Why Financial Independence
For those of us who can watch Office Space seemingly endless times, finding it more painfully insightful with each viewing, the goal of financial independence requires little explanation. While it is not an aversion to work, accepting the monotony and powerlessness of the typical job is a difficult pill to swallow. It often means perpetual routine in commuting and work activities, and in many cases submission to a hierarchical management structure that is far too often incompetent. In my own corporate job, while I certainly have enjoyed success, I often marvel that I can literally spend weeks devoting practically all my time to making PowerPoint slides. For many the daily grind, particularly in the corporate world, can include obligatory long hours, or worse subjection to petty or even verbally abusive management.
The Dream
So what is the logical path to break out of the work mold? It is quite simple to understand, but difficult, typically taking years to actually attain. Build enough assets that you are no longer tied to your job: become financially independent. For some this means building enough wealth to ensure that work is never needed again. For others it means paying off all debt and saving enough that only part-time work is needed for supplementary income, or that long sabbaticals can be taken between jobs. Ultimately, achieving financial independence means you have enough wealth that you can approach life on your own terms, instead of having them dictated to you by an employer.