I recently finished the fantastic book "Affluenza" by Clive Hamilton.
Was particularly taken by the chapter on "down-shifting". For those to whom the phrase is unfamiliar, it refers to the voluntary simplification of lifestyle, be it taking a lower-paid, lower-stress job, or moving to a smaller (typically, cheaper) house. (Aaaahhh, wiki!)
This idea appealed, particularly as I was reading the book while traveling internationally for work, and was away from my family for an extended period (Never a good time to contemplate significant decisions!)
I'd like to hear from anyone who would like to share their own down-shifting experience. I can imagine a few outcomes:
Maybe I just need a holiday, because I know I don't have the finances yet to make a significant change. Some days, I feel like I'd just love to leave my IT job and go back to driving trucks! But would I get bored? And would the same issues arise? And would I get frustrated that "I'm not earning enough to invest"?
Anyone else with a comment?
Was particularly taken by the chapter on "down-shifting". For those to whom the phrase is unfamiliar, it refers to the voluntary simplification of lifestyle, be it taking a lower-paid, lower-stress job, or moving to a smaller (typically, cheaper) house. (Aaaahhh, wiki!)
This idea appealed, particularly as I was reading the book while traveling internationally for work, and was away from my family for an extended period (Never a good time to contemplate significant decisions!)
I'd like to hear from anyone who would like to share their own down-shifting experience. I can imagine a few outcomes:
- I downshifted - I love it! Best thing I ever did!!
- Bored - too quiet; I need the excitement and drive of a high-flying job.
- Tried it, hated it. The romance of the idea is way better than the reality.
- Love the idea, but I just can't bring myself to make the leap... maybe next year?
- Did it, loved it, but we couldn't afford it. Too early, and I need 'x' more years of saving/investing to manage properly next time
- Downshifting? NEVER! Give me the hustle and bustle of "the next deal" every day!!
Maybe I just need a holiday, because I know I don't have the finances yet to make a significant change. Some days, I feel like I'd just love to leave my IT job and go back to driving trucks! But would I get bored? And would the same issues arise? And would I get frustrated that "I'm not earning enough to invest"?
Anyone else with a comment?