You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Interested to hear any experiences on this. I’m fortunate to have a ‘good’ job albeit it’s in the world of marketing so lacks any real usefulness or positivity! I’ve been working 20+ years and done OK (nothing great but OK and feel, for myself, I’ve achieved a little). I’m approaching 50 and struggling a little - physically I’ve a debilitating back condition which long office days are now aggravating. Also, the job is relatively pressured so possibly my family/dogs/cycling(!) has taken a slight back seat. Also, struggling a little with point of working pretty hard for something that’s a wee bit superficial.
The way we’re geared up at home, I reckon we could be OK on a reduced salary Vs what I’ve got now. I’ve got a nagging thought of stopping working in the agency world so wholeheartedly and maybe trying an alternative approach - maybe a combination approach to work that’s more family/physical health enabling … a bit of freelancing (I did this a few years back), other stuff that might be mentally and physically refreshing.
On the flip side, if I pull out then, as a co-owner of the business, there may well be sig repercussions for a team of 12 (albeit all are young and talented so reckon they’d do well elsewhere too) as well as the likely awkwardness splitting the business etc.
So the question - has anyone, in mid-life (not crisis mode), pulled out of what’s perceptually a ‘good job/career’ and embraced an alternative approach that’s both mentally and physically positive. Upsides Vs downsides? I always value others opinions/experiences so thanks.
What is your idea for alternative "life enabling" work?
Sounds a bit grandiose I s'pose!
I usually do a 13hr day, based in the office so pretty sedentary. So I was thinking of a combination of stuff e.g. 50% freelancing (variety of jobs, clients), 30% something I enjoy and 20% rewarding (e.g. I volunteered before doing Phys Ed with kids requiring assistance). This sort of combo might provide variety, reward, more time for home, sufficient income, more physical movement so overall, be a good change ... (note - I accept it's maybe a bit idealistic!)
A friend of mine gradually reduced the hours he was doing. He said it was great.
He now spends his time between messing about with old rusting MGs and learning to fly a microlite.
Let go and cry yolo 😀
If you are co-owner you could develop one or two of your team so you can delegate to them and take more time for yourself. Sounds like you have a good business there so it would be a pity to throw it away when you could be working to reduce your hours and maybe retire within 10 years. You say they are young and talented so they'd probably welcome the opportunity for career development. You'd also be less likely to lose them. One of the beauties of having a business (rather than being self employed) is that it should be earning money when you're not there.
You can have loads of money but without your health you have nothing. How much would you give to be leading up those hills and feeling fit as you move into later life? Time to consider looking after yourself. I gave up at 55 never been fitter and happier thanks
thanks ... the business doesn't/nor likely to deliver 'loads of money', nor has that ever been a goal or driver. Giving the team opportunity has been happening ... but my back & motivation is wondering whether it's happening quickly enough!
I usually do a 13hr day,
Cut back to 8hrs max and see what happens.
go silent, just take (reduced) dividends?
As above really. 13 hour days, no wonder you want out. Cut it back to four days per week, delegate loads. Can't remember the last time my wife or I did a 35 hour week - for me it was over fifteen years ago. No money, lots of time off though. OK my best mate is cat as everybody else I know actually works, yet it works for me. Get to ride, sit in the odd cafe, potter in the garden, spend loads of time with my kids. I seem to make lots of jam. Downside is my bikes kind of work, I'm always in skips, and lots of stuff is made from pallets! I'm currently engaged in making a paper mache crocodile for my twelve year old. Downsides and upsides my friend. Worst is being viewed as a slacker.