People ask me why I don’t go back to work as I could stop being frugal. I keep being told that I still have plenty to offer and I could enjoy a much better standard of living. I don’t want to get back on the hamster wheel again. I love my simple, frugal life. These are my main reasons why.
- I am free. I don’t want to be controlled by the system. If you are frugal and live below your means, have savings, with no debt, you have choices. Society does not have the same hold over you. I have had the choice to walk away from two jobs. both times to the suprise of my employer. They thought that they could tell me what to do, change my conditions, and I would have to lump it. I didn’t. I skipped away, smiling. I have the choice not to claim benefits and jump through the hoops that they want. I have the choice through having time to grow and forage and eat the kind of food that I want and not the poisoned food full of additives that the system thinks is our only choice. I have the choice to spend time with my grandson and holiday when I want rather than trying to squeeze in short visits, or have to get permission to go on leave.
- I can be the authentic me. When I worked I was expected to behave in a way that was not natural to me. I changed and became lost. Being frugal, a bit wild, and removing waste from my life, is the real me. I don’t have to watch what I say or stay quiet in fear of an employer not liking what I write on line, I can be the authentic me and dress how I want, says what I want, and believe what I want.
- I don’t have to spend my days working. At one time I was working 70 hours a week. and I became tired and ill. My life has a lot less stress in it now as I am frugal and not in debt. I still work as growing food, preserving, and foraging are not easy, but I am in charge of my own time.
- I am healthier. I can’t buy lots of sweets, drink or things that are not good for me when I am being frugal as every penny is accounted for. I have to eat what is natural, organic and in the garden. I weigh less than I did at 48 and worked, have more time for exercise and I am in better health.
- I really enjoy living a more simple life. By living frugally I have less mental and physical clutter and less worry and stress. Life is complicated, but by simplifying my life it feels more manageable now.
- I am grateful. When I earned a lot but spent my money, I took things for granted and was unaware of nature and all the good things around me. I had expectations of life that were never met. I was bitter and jealous. Now I am grateful for the small things and am mindful of the beautiful world around me.
- I am able to live by my values. I don’t want money or material things to be an important factor in my happiness . I know the joy that material things bring is only temporary.
- It quells my desire to be rich. My life has been so much happier during the time I have lived simply and frugally. It is more of a challenge and I am more creative. My brother had lots of money, and he lived a wonderful life of travel and luxury, but his long days at work meant that he had little time for family, relationships and all the things that are important to me. He didn’t live long enough to draw his massive pension or enjoy the things he wanted to do in his retirement. He was so looking forward to them, too.
- Being frugal allows me to be kinder to the planet. I consume less, waste less and make good use of the natural resources around me.
- Every day is different. I can get up when I want, eat when I want, spend time in the sun when I want, or even watch films all day if I want. I am not chained to a desk from 9 until 5. My day is my own and I can make it as boring or as exciting as I want.
I know that every one does not have the choices that I have. I worked and planned hard to get into the position that I am in. I do think, however, that the more that you simplify your life and become frugal, the more choices and freedom that you have. I realised this before I gave up work.
Ha I g finished work myself on health grounds last November, I read this and thought how true, your words were. You’ve summed up my similar situation in such an eloquent way Toni.
I would on occasion spend and buy things just in case, but in recent months have found myself putting things back on the shelf because ‘I don’t want to spend my money’. Previously it would have been for the purposes of buying things just so I had a back up. Mow I have the time to stop and think about alternatives rather than defaulting to the shopping option.
A really, well considered article. Thank you sharing and summing up.
Yes I agree. I think at first I panicked and bought things just in case I would not be able to buy things later, or I saved things and did not declutter and get rid of them. I have been retired 9 years now and my confidence has grown as I have realised how little money we can actually live on. Thanks for your kind comments.
This article reflects a lot of my current lifestyle and how stepping away from the rat race and embracing a frugal lifestyle has enriched my life in so many ways. I am just so thankful that my forward thinking and circumstances have allowed me to live this more simple and stress free life. Love being my own boss.
Yes me too. We are so lucky. Stepping away from a good job and living on little money is the best thing that I have ever done. Thanks for sharing
I retired 10 years ago at the age of 49 ,I was shattered and suffering from panic attacks daily ! I’ve totally simplified my life and I love it I have very little money but it dosent bother me at all as if you think about it you only spend money on things you don’t really need ! I spend my days with my daughter and grandchildren,my dogs and spending everyday in nature ! I’m now trying to make all my own clothes !
Good for you, I am so pleased that you have now. find a way to step off that hamster wheel. I found that the money wasn’t worth the emotional cost either and that you can be just as happy with very little money, if not more so. Thanks for sharing
Love this toni,I’m not in a position to retire but work just three days a week,my health not the best but trying to improve it work drains you they want more and more from you till you have nothing left to give,I work with people who work 14 hours a day all through the week,if done this in the past,I just can’t anymore 21 hours a week enough in mid 50s ,I’m content at home with my dogs in no family anymore,but realize time is so precious,I want to start growing my own food ,I cook from scratch,I enjoy peace the world feels so busy and full of noise,I love shutting my front door away from it all Thanks for your posts they really inspire me
I used to work long shifts and so I know what you mean. I gave up in my late 40s. I am glad that you have been able to reduce your hours. I know my health has been so much better since I stopped work. Thanks so much for sharing