Chapter 1: The Quest for Peaceful Living

At times, I find myself contemplating whether I should simply embrace retirement with my current resources. It's likely that out there, you can attain the life you've envisioned, but the necessity of earning more money remains unavoidable.

Whenever I view this serene image, I envision a retired grandfather at the age of 60, basking in tranquility. The scene evokes a sense of calm, far removed from the distractions of smartphones, computers, bustling traffic, and our fast-paced society.

If you've followed my thoughts over time, you'd recognize my tendency to analyze things deeply. So, I thought it might be time to explore why you may not currently find yourself in a lush, peaceful environment as you might desire. This vision belongs to me, but I suspect we share a common aspiration to reach a point where we can pause and reflect on our lives.

Having been immersed in entrepreneurship for as long as I can recall, I constantly find myself acquiring new clients and developing new products. I write, record, and analyze, often caught up in the hustle.

But what if I were to halt all of that and choose to spend my remaining days in that tranquil scene depicted in the image?

A Conversation with My Father

I invest about 96% of my time in my newsletter, which boasts 750,000 views and 12,000 readers. If you're interested, here’s a link to join my network. This journey began with a conversation with my father, a 67-year-old physician who truly loves his profession. He’s one of the few individuals I know who genuinely cares about his work, dedicated to healing others in every way he can.

Curious, I asked him, “Isn’t it enough? You have sufficient funds to live in the tranquil setting you’ve always dreamed of. Didn’t you have dreams? Mine is a vast green farm. What about you?”

His response was surprising: he had no intention of retiring. This revelation shook me. After dedicating his life to healing, isn’t it time to explore what else life has to offer? After some reflection, I recognized that he has chosen this path, and I respect his decision.

A Different Perspective on Work

From his experience, I realized I don't want to spend 45 years working without a clear purpose. I prefer to think that I have a goal to achieve, and once I reach it, I can move on. I assume you might feel the same. So, let me pose this question: “When do you decide to stop?” Would you trade vast wealth for additional years of life?

Imagine if Warren Buffet could purchase years of his life for a million dollars each, with a minimum purchase of twenty years. Would you take that deal? At 30, I'd be 50 in this scenario, gaining $20 million but also two decades older.

Many individuals today aspire to retire early and travel the world, a sentiment I certainly relate to. However, the harsh reality is that many won’t achieve the financial success they envision.

If you were aware that the next twenty years of your life would yield a million dollars, would you choose to endure those years, or would you explore other possibilities?

What if you dedicated five years to automating parts of your work? If you hold a 9 to 5 job, creating a new product could be essential. But it's possible; it just might not be a billion-dollar venture. Isn’t earning $100,000 a year sufficient?

You might argue that generating that $100,000 through platforms like Medium still demands effort. Thus, you’d likely not have the time to nurture your envisioned beetroot farm or care for your pigeons. Yet, any business can be managed passively, aided by a capable team.

I could invest $50,000 annually to have someone manage my account under my guidance. They would grow, and so would I. It’s akin to selling shares of your business.

Reality Check

Now, let’s address the reality behind the peaceful image from the beginning. You might assume that living in tranquility would require more than $100,000 annually, and you could be right.

Don’t be swayed by media portrayals of idyllic living in places like Hawaii (which I have no clue about financially). Let’s conduct a brief Google search for “Which countries have the most trees?”

Interestingly, the top contenders include Russia, Canada, Brazil, the US, China, and Congo. Let’s steer clear of Russia for now. The cost of living in Brazil ranges between $784 and $2416 monthly.

While this may sound like an advertisement for Brazil, it’s merely an example drawn from a quick online search (the Brazilian government is not sponsoring this article).

If Brazil doesn't appeal to you, numerous other locations around the globe could fit your criteria. But for the sake of this discussion, let’s assume you’re earning $50,000 annually passively.

On Being 'Not Ready'

You might argue that this doesn't resonate with your situation. Perhaps you feel unprepared, and for that, I offer two responses.

As I earn more each year through my entrepreneurial endeavors, I’ve realized (and this may come as a surprise) that making money isn't as difficult as it seems. The key lies in financial management and discipline. I’m still the same person I was a decade ago, yet I now choose to invest wisely.

As for the notion of being “not ready,” I hear you and can relate. However, I urge you to reflect honestly: “Are you truly not prepared right now? Are you caught in a repetitive cycle? When will it be enough?”

This article serves as a platform for me to express my thoughts on a subject I hold dear. However, I genuinely wish to hear your perspectives as well. Your life experiences, regardless of your age, hold value. Please share your insights in the comments, and let’s initiate a meaningful dialogue.

You could be the catalyst for someone to pause their current pursuits and embark on a journey of self-discovery on a distant island.

I’m Al, a business consultant based in Zurich, Switzerland. I firmly believe in delivering value to you, the reader. Feel free to connect with me across various social media platforms if you find my content valuable.

Chapter 2: Early Retirement and the Pursuit of Meaning

In the video "Retire NOW If You Answer 'YES' to All 6 Questions," the speaker challenges viewers to assess their readiness for retirement based on critical self-reflection. This thought-provoking content encourages a deeper consideration of personal goals and aspirations.

The second video, "How Much Do I Need to Retire?" provides insights into the financial planning necessary for retirement. It emphasizes the importance of understanding your financial needs and setting realistic goals to achieve a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.