Life's Too Short......
Discussion
I was lucky I was able to retire at 48. Went to college for 3 years to do what I wanted to do, rather than what other people thought I should be doing. Now I just work if and when I feel like it. I'll never be rich but the house is paid for and I have cash in the bank.
Life is indeed too short....
Life is indeed too short....
MrJuice said:
I qualified as a doctor aged 33. Now 34 working in a&e in one of the four major trauma centres in London. The hours are longish. Probably 50+ a week which I believe goes against our new contract but averages to 47.5hours. Because we have to take our leave on weeks where we are scheduled for 40h so the average hours come down.
Anyhow. Point is hours are long and we get s
t shift patterns like 1pm-11pm. That means I get home past midnight, too tired to have any meaningful interaction with my 3 year old before he goes to school. Then I'm off to work before he's back. Thankfully it's only a four month rotation. But I love the actual job.
It's a mean to an end. I want to be an anaesthetist.
Life's a balance. Don't do too much of anything.
Re money. I used to have a business that made me a lot of money compared to a doctor's salary. And it took about 10h a week, if that, to run it. And then it all collapsed. Overall I am happier earning 45k as a doctor, even if I do miss treats that business afforded me.
Re sudden death. Or prolonged death. Seen it in my family and see it at work every day.
Do pop up to AICU 9th Floor QEQM sometime. Anyhow. Point is hours are long and we get s
t shift patterns like 1pm-11pm. That means I get home past midnight, too tired to have any meaningful interaction with my 3 year old before he goes to school. Then I'm off to work before he's back. Thankfully it's only a four month rotation. But I love the actual job. It's a mean to an end. I want to be an anaesthetist.
Life's a balance. Don't do too much of anything.
Re money. I used to have a business that made me a lot of money compared to a doctor's salary. And it took about 10h a week, if that, to run it. And then it all collapsed. Overall I am happier earning 45k as a doctor, even if I do miss treats that business afforded me.
Re sudden death. Or prolonged death. Seen it in my family and see it at work every day.
I learned a long time ago that satisfaction at work is incredibly important. For those of us who work full-time (40 hours a week or more), the only thing we do more than work is sleep. Which, when you think about it, is pretty scary.
I've been stuck in some pretty bad permanent jobs over the years, which have been rubbish for a variety of reasons (dead end, too stressful, awful pay, crap boss, etc.)
For me, and I get this won't suit everyone, the answer was contracting. I change jobs on a regular basis, meaning the variety is excellent, the money's better than permanent work, if I get stuck working with/for a tool, it's only a few months until I'll be on my toes again, and I never have to worry about a job being dead end.
Yes. there are downsides. No sick pay, no holiday pay, and during lean periods, you might not work for three months. Having said that, with a bit of careful financial planning, those downsides need not be a problem, 99% of the time.
Not all industries support contracting, but most have "consulting" roles for those with 15+ years experience.
And for those assuming I'm young, free, and single, I'm 40, married with two kids (13 and 11), and a mortgage.
I've been stuck in some pretty bad permanent jobs over the years, which have been rubbish for a variety of reasons (dead end, too stressful, awful pay, crap boss, etc.)
For me, and I get this won't suit everyone, the answer was contracting. I change jobs on a regular basis, meaning the variety is excellent, the money's better than permanent work, if I get stuck working with/for a tool, it's only a few months until I'll be on my toes again, and I never have to worry about a job being dead end.
Yes. there are downsides. No sick pay, no holiday pay, and during lean periods, you might not work for three months. Having said that, with a bit of careful financial planning, those downsides need not be a problem, 99% of the time.
Not all industries support contracting, but most have "consulting" roles for those with 15+ years experience.
And for those assuming I'm young, free, and single, I'm 40, married with two kids (13 and 11), and a mortgage.
Lad I work with (lorry drivers) rings us all up daily wanting to k ow the ins and outs of what we are doing. (Work wise and then how many hours we 'll have) (paid by the hour)
He doesn't seem to realise when I say I can quite happily live on my basic wage, his reply is no no I need to earn blah blah every month to keep my head above water.
Speaking to one of the other lads transpires "she" wanted a brand new house aswell as a second child and wanted to go part time .
I Don't think I could ever get in that state as he's "GOT" To earn that so sickness slack work are not carried in to the mix.
Working himself death for the sake of some bricks and mortar.
And at the expense of not seen his kids grow up because he's away all week.
He doesn't seem to realise when I say I can quite happily live on my basic wage, his reply is no no I need to earn blah blah every month to keep my head above water.
Speaking to one of the other lads transpires "she" wanted a brand new house aswell as a second child and wanted to go part time .
