Does Superman really need to be a journalist?
I've explored before the universal desire for financial independence, the yearning to break free from the relentless grind of wage slavery. We've all heard the expressions, each echoing the same aspiration: the quest for self-sufficiency, the dream of being the masters of our own time, and the longing to make decisions without waiting for permission or being hindered by the constraints of scarcity.
However, today, I am steering in a different direction. It may seem that I am embracing corporate life with a hint of contentment. But this isn't an attempt to glorify the corporate world. Instead, I offer a distinct perspective. I seek to reveal that the mental framework and attitude we bring to our daily activities can transform drastically when we feel internally liberated.
I am not necessarily advocating for blind optimism; instead, this exploration puts an eye on the idea that our perception of work can be significantly influenced by our inner sense of freedom.
Corporate Drudgery vs. Liberating Work
Why do so many people strive to escape traditional employment? The answer lies in the weight of the conventional corporate experience. The daily work treadmill is a relentless cycle, where our time and decisions are often not our own. It's a world of permissions, constraints, and hierarchies that can stifle creativity and autonomy.
In a paradoxical twist, achieving a degree of financial independence can ignite a newfound sense of freedom, enthusiasm, and drive. It has the power to inspire us to leap out of bed early in the morning, compelled by a fresh idea. Equally, it's not unusual for this newfound motivation to keep us up until the wee hours of the morning as we passionately work on our projects.
Beyond merely trying to carve out an extra five minutes in the morning, the true essence lies in channeling the freshest and most creative hours of our day into pursuits that genuinely ignite our passion. When we account for the necessity of sleep and the other commitments that consume our remaining hours, there's often very little time left for what truly fuels our enthusiasm.
This burning passion sometimes naturally finds its outlet in personal projects. However, occasionally, it sparks a unique interest in engaging with formal or corporate roles, albeit without the oppressive pressure that makes you feel like a slave.
The Beauty of Financial Independence
Self-sufficiency, a state where one's resources provide the freedom to pursue what one truly desires, is a concept that beckons with a promise of liberation. It is worth emphasizing how it also alleviates the pressure associated with working solely for a paycheck.
One of the most alluring aspects of it is the liberty it offers. It grants you the power to decide how to manage your time, what to do, and when to do it, all without depending on permissions or being limited by constraints. It's the ability to take the reins of your life and steer it in the direction of your choosing.
It's not about shunning work altogether but rather about transforming the nature of work. When you're independent, you have the flexibility to choose projects and opportunities that align with your passions and interests.
Interestingly, as the need to fulfill desires misaligned with our true passions fades away, a torrent of enthusiasm, once compelled by the pursuit of material possessions, discovers a more profound channel for nurturing ideas and visions. Even in situations where income increases, the possibility arises to embrace a life that is, if not more modest, then certainly more Spartan and stripped-down. This shift in perspective can pave the way for a more abundant and fulfilling existence, where the pursuit of independence becomes a gateway to unlocking our genuine passions and untapped potential.
Reconsidering a Traditional Job
While corporate life is often associated with the daily grind, it's essential to recognize that under certain conditions, it can be a source of excitement and fulfillment. Independence from money constraints, which doesn't necessarily entail being a millionaire but having a cushion or a certain passive income, can transform the corporate landscape and allow individuals to experience it in a whole new light.
You know what? I don't dislike corporate life. In the absence of relentless pressure, even certain indulgences or tasks that might have seemed unproductive or a waste of time can become more acceptable. And I'm not referring to recklessly squandering time; in fact, it's during such moments of reduced pressure that you often find the freedom to suggest improvements in processes without the fear of being swiftly dismissed or misjudged.
This freedom doesn't necessarily require amassing vast wealth. It might involve having a safety net, ensuring that unemployment won't lead to hardship, or even a steady passive income. This security creates a sense of stability, like a comforting net beneath your feet, allowing you to act more authentically and creatively. The mental energy once consumed by worry is now free to be channeled into enjoying the challenges of the game.
In my personal journey, after finding some freedom, I've experienced a moment when I didn't want to commit to anything, a natural and necessary detox period where the primary desire is to travel, disconnect from the old world, and potentially start anew later, free from mental stress. Surprisingly, this phase wasn't as prolonged as I had expected. Soon, the inclination to engage in new endeavors began to emerge, reigniting my interest in actively pursuing meaningful projects.
In fact, I initiated some personal projects during this phase and dedicated ample time to their inception, especially concentrating on the initial stages that require a significant investment of time and inner drive. However, as they progress into what is often referred to as a self-sustaining phase a question often arises: What if I were to engage in this advertised position?
