ivan ottinger Everyone has a different definition of financial independence. To me, it means a state where our expenses are covered primarily by passive income (e.g. from dividends, a rented flat, etc.). We work only if we truly want to, and on projects that feel meaningful and fulfilling.
If we’re financially independent, it essentially doesn’t matter whether our work is paid or not.
We can happily spend a whole year volunteering, picking up rubbish in the forest, or teaching underprivileged kids. And we couldn’t care less whether we get anything for it.
If we’re not feeling great or need a rest — we can just take a year off.
Want to fully dedicate ourselves to raising our children? Or paint, compose music, make videos — even if nobody would pay us for it? Go ahead. We’re financially independent.
Working for a company, believing in its mission, and feeling fulfilled? We don’t have to leave. Even though we’re financially independent.
Finding it too much to work eight hours a day or five days a week? Then we work six hours or four days and passive income covers the rest.
In other words:
Financial independence brings us freedom. It doesn’t mean we have to quit, throw everything away, and go to the beach.
Besides, that would get pretty boring after a while. :)
Translated from the Slovak original.