I Don't think I could ever get in that state as he's "GOT" To earn that so sickness slack work are not carried in to the mix.
Working himself death for the sake of some bricks and mortar.
And at the expense of not seen his kids grow up because he's away all week.
One of my favourite lines I wheel out whenever I get chance is a quote from a favourite childhood film.
It sums things up for what I have come to realise. Many people want more than they need, are never satisfied with what they have and will do whatever is necessary to feed their ego and desire to impress others.
"Enough is as good as a feast" - Mary Poppins - 1964
I guess it's good advice.
Here's one from me...
"To people who think they need more or have too little, cherish what you have and live a little" - Lord Trumpton - 2017
It sums things up for what I have come to realise. Many people want more than they need, are never satisfied with what they have and will do whatever is necessary to feed their ego and desire to impress others.
"Enough is as good as a feast" - Mary Poppins - 1964
I guess it's good advice.
Here's one from me...
"To people who think they need more or have too little, cherish what you have and live a little" - Lord Trumpton - 2017
XCP said:
I was lucky I was able to retire at 48. Went to college for 3 years to do what I wanted to do, rather than what other people thought I should be doing. Now I just work if and when I feel like it. I'll never be rich but the house is paid for and I have cash in the bank.
Life is indeed too short....
May I ask what you studied and what it is you do now ?Life is indeed too short....
swerni said:
Sound like a bit of an under achiever.
Where's the harm is wanting more for you and your family and working for it?
Why do people see working hard and living a life as mutually exclusive?
Life is a balance.
I think you may have taken the last post out of context . Where's the harm is wanting more for you and your family and working for it?
Why do people see working hard and living a life as mutually exclusive?
Life is a balance.
The thread isn't about not making money it's about doing what you want to do and what makes you happy .
If working hard and making money makes you happy then great but if it doesn't the point is changing things and looking at life a little differently.
swerni said:
It says that if you feel you want more you should accept what you have and then somehow that will bring enlightenment and you can live a little .
I don't see my comments out of context.
Personally I'd rather work hard and live a lot.
Well maybe some feel enlightened in different ways. If you'd rather work hard good for you its about doing what makes you happy.I don't see my comments out of context.
Personally I'd rather work hard and live a lot.
Also some find their jobs mundane so therefore even retiring early and living the easy life is as you say "living a lot"
swerni said:
What does that even mean?
Are you suggesting it's better just to rock up at work, count the hours till home time then leave on the dot?
As an ex cancer patient i can't think of anything worse.
Hey Buddy chill! Are you suggesting it's better just to rock up at work, count the hours till home time then leave on the dot?
As an ex cancer patient i can't think of anything worse.
Some do a job as a means to an end, no ones saying its better doing that but for some its just how it is.
I have always worked hard when at work and will continue to try hard, its what i do as i work on the basis that I'm there for a likely 9hrs a day so give it a good shot.
I'm glad you overcame your cancer
swerni said:
lord trumpton said:
One of my favourite lines I wheel out whenever I get chance is a quote from a favourite childhood film.
It sums things up for what I have come to realise. Many people want more than they need, are never satisfied with what they have and will do whatever is necessary to feed their ego and desire to impress others.
"Enough is as good as a feast" - Mary Poppins - 1964
I guess it's good advice.
Here's one from me...
"To people who think they need more or have too little, cherish what you have and live a little" - Lord Trumpton - 2017
Sound like a bit of an under achiever. It sums things up for what I have come to realise. Many people want more than they need, are never satisfied with what they have and will do whatever is necessary to feed their ego and desire to impress others.
"Enough is as good as a feast" - Mary Poppins - 1964
I guess it's good advice.
Here's one from me...
"To people who think they need more or have too little, cherish what you have and live a little" - Lord Trumpton - 2017
Where's the harm is wanting more for you and your family and working for it?
Why do people see working hard and living a life as mutually exclusive?
Life is a balance.
Prior to having children we had 'more'.
You could say we have 'less' now, extra to feed, childcare costs, etc, but it doesn't feel that way. In fact once it's stripped back you start to realise that actually it's those interactions around you that are most rewarding. That's the 'more' I'd like.
If you're working hard, you have less time generally, I know I did. Granted you may get that time back come early retirement, but it's not certain. Working hard or smart aren't the same things!
swerni said:
lord trumpton said:
One of my favourite lines I wheel out whenever I get chance is a quote from a favourite childhood film.
It sums things up for what I have come to realise. Many people want more than they need, are never satisfied with what they have and will do whatever is necessary to feed their ego and desire to impress others.
"Enough is as good as a feast" - Mary Poppins - 1964
I guess it's good advice.
Here's one from me...
