Audra, that was a lovely gesture you just made. Thank you and I great appreciate you. I'm glad you liked the hub; it's funny because I wasn't happy with it when I wrote it but could not figure out how to change it to please me so I just posted it as is. Turned out to be my most-read hub by far. Shows that I often don't know what is best for me. :) Thank you!
Love your hubs. You walk the talk and have taken the leap that most of us long to take but are to afraid to. Kudos and best of luck to you on your journey.
Thunder, I'm glad you are on board and enjoy my hubs. I only know one way to write and that is from the heart. If it helps someone in the process then I am one happy writer. Best of luck to you on your journey!
Hi Bill, I hate to be a bummer, but your hub has been stolen: http://www.skyc2c.com/article/202.html
My hub about leggings has been stolen by the same site. I contacted them a while back about removing the hub, but they haven't yet, so I am turning them in. Sigh.
Ahhhhh, f--k!
Thanks for letting me know Jeannie; I'll get on it. I'm afraid this is the cost of writing sometimes. Have a great weekend!
Sha, it's okay; it just means I wrote something worth stealing. That's the good news.....have a wonderful weekend my dear friend.
I know what you mean. Sometimes it is a compliment. I just wish Google looked at it that way. Usually you end up losing traffic over it. I've lost about a 100 hits a day from that website. That was my best hub! I've been doing a little searching and found another one of my hubs has been stolen so much I stopped counting. I just rewrote it. Sigh. Hope you have a great weekend, too!
I'm really sorry Jeannie! I don't mean to sound flip about it....I can only do what I can do and then it's out of my hands. It pisses me off on one level and on another level I half expect it to happen and I'm kind of resigned to it. Best of luck with your re-write....oh, I found it odd that they used my name on it...I thought they would have at least used a different identity.
Yes, it is odd how some sites just copy everything, including the name. I know what you mean though. I don't have the energy to search all the time to monitor all of my hubs. I have to just let some of them go. However, if they are hubs that pull in a lot of traffic, I am willing to fight. I try not to think about all the traffic I've lost in the last month or so. Sigh. I hope one day that entire site just goes down. Obviously they are stealing from everyone. At any rate, what is done is done for now. Have a good night. :-)
Thanks, Jeannie, and I agree with everything you wrote. This particular hub is easily my number one hub as far as traffic is concerned; earlier, that other site that has since shut down stole one of my hubs thanking supporter; it even mentioned Hubpages several times and yet the copied it word for word...it just made no sense. Sigh indeed!
This is a great hub Billy. I myself have completely changed my lifestyle since the last six years. I was too much attached to and worried about the well being of my wife and only daughter. Many a times this was reason for tussles between us. Six years back my wife abruptly left me, a man who had suffered a major heart stroke. She left he high and dry. My daughter too went along.
I was left with no option but take stock of the situation. I did exactly that. I stopped worrying about them and also about myself. Instead of worrying I now do a rational analysis and take decisions quickly.
Vegas, thank you! Sometimes it takes a major event like your wife and child leaving to wake us up. Blessings and peace to you my friend and best of luck with your new lifestyle.
Attitude and mindset are everything. Thank you for reminding us all of this.:)
Thank you Happiness; I'm very glad you enjoyed it.
This is a great Hub, and I'm happy that you found your happiness! :)
Thank you Georgie; this was easily my most viewed hub and it surprises me a bit for some reason. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Really inspirational hub, loved reading it, voted up also:)
Pongogirl, thank you! This was one of my favorites, one of those that I felt good about when I finished and was satisfied with.
My son and I had a conversation about "just jump" one day. Shortly after I jumped. I'm learning how little I need and how much I want. Thank you for helping clarify further! Excellent hub.
RightWord, you are very welcome and congratulations on your decision.
Good article. In my opinion person who measured their happiness by comparing with problem would never be happy anytime. I think their is no cause for happiness it all about the mind set. Although good work done. Hope to see more. Thanks for sharing.
This is so inspirational - thank you for sharing! :)
Am301986, thank you so much; I greatly appreciate you taking the time to write a meaningful comment.
MelChi, I'm so happy that you found it to be so; thank you very much!
Hi Billybuc, Thank you for a terrific hub that is obviously written from the heart. I enjoyed reading your story and it feels like the calm of your new world comes out in your writing.
Jan, thank you and you are so right! My life is quite calm now and I have found contentment and love....not bad considering where I came from.
this is excellent. The way you see the things are quite different from the way others do. This is an inspiration. I have to read this hub again !!! Your thoughts are great and so do your hub.
Taw, thank you; that's kind of you to say and I appreciate your words greatly.
Billy I know I have already commented on this hub.. but I can relate to it now... Thank you dear friend for writing this wonderful hub.
Debbie
I am sharing
Thank you Debbie; I think in a way most of us can relate to it. I'm happy you found something in it.
...you are a man for all seasons to be admired by us all here at the Hub and to give you the ultimate compliment , my dad and best friend, would have loved your writing - and he wrote 69 novels and memoirs of his experiences in World War II - none of them were ever published but still quite an achievement - for his legacy will also go down as a great father and husband - lake erie time 11:59pm
Colin, that is the highest compliment as far as I'm concerned. Thank you my friend; I'm just a human being stumbling through life like everyone else. So very thankful if my words have meaning to someone else.
