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 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. By connecting with the right people, you open up a world of possibilities, including potential business partnerships, job opportunities, and personal growth.

One of the most significant advantages of networking is that it can lead to introductions to other people who may be able to offer additional support and guidance. For example, a new contact may know someone who is hiring for a job that matches your skill set or have connections to someone who can offer mentorship or funding for your business.

In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn offer excellent opportunities for networking. These platforms allow you to connect with people from all over the world who share your interests, professional goals, or industry. They provide a chance to showcase your skills and achievements and to connect with like-minded individuals who may help you further your career.

The influence of our friends and connections in our professional lives cannot be overstated. It is not uncommon for friends to have a significant impact on whether we get a job or not. However, we should exercise caution when leveraging these connections, as it can sometimes create an imbalance in the relationship.

When asking a friend to help us get a job or to introduce us to someone, we must be mindful of how we approach the request. It is essential to ensure that the relationship is based on mutual trust and respect, and not just a one-sided transaction.

That being said, having a connection to the right person can give us an advantage when it comes to job opportunities. The power of networking cannot be ignored, and in today’s digital age, it has become easier than ever to connect with people who share our interests and goals.

Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook allow us to share information about ourselves and connect with others who have similar backgrounds or interests. With just a few clicks, we can find people who may be able to help us achieve our goals or connect us with someone who can.

Furthermore, when hiring someone, we can also leverage the internet to gather information about the candidate. A quick search can reveal their professional history, qualifications, and even their social media presence.

The “rule of when you know 1 good connection, you are less than 5 connections to your goal” emphasizes the importance of having strong connections in your professional network. If you have a connection who is only a few steps removed from your desired outcome, you are much more likely to succeed in achieving your goal.

Networking has been a game changer for me, and I have learned that it can open doors and create opportunities that I never thought possible. One example of this is when I met a professional pool player while in Bali. This chance encounter turned out to be a priceless connection as she had connections with some of the world’s best pool players. I was lucky enough to be invited to travel to the Philippines and meet with these players, which not only fulfilled a passion of mine but also allowed me to learn from the best in the world.

From this experience, I have learned that connections can come from unexpected places and it’s essential to be open to opportunities when they arise. Networking events, online communities, and reaching out to people you admire are all great ways to make connections that can help you achieve your goals.

Furthermore, connections can provide valuable knowledge and insights that can lead to long-lasting relationships both professionally and personally. These relationships can be a great source of support and guidance, which is essential when trying to navigate the sometimes complicated world of business and personal growth.

Have you ever thought about someone you really want to connect with? It might seem difficult at first, but breaking it down into smaller steps can make it more achievable. Each step you take brings you closer to your goal. Networking with the right people can also increase your chances of making that connection. However, it’s important to note that not all networking events are created equal. Some events may just be social gatherings without any real opportunity for making valuable connections.

The founder of Nomadlist, Pieter Levels, once said, many networking events can just be a waste of time and drinking beer. That’s why it’s important to focus on events where you can meet people who have the potential to help you achieve your goals. From personal experience, I’ve learned that knowing the right people can make it easier to get what you want.

If you know someone who has the potential to help you, don’t hesitate to ask for their assistance. It’s important to remember that if you don’t ask, you’ll never know if that person could have been the key to unlocking your goals. By networking with the right people and being proactive in asking for their help, you can increase your chances of achieving your goals and reaching your desired connections.

Networking is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and attention. Like a plant, it needs regular nourishment to grow and thrive. Every person you meet can potentially become a valuable connection, so it’s important to approach every interaction with care and intention.

When building your network, it’s essential to engage in a two-way dialogue that benefits both parties. This means taking the time to understand what the other person can offer and how you can potentially help them in return. It’s not just about what they can do for you, but what you can do for them as well.

Each contact you make is like planting a seed that has the potential to grow and bear fruit over time. You never know who that person may know or what opportunities may arise as a result of that initial interaction. It’s important to nurture those relationships and stay in touch, even if it’s just a simple message to say hello or a quick catch-up call.

Of course, not every connection will lead to immediate benefits or opportunities. It’s important to consider the effort, gain, and risk of each contact, and to be mindful of your time and resources. However, by consistently investing in your network and being open to new possibilities, you can reap the rewards of a strong and supportive community of contacts.

In order to expand your network, it can be helpful to consider new and different networking opportunities. Perhaps attending the same events or networking with the same people is no longer yielding the results you desire. In this case, it might be worth considering a change of scenery.

By exploring different networking groups or events, you may be able to make new and valuable connections. It’s important to consider the types of people and industries that you want to connect with, as well as the format of the event. For example, a more casual social gathering may be better suited for building personal relationships, while a structured business networking event may be more beneficial for making professional connections.

In order to determine whether a networking opportunity is worthwhile, it’s important to assess whether it aligns with your goals and objectives. You might ask yourself questions such as: What do I hope to achieve by attending this event? Am I likely to make connections with people who can help me achieve my goals? Will the format of the event allow me to effectively network and build relationships?

Remember, networking is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process. It’s important to regularly assess and adjust your approach to networking in order to ensure that you are making the most of your opportunities and building a network that will benefit you both personally and professionally.