Hey everyone! In this article, I'll be sharing the reasons why I chose to quit my 9-to-5 full-time job at the age of 40. As an INTJ personality type, I prefer to present my thoughts in a structured way, so here are the five main points that led to my decision.
1. Time
Time is a limited and precious resource. As we age, particularly entering our 40s, we realize the finite nature of time. Unlike wealth, which can be grown, time can only be spent, never recovered.
The Control of Time
Working a full-time 9-to-5 job meant that my time was largely controlled by others. While I might have been in a mid- or senior management position, ultimately, the direction and initiatives from above dictated how my time was spent. Even when working from home, my mind was constantly occupied by work. This realization that those eight hours (or more) didn't truly belong to me was unsettling.
The Hidden Time Costs
Beyond the core eight hours, consider the additional time spent getting ready, commuting, and recovering after work. It's easy to feel too drained to pursue personal growth, hobbies, or even quality time with loved ones. When you add it all up, a full-time job can easily consume 10-12 hours a day, leaving very little for truly meaningful activities.
Reclaiming Time
I decided that reclaiming my time was essential. While starting my own business would still require time and effort, the key difference would be the feeling of control and ownership. I would no longer be bound by meaningless meetings or schedules.
2. Relationships
Meaningful relationships require ample time. Without it, it's difficult to build strong connections with the people who matter most.
Quality Time with Family
As a relatively new father, I realized how quickly those early years with my children were passing. The amount of quality time available to us during these formative years is limited, and I feared that as they grew older, those opportunities would diminish further.
Flexibility for Deeper Connections
Quitting my full-time job would provide the flexibility to spend more time with my children, participate in their activities, and fully immerse myself in those moments. This flexibility is crucial for building deep and meaningful relationships.
The Outsourcing Trap
My wife and I have consciously avoided relying on helpers, believing that we should be actively involved in raising our children. While helpers can free up time, we've observed that it can also lead to parents outsourcing quality time with their kids, which we wanted to avoid. Instead, we prioritize being the ones to pick them up from childcare and spend those crucial moments with them.
3. Health
Health becomes a greater concern in your 40s. Our bodies are not as resilient as they were in our 20s and 30s.
Prioritizing Health
While I haven't experienced any major health scares, I've witnessed friends dealing with health issues, serving as a warning. Maintaining a full-time job makes it harder to prioritize health, with less time for home-cooked meals and exercise.
A Healthier Lifestyle
Without the constraints of a full-time job, it's easier to establish an exercise routine, cook healthier meals, and maintain a more active lifestyle. Ultimately, I didn't want to sacrifice my health for money, only to potentially spend that money trying to regain my health later.
4. Pursuing Passions
Many people lose touch with their passions as they get older, especially when consumed by demanding full-time jobs. It becomes difficult to find the time and energy to explore personal interests.
Rediscovering Joy
It's challenging to develop or maintain passions without dedicated time. My own passions include sports and outdoor activities, which require both time and community.
Relocation as a Catalyst
Quitting my full-time job wasn't just about freeing up time, but also about creating the opportunity to relocate to a place with an environment and community that supports my passions, such as hiking and camping. Pursuing passions brings joy and fulfillment, making life more meaningful.
5. Financial Readiness
This reason depends on individual circumstances. After careful calculations, my wife and I felt financially ready to quit our full-time jobs.
Overcoming the Mental Hurdle
The biggest hurdle for many is the fear of losing a steady income. We recognized the importance of building a certain amount of net worth and diversifying income streams before making the leap.
Opportunities and Flexibility
While quitting might mean a temporary hit to our net worth, we also believe it will open doors to new opportunities for generating income. If you have minimal debt, sufficient savings, and investments, consider slowing down in your career. For me, stopping full-time work in my 40s felt like the right time to explore other avenues and find fulfillment outside the traditional career path.
{#