[seanbarry]

Author here.

I posted this late last night (BST) and I’m shocked to wake and see it was so heavily read and discussed. Thank you everyone!

The post received some justifiable criticism for making it sound like I’m about to disappear in to the mountains to live like a hermit in a poorly thought out, idealistic middle finger to society.

In reality the change I’m making is to move to a much smaller place where I still have people and the urban environment around me, but with a much healthier balance of the things I value: family, nature, and quiet. Importantly, I’ll be a 15 minute walk from the seaside and a short drive away from the mountains - so I’ll be able to escape to them as often as I want.

I also want to find or create more meaningful work, even though this means my income may be lower.

I don’t have FU money from working at a FAANG company, so my personal runway is ~6 months. I won’t be taking significant time off.

The most ironic thing is that change isn’t immediate. It’s going to be six weeks before my obligations here expire and until then, life continues as it has done previously. As I write this comment I’m standing in a packed train on the way in to the city, but today with a little smile on my face.

[mclightning]

Commuting in London is a headache by itself. I live/work in London but remotely. I earn less than what I used to, but I think I am happier.

[nunez]

Thank you for linking to that video. I've never heard of it prior to reading your post. Really enjoyed it.

[simonebrunozzi]

Enjoy your time off. Keep us posted. I hope you'll find something more fulfilling when you will feel the urge to get back at earning money.

My only humble suggestion is to write a journal of your experience being "off the rat race". And maybe share some of it.

Good luck.