From Cubicle to Freedom

1. From Cubicle to Freedom. How I build a life on my own terms

Chapter 1. The power of a positive mindset

Have you ever felt like there’s a bigger purpose to your life? A reason why you’re here on this planet? I’ve been pondering this question for as long as I can remember, and it’s something that crosses my mind every day. We live in a world full of debates, where people argue about everything from the shape of the earth to the best way to live our lives. But one thing we all have in common is the desire to be happy and independent.

Chapter 2. The art of living your dream

It’s hard to put into words the feeling of being on your first backpack trip. It’s a mix of excitement, wonder, and the thrill of the unknown. I was able to fully immerse myself in the experience without the burden of financial stress. Quitting my job was a risk, but it paid off in a way that I couldn’t have imagined. Of course, there was a catch. I couldn’t live off of that backpacking trip forever.

Chapter 3. Learning from Failure, the key to success

During our journey as entrepreneurs, my friend Ralph and I learned a lot about taking risks and making things happen. Despite not having all the necessary skills at the beginning, we were determined to succeed with our platform, Rentsy. We knew that there was a problem that we could solve, and we had a good understanding of our target audience. However, our platform didn’t grow as much as we had hoped.

Chapter 4. Hustling and grind, Building a life on your own terms

During those times of uncertainty, I had to be resourceful and creative. I couldn’t rely on a steady paycheck and income from tenants, so I had to find other ways to make money. I remember doing odd jobs here and there, like illegal taxi driving at night and being an Airbnb host and guide, just to make ends meet. Becoming an Airbnb host was one of the best decisions we ever made.

Chapter 5. The Company you keep, How to choose the right friends and partners

I believe that friendships are an essential part of our lives, but it is true that not all of them are meant to last forever. As I have grown and changed over the years, I have realized that I have taken different paths and developed different values, leading to a natural drift in my relationships. When I look back, it can be difficult to name five close friends who have remained close throughout the years.

Chapter 6. The Network effect

Networking is a critical aspect of achieving success in both personal and professional life. Imagine walking into a room filled with 50 strangers who have no common interests or connections. In such a situation, people may approach you and ask about your story, but without any shared interests, the conversation may not go very far. The real value of networking lies in meeting new people who share your interests or who can help you achieve your goals.

Chapter 7. Slow and steady wins the race, embracing the journey

In my experience, it’s common for people to use others’ lives as a benchmark for their own success. They may compare their own age and accomplishments to those of others, leading to feelings of inadequacy or a lack of direction. However, I believe that every person is unique and has their own individual path in life, with their own set of talents and opportunities. Some individuals are born with a natural talent for singing or playing an instrument, while others may excel in sports and have the opportunity to pursue a career as a professional athlete.

Chapter 8. Overcoming insecurities, Finding confidence and success

Insecurities are a common experience for many people, and they often stem from experiences that have left emotional scars. For example, if you have been in a relationship with someone who hurt you deeply, it is natural to carry those wounds with you into your next relationship. Similarly, if you have been bullied or discriminated against, it can affect your self-esteem and make you feel insecure in social situations. There is no one specific cause for insecurity, as many factors can contribute to it.

From impulsive to intentional, Making better decisions

I have always been an impulsive person, never making concrete plans, but it has made me the person I am today. Like most people, I have fired off an email, said something I didn’t want to, or even booked a flight and left the next day on a whim. I think we are all victims of impulsiveness, it’s just how our brains work. When you try to think about what to say next, you’ll be surprised that there’s no clear answer.

Happiness is a choice, Creating your own joyful life

I believe that pockets are meant to put things in, and wallets and bank accounts are meant to be filled with digits and paper bills. In my case, my pocket is not empty or filled, but it’s enough to live from. I don’t need too much to live from, and I consider myself a simple human being who lives pretty minimalistic. In the past, I have lived in countries with just a backpack that contains all the essentials.

