Mini Retirements

I don't read very fast, but I recently got a library card (which I recommend highly) and found that they have audio books available online. I checked out The 4 Hour Workweek and have been fascinated with a few of the ideas in it.

Most recently, the idea of taking mini retirements has really interested me. What if we took 3 months to travel the world every couple of years instead of saving it until we are 60? Then we could spread the retirement out throughout our lives and enjoy it longer.

2 things I like about it:

1. The idea challenges is that notion that we all need to work our collective tails off for 3o-40 years of our life.
2. Long breaks from full time work offer a lot of reflection time, and encourage us to slow down our pace of life.

I think it might be easier than it seems.

Let's look at costs. When someone plans a 3 month relocation, housing and transportation become a lot more affordable than if they take a 2 week vacation. Places with better accommodations than a hotel are only $500 a month or less in many countries. If the miniature retirement happens after selling a house and before buying the next house, then the trip is almost paid for.

What about the career? First, it may be the wrong career if it takes 30 consecutive years with no extended breaks. Second, creative planning can work here too. Maybe it is between jobs, maybe it is before starting masters or doctorate classes, or maybe it is time off without pay. It sounds impossible, but it probably is easier than it seems.

Thoughts?

Things I've Learned From My Dad

Things my dad taught me are things many dads teach there children.  In my family these often came in the form of old sayings.  Here are 3 sayings that my dad used that have stuck with me through the years.

1. You can choose to have a good attitude.
2. If you hang around a slippery creek, you might fall in.
3. Money doesn't grow on trees.

Things I've Learned From My Mother

Since last Sunday (Mother's Day), I've been thinking about the things my mother taught me.  When I try to describe what my mom has taught me, I initially am overwhelmed.  Mothers offer so many things that it is hard to even describe.  

So in an attempt not to get overwhelmingly sappy about my mother, I have selected 3 of the many things my mother has taught me to share.  These are just the 3 that stand out in my mind right now.  I hope you enjoy them and think of the things your mother taught you too.

1. Choose your friends carefully.
2. If you get a bad feeling about something, take a step back.
3. Every person is innately valuable and nothing can change that.

Becoming A Man

When I was 18, I thought that people over 30 were boring.  I never wanted to be boring like them.  I wanted to travel all the time, stay up late, have a busy social life, and still play in The Land of Make Believe sometimes (reference to Mr. Rogers for those who didn't watch).  

Now that I'm 26 (for a few more days at least), I find myself choosing things that intentionally make my life into all of the boring things I feared at 18.  I go to bed at 9:00.  I don't go out just to be social during the week usually.  I try to develop routines, yeah routines, that will help me to be a better person.  The trolley tracks are becoming a little rusty.

The theory developing in my mind is that boring is a part of becoming a man (or woman if that is what you are).  To some degree, these boring things are just a part of growing up.   Growing up doesn't stop at 18, it keeps on going.  I don't want to be the 30-year-old who is still trying to be 18.  That's weird. 

I'm not saying that I want to lose the child that still lives inside, I'm just embracing the boring things a little more.

"Professional" Opinions on the Market

I find it hard to trust any one person on investing right now, but the people I trust the most are all cautious.  All of them believe that there is opportunity ahead, but that it is dangerous right now.  I just wanted to throw out my anything but professional opinion.  BE CAREFUL.   The market hasn't bounced back yet.  It has some more room to go down.