Voted up and awesome. This was inspiring. I am one of those who tried to change their life around with mixed results. I came to Riga, Latvia because it was my parents homeland and dad had died when I was 10 and mom was already in her 80s and if she wanted to go home it was now or never. This was back in 1994. Mom got to live here for 2 years and she died. I would have gone back but met my soulmate here. Now he and I both would like to go to the states but for right now financial wise we're stuck here. Not bad but not good. I'm saying that it was fate that brought me here or I wouldn't have met my love and now I need to find a way to be able to complete the other side of the picture and get back to my homeland the good ole'USA
Gypsy, I wish you well and hope that you can return to the States soon. Speaking for all Americans, we miss you. :) Thank you for taking the time to leave a meaningful response.
Way to go Billy! I found this article over on the writing for money website. Now, if I can just figure out how to get posted there. I am excited. Got started on this search from questions I was getting. With a little help from my friends, I see!
Wonderful!
Ruby, where did you find this article? What website? Anyway, if this helped you I'm glad and best of luck to you.
This is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your experiences Billy - its wonderful to hear how happy you are. :) My husband and I have gradually stepped back from the "norm" and through living frugally have created a lot of freedom for ourselves. We now both do work we love and have a lot of time to enjoy the small (and important) things in life, like spending time together or watching a squirrel playing in the garden!
Jasmith, I'm so happy you and your husband have found joy in the simpler way of life. It really is the only sane way to live. I appreciate you stopping by and best of luck to you.
I enjoyed the hub. However I am 61, as busy as ever and happy as can be. I agree happiness is not in the things money can buy especially if it comes with debt but I am happiest when I'm busiest.
Dave, age is just a number...I am living a great and active life and I love every minute of it. Thank you for stopping by.
I can't believe I didn't comment on this hub before because it really hit home for me, given my own lifestyle change that I made last summer. It took a lot of courage to quit my job and my life is definitely better for it. I may not have as much money as I used to, but I truly believe I added at least 10 years to my life and have more of an appreciation as to what's important.
I love this! I am only 24 so I have a long life a head of me, but already I am thinking about where my money goes every month. I am still going to school but in a year I will be a teacher a job I always dreamed about, but now days more difficult to achieve. You struck the perfect note of hope in my heart because I am doing other things to bring in money that will allow me to enjoy my life better. Thank you for writing this because it was a very powerful message to me!
Deb, I applaud your lifestyle choice and I agree, you most likely added years to your life. Hooray for both of us and thank you!
Mythical, congratulations on becoming a teacher. I followed that dream many years ago and it is a gift that I will always hold dear to my heart. Thank you for your kind words and best of luck to you. Make a difference!
This hub gave me even more food for thought as I prepare for a 2,710 mile move to the east coast. It really is all about peace of mind. My daughter and I are both 'ocean gals' and we miss the sea more than either of us realized. When it comes down to it, we don't need a lot to live happily but living within nature's rhythm is critical for both of us. Your hub makes me feel even better about our decision. Wonderful and inspiring - thank you!
Silver, hooray for you! What a great adventure for you and your daughter. I wish you well and you are rright, none of us needs much to be happy.
My friend, I do not know how I missed this hub! I am happy that you posted it. Your life experiences are ones that have helped me personally to value the many trials I have come through. Your determination in life to keep your dreams before you as so inspiring. Glad that you have found a place in life where all things are coming together for you and Bev. Be blessed in your walk today.
My pleasure Teaches! I think that many of us would not consider our lives that remarkable but when seen through the eyes of another they seem that way. I just keep moving forward and I don't give up. So far that plan of attack has worked. Thank you for your very kind words and have a wonderful weekend.
I am with teaches; I have no idea how I could have missed this hub (despite me still being new here). You are right: changing our way of thinking, say from negative to positive, only brings positive outcomes. To live long and prosper, as you say, we must adapt ourselves to a way of thinking that will bring positive outcomes not only to us ourselves, but to everyone around us as well :) excellent hub!
KD, thank you my young friend. I predict great things for you; you are wise beyond your years and it will be a pleasure to watch you grow as a writer.
This is truly inspiring. Thank you! :)
Blueumbrella, thank you so much and I greatly appreciate you following me and taking the time to comment.
I was having this conversation with my soulmate just 5 minutes before she found this article & read it to me. This is exactly what our world needs. Great hub.
Doctore Evile, the timing was, in fact, fortuitous. I'm glad you visited and thank you for the kind words.
The steps you made to control your life is the kind of process most of us had to yet undertake so that we can live a happy, fruitful life.
Reagu, thank you for your comment. I hope that one day you will have a happy, fruitful life.
Interesting hub Billy. It is good reminder that our wants and our needs are two different things, and that change in your life is possible. YOU have the power,it's your choice.
Xz, you are most certainly correct. I do have the power and I have made the choice. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
I'm glad that you have found the good life. Life really is better with less. The Romantic era poets used to take long walks, often for several days at a time, to just watch nature and reflect on the vastness of life. I really think they held on to something that my generation lacks. Sounds like you live a beautiful life. I'm trying to figure out now, in my twenties, how I'll wish I had lived when I come to retire. Sadly, I'm already feeling the early signs of burn out. I must choose the simple way now! Very engaging hub.
Ava, I hope you do choose the simple way and soon! It may be frightening and it may be difficult but I believe it is necessary in order to find true happiness. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Kathleen Kerswig Level 4 Commenter 4 months ago
This is a great hub! Changing our thinking is the first step in making any headway. I'm so glad I saw this tonight. I am beginning to look at shifting gears, writing more and building my own business, rather than continuing to work as a bookkeeper for twenty more years. Thank you for sharing - I will start changing my thoughts right now! :)