From impulsive to intentional, Making better decisions

I have always been an impulsive person, never making concrete plans, but it has made me the person I am today. Like most people, I have fired off an email, said something I didn’t want to, or even booked a flight and left the next day on a whim. I think we are all victims of impulsiveness, it’s just how our brains work. When you try to think about what to say next, you’ll be surprised that there’s no clear answer. The brain wires a set of actions and your impulsive side subconsciously reacts to that.

The complexity of impulsiveness can either work against you or give you an advantage. With my impulsiveness, I have made both good and bad decisions. However, sometimes my impulsiveness has led me down the wrong path, causing me to make regrettable decisions. But I have learned to embrace my impulsiveness, and now I use it to my advantage. It allows me to take risks and seize opportunities that I might otherwise miss out on. It has made me more spontaneous, adventurous, and open-minded. Impulsiveness is a part of who I am, and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

I have had my fair share of impulsive actions, some of which turned out to be positive experiences and some which led to trouble. One example of a good impulsive decision was when I booked a surprise flight for my girlfriend, whom I had been separated from for months. She was very appreciative of the gesture, and it made our reunion even more special.

However, there have also been times when my impulsiveness has led to challenges. I recall a time when I saw a business opportunity in a location I knew nothing about and, without proper research, I jumped at the chance and settled down there. This impulsive decision forced me to think critically and work harder to make it a success, but also taught me a valuable lesson about the consequences of impulsive actions.

Despite the challenges that come with impulsiveness, I still believe that it can lead to positive outcomes. In many cases, it’s the first thought that drives to take action and make quick decisions. I understand that dealing with an impulsive person can be difficult, but I have learned that it is important to weigh the potential consequences and take calculated risks when necessary. Ultimately, it’s up to me to create the right timing for myself and make choices that align with my values and goals.

Starting to write this book was an impulsive decision, one that I never thought I would make. Yet, here I am, putting all my adventures and struggles onto paper. I’m not entirely sure what I’ll write next, but I’ve decided to let my thoughts flow freely. Unfortunately, society often considers impulsiveness a negative trait, believing that impulsive people don’t consider the consequences of their actions or think things through. However, there is also a positive side to impulsiveness. Impulsive people often chart their own course, with no room for naysayers. They know what they want and go after it with determination.

Of course, being impulsive comes with its fair share of sudden heartbreaks, failures, and messes to clean up. But on the flip side, it also brings excitement and unpredictability. What excites me most about impulsively starting a business without knowing exactly what to do with it is that it forces you to take a leap of faith. It’s an all-or-nothing proposition that leaves no room for half-hearted efforts. For someone like me, who has chosen to live outside the confines of society and not work a traditional 9-to-5 job, starting a business was a chance to achieve financial independence.

While the road ahead may be uncertain, I’m willing to take the risk. I believe that the key to success is taking bold steps and pursuing your dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. Being impulsive can be challenging at times, but it’s also liberating. It allows you to let go of your fears and dive headfirst into the unknown. Ultimately, the decision to be impulsive or not is a personal one, and everyone must weigh the pros and cons for themselves. But for me, the rewards far outweigh the risks.

Many people have admired my willingness to take risks and have expressed a desire to do the same. However, I must warn you that once you make a decision, it can be a difficult and stressful journey. Sleepless nights and financial shortcomings are just a few of the challenges that may arise. But if you persevere and stay committed to your goal, the reward can be tremendous. The feeling of accomplishment when you reach the summit of success can be compared to that of reaching the top of Mount Everest, a true sense of achievement.

It’s important to remember that every decision comes with risks, but it’s up to us to weigh the pros and cons and make a choice. It’s okay to be scared and unsure, but we shouldn’t let fear hold us back from taking chances and pursuing our dreams. The road to success is often paved with obstacles, but it’s those who are willing to face those obstacles head-on that come out on top.

Furthermore, taking risks can also lead to personal growth and self-discovery. It can help us step outside our comfort zone, learn new skills, and develop a greater sense of confidence and resilience. Even if our initial attempt at something fails, we can learn from the experience and use it as a stepping stone towards future success.