"To people who think they need more or have too little, cherish what you have and live a little" - Lord Trumpton - 2017
Sound like a bit of an under achiever. It sums things up for what I have come to realise. Many people want more than they need, are never satisfied with what they have and will do whatever is necessary to feed their ego and desire to impress others.
"Enough is as good as a feast" - Mary Poppins - 1964
I guess it's good advice.
Here's one from me...
"To people who think they need more or have too little, cherish what you have and live a little" - Lord Trumpton - 2017
Where's the harm is wanting more for you and your family and working for it?
Why do people see working hard and living a life as mutually exclusive?
Life is a balance.
My post was saying that I beleive it's important to be happy and if you are happy with your 'lot' then thats great.
I'm 44, married, 3 children, own our house and the land it stands on, no debt whatsoever and a small collection of nice cars. I'm happy with what I have
- it's enough for me.
There's no harm in people working hard for themsleves and family whatsoever.
I've realised that my previous years of high responsibility, stressful jobs more no longer make me happy that's all.
Now I'm happy with what we have then we've slowed down and are maintaining the equilibrium with my own small business working when I want and my wife working part time. we are happy with that. I feel (to quote the thread title) life is too short to work too hard and it's important to relax and be content.
Now this may sound like under achieving to you but frankly I couldn't give a s
t what some melt off the internet thinks 
I'm almost 54 and could stop working tomorrow and never work again if I didn't want to. (Modest house paid for and the wife and I don't yearn for consumer tat).
However I choose to work, but I work for myself, sat at a desk in my house. Always busy but there really is nothing like the freedom of having no boss, no targets and a commute of six yards.
Doubt I'll ever stop working, but then I enjoy what I do (website management, photography, design, marketing, that kind of thing...).
However I choose to work, but I work for myself, sat at a desk in my house. Always busy but there really is nothing like the freedom of having no boss, no targets and a commute of six yards.
Doubt I'll ever stop working, but then I enjoy what I do (website management, photography, design, marketing, that kind of thing...).
My best pal died at 28 this was 12 years ago. 4 years ago I sat down and had a "serious" chat with a doctor. Both things key to tweaking my personal outlook. Life is indeed too short.
One of the most frustrating things as a LITS aware person is seeing the frustrations and futility of other people's persuits. I hate hearing people moan about their work and how they want to leave. Do it. Today. I hate seeing people lifestyle chasing. Be happy with what you have. Living within your means has to be more rewarding than dreading bills landing. If you think pushing yourself to get the PCP on that Beemer will bring you happiness you are wrong.
I'd always consider myself very lucky all be it I have earned a lot of my luck but having a sound Mrs and relatively good health are the two things I would really be lost without.
I think people get too locked into their own little world and really miss the fact it's a big old world full of opportunity and love and intrigue and adventure. The biggest bit of luck I think I've ever had is that I'm one of the fortunate people that was born with this outlook. Drink in every day. Soak it up before you're stardust.
One of the most frustrating things as a LITS aware person is seeing the frustrations and futility of other people's persuits. I hate hearing people moan about their work and how they want to leave. Do it. Today. I hate seeing people lifestyle chasing. Be happy with what you have. Living within your means has to be more rewarding than dreading bills landing. If you think pushing yourself to get the PCP on that Beemer will bring you happiness you are wrong.
I'd always consider myself very lucky all be it I have earned a lot of my luck but having a sound Mrs and relatively good health are the two things I would really be lost without.
I think people get too locked into their own little world and really miss the fact it's a big old world full of opportunity and love and intrigue and adventure. The biggest bit of luck I think I've ever had is that I'm one of the fortunate people that was born with this outlook. Drink in every day. Soak it up before you're stardust.
fridaypassion said:
My best pal died at 28 this was 12 years ago. 4 years ago I sat down and had a "serious" chat with a doctor. Both things key to tweaking my personal outlook. Life is indeed too short.
One of the most frustrating things as a LITS aware person is seeing the frustrations and futility of other people's persuits. I hate hearing people moan about their work and how they want to leave. Do it. Today. I hate seeing people lifestyle chasing. Be happy with what you have. Living within your means has to be more rewarding than dreading bills landing. If you think pushing yourself to get the PCP on that Beemer will bring you happiness you are wrong.
I'd always consider myself very lucky all be it I have earned a lot of my luck but having a sound Mrs and relatively good health are the two things I would really be lost without.
I think people get too locked into their own little world and really miss the fact it's a big old world full of opportunity and love and intrigue and adventure. The biggest bit of luck I think I've ever had is that I'm one of the fortunate people that was born with this outlook. Drink in every day. Soak it up before you're stardust.
