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.

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. However, I do know that there are some exceptions, where we grow up or grow old with our friends, forming a lifelong bond that endures through the ups and downs of life.

My personal experiences have had a significant impact on how I have developed and grown as an individual. For instance, I was bullied for being different, and that led me to seek acceptance through martial arts. This decision not only boosted my confidence, but also taught me discipline and the ability to stand up for myself. By refusing to be a victim, I was able to gain the respect of my peers and put an end to the racial comments and bullying.

These experiences have also influenced my professional life. When working in an environment where tasks are divided among team members, I have often encountered two types of people: those who are bossy and demanding, and those who feel obligated to follow their lead due to their lower position. Learning how to navigate these dynamics can be challenging, but I know it is important to stand up for myself and assert my own ideas and opinions in a respectful manner. By doing so, I can earn the respect of my colleagues and build a successful career.

In summary, while not all friendships last forever, I believe that they are an essential part of our lives. My personal experiences, such as being bullied, have shaped my personal and professional development, teaching me important lessons about standing up for myself and asserting my ideas and opinions. By doing so, I can build successful relationships and careers that bring me joy and fulfillment.

During my time as an intern, I found myself in a challenging situation that made me realize the importance of working with the right people. I came across a group of individuals who were unpleasant to work with and had no interest in helping me grow. Fortunately, that experience made me realize that I didn’t want to work with them again in the future.

It’s essential to surround yourself with the right people, especially in your professional life. The right partner will share your vision and mission and help you succeed. A good partnership allows you to become a better version of yourself, and working on a project together becomes a plus. On the other hand, a poor partnership will reflect in the results of your business.

When choosing a partner, it’s crucial to focus on support, trust, and compassion. These qualities are crucial in building a healthy and successful relationship. However, it can be challenging to find the right people, especially when those closest to you don’t support your goals. Some may even be afraid of failure, which can hinder your progress.

As Will Smith said, failure is necessary for success, and even the most successful people have failed more times than we can imagine. It’s essential to remember that you are and will always be your number one priority. Sometimes, you have to eliminate negative influences and set your goals apart from your surroundings to achieve success.