Individuals with a particular technical inclination often find themselves deeply interested in large-scale projects. They are drawn to the tools, concepts, and resources that might not be readily accessible when developing one's ideas on a smaller, individual scale, although it's not impossible, it's certainly less common.
The truth is, at this stage one also becomes a nit-picker, much like companies are when hiring. But when you're snooping around the board and come across something that piques your interest, it's only natural to consider applying. And this, as we will see, becomes a great advantage.
Embracing the 9 to 5 with Freedom
In certain situations, people who have attained a kind of material security opt to engage in conventional job roles. This viewpoint redefines the conventional understanding of wealth sovereignty and hints at the possibility that, despite having the liberty to follow their desires, they may find merit in embracing a structured 9 to 5 job without the associated burdens.
You can put bread on your table and much more. With no need to concern yourself about your bank balance, the pressure to meet basic needs dissipates. What follows is a sense of contentment, knowing that you have something going—whether it's personal projects or simply checking off items on your life's to-do list.
You've passed the initial phase that demands immense commitment, and now you can relish in the details. It involves investing your time, but it's a labor of love as you refine and enhance your projects. Suddenly, the prospect of re-entering the corporate world becomes appealing, or pursuing jobs and professions you genuinely enjoy—some of which may not involve skyscrapers and computers, of course.
To include an example where I am not the protagonist, can I mention an acquaintance in a similar situation? He spent nearly a year as an apprentice in the trade of building houses, a dream that had always intrigued him but remained distant due to the constraints of daily life. A timely opportunity placed him in a position where he could pursue his passion without the worry of compensation or being under someone else's directives.
This choice to engage with the corporate world or explore other passions can be motivated by genuine interest and passion, rather than necessity. It's a way to preserve a sense of variety and keep from stagnating. I'm not a fan of the motto that always encourages you to be outside your comfort zone; quite the opposite, but a certain variability is beneficial. Sometimes, a little change in appearance or routine—like tidying up your hair, dabbing on a cool scent if that's your fancy, and dressing more elegantly can help reset a mental center and break certain internal patterns. It can be pleasant and even necessary to be out of alignment, with a grown beard and repeatedly wearing that t-shirt that's patiently waiting its turn to go to the discard bin. However, variation doesn't always mean discomfort; it does help us avoid stagnation, much like adjusting your running speeds to maintain a healthy routine.
Wrapping Up
We challenge a little the notion that economic freedom is primarily a means to escape from the office and work routine. What emerges is the feeling that can often resemble dragging your feet when you have no choice but to work. However, once you attain a certain tranquility, even within the confines of a routine job, others begin to notice your expansive attitude, as if you were gliding gracefully on a cloud of tranquility and self-confidence. This transition unveils a world of possibilities, some of which may pleasantly surprise you.
One key takeaway is that achieving autonomy need not lead to irresponsibility or boredom. On the contrary, it allows you to produce something meaningful while you could easily be idling away on Netflix. It's a chance to engage with life more fully.
Moreover, working within corporate environments after achieving self-reliance can be an eye-opening experience. The absence of compulsion frees up mental, physical, and psychological resources you didn't know you possessed. You step outside the rat race, no longer needing to pretend or refrain from speaking your mind. This newfound frankness, when properly understood, can be a tremendous asset that positively impacts your behavior and relationships.
Furthermore, having the ability to work in environments that align with your interests, knowing that you're no longer forced to do so, is incredibly refreshing. It offers a new level of fulfillment and creativity that can reinvigorate your passion for what you do.
In closing, I encourage you to consider your own desires and priorities as you pursue a fulfilling life. While I won't try to persuade anyone to explore this type of life context in which they depend on the acceptance of another job, you can evaluate whether you would find satisfaction in such an endeavor. It can be a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to experiment with your interests in a relaxed way, all while being compensated for your contributions. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, and it's a choice worth considering on your path to a life of fulfillment and autonomy.
Coming up to the title of this article, does Superman really need to be a journalist? The answer is a resounding "no". His choice to lead a dual life as both a superhero and a journalist is rooted in his desire for a semblance of normalcy and a personal life as Clark Kent. This duality is a conscious decision, not a necessity. A poignant exchange with his son sheds light on his challenges, unpaid for his heroic deeds, and the ever-present risk. Superman's response reveals his unwavering commitment to strike the right balance between his extraordinary responsibilities and the pursuit of a personal life. In doing so, he demonstrates his ability to tune out the noise and distractions, focusing solely on what truly matters to him, a testament to the superhero who embraces both his powers and humanity.