One of the most frustrating things as a LITS aware person is seeing the frustrations and futility of other people's persuits. I hate hearing people moan about their work and how they want to leave. Do it. Today. I hate seeing people lifestyle chasing. Be happy with what you have. Living within your means has to be more rewarding than dreading bills landing. If you think pushing yourself to get the PCP on that Beemer will bring you happiness you are wrong.
I'd always consider myself very lucky all be it I have earned a lot of my luck but having a sound Mrs and relatively good health are the two things I would really be lost without.
I think people get too locked into their own little world and really miss the fact it's a big old world full of opportunity and love and intrigue and adventure. The biggest bit of luck I think I've ever had is that I'm one of the fortunate people that was born with this outlook. Drink in every day. Soak it up before you're stardust.
D-day is nearly upon us and I start back to work in the morning.....Yikes !
I've learnt so much over this last 14months and not only about how to deal with some legal aspects of employment .
Thr bond with my son is now strong and unbreakable . I used to get home every night empty dishwasher and bins , tell the wife ( kids could also hear me ) how much I hated working with insecure Kocks then then have a vague conversation with the kids before putting them off to bed. I've always been a hands on dad and lucky in that my wife and I are a team and inseparable but there was definitely an 18 month period where i was in my own world so wrapped up in detesting my daily Monday-Friday routine .
So I'm hoping, and praying, that the new job, although not too dissimilar will at least be working with good guys . They certainly seem a good bunch from what I've met so far and providing along the way we are having some fun then I'm all good again . Money is far from what it used to be so taking it personally anymore just ain't worth it .
My family have been my Rock over these last few months and I'd never have done it and won without their backing and constant support . I truly have them to thank .
The good that came of it was reuniting the bond within the family again although I shouldn't have been in such a ste working environment in the first place.
So "life IS too short" and I'm going to carry this thread with me tomorrow when I turn up in my new swanky suit ( it was actually very cheap and will likely fall apart after a month) and see how it goes but this time with a very 'what will be' attitude.
I will report back at the end of the first week with hopefully a positive update !
PS- it's just dawned on me , tonight's a school night !
I've learnt so much over this last 14months and not only about how to deal with some legal aspects of employment .
Thr bond with my son is now strong and unbreakable . I used to get home every night empty dishwasher and bins , tell the wife ( kids could also hear me ) how much I hated working with insecure Kocks then then have a vague conversation with the kids before putting them off to bed. I've always been a hands on dad and lucky in that my wife and I are a team and inseparable but there was definitely an 18 month period where i was in my own world so wrapped up in detesting my daily Monday-Friday routine .
So I'm hoping, and praying, that the new job, although not too dissimilar will at least be working with good guys . They certainly seem a good bunch from what I've met so far and providing along the way we are having some fun then I'm all good again . Money is far from what it used to be so taking it personally anymore just ain't worth it .
My family have been my Rock over these last few months and I'd never have done it and won without their backing and constant support . I truly have them to thank .
The good that came of it was reuniting the bond within the family again although I shouldn't have been in such a s
te working environment in the first place. So "life IS too short" and I'm going to carry this thread with me tomorrow when I turn up in my new swanky suit ( it was actually very cheap and will likely fall apart after a month) and see how it goes but this time with a very 'what will be' attitude.
I will report back at the end of the first week with hopefully a positive update !
PS- it's just dawned on me , tonight's a school night !
Edited by FocusRS3 on Sunday 1st October 08:55
Life is... too short, and it always will be, even more so when you find your navana...
10 years ago we felt the same, even then the uk was rediculously crowded with the inherant problems of such overcrowding, now its just a joke.
both in our late 30s we decided to accrue as much cash as poss as quickly as poss and fuk off.
Our live have been transformed and we will never go back, i could never have imagined life could be so much more fulfilling.
its very important to retain your purpose though, dont think putting your feet up and whiling away the hours with a beer is in any way what you will be looking for if you want a balanced lifestyle.
Our project ends christmas next year and im dreading it in a way as weve not yet decided what to do next, we will but as yet we're undecided
10 years ago we felt the same, even then the uk was rediculously crowded with the inherant problems of such overcrowding, now its just a joke.
both in our late 30s we decided to accrue as much cash as poss as quickly as poss and fuk off.
Our live have been transformed and we will never go back, i could never have imagined life could be so much more fulfilling.
its very important to retain your purpose though, dont think putting your feet up and whiling away the hours with a beer is in any way what you will be looking for if you want a balanced lifestyle.
Our project ends christmas next year and im dreading it in a way as weve not yet decided what to do next, we will but as yet we're undecided
Edited by Pvapour on Sunday 1st October 09:41
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff