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 1. The power of a positive mindset

Planted February 21, 2023

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.

There are many different paths to achieving this goal, and each of us has our own unique perception of what it means to live a fulfilling life. For some, it might mean studying hard, getting good grades, and working tirelessly to build a successful career and support their family. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this approach, and for many people, it’s the key to achieving their dreams.

But for others, the traditional 9-to-5 grind just doesn’t cut it. I know this from personal experience. A few years ago, I was working at a well-paying job, doing the same tasks day in and day out. I would wake up early to beat the traffic, spend hours sitting in an office chair, and then come home exhausted at the end of the day. Sure, I was a good worker and I did what was asked of me, but deep down, I knew that I couldn’t keep this up forever.

It wasn’t just the physical toll of the job that was wearing me down. It was the sense of monotony, the feeling that my life was on autopilot, that I was just going through the motions without any real purpose or meaning. I wanted more out of life than just a steady paycheck and a comfortable routine. I wanted to feel alive, to pursue my passions, to make a difference in the world.

And so, I took a leap of faith. I left my job and set out on a new path, one that would challenge me, inspire me, and ultimately lead me to a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. It wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of bumps along the way, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I learned that when you follow your heart and pursue your dreams, anything is possible.

So if you’re feeling stuck in a rut, if you’re wondering if there’s more to life than just going through the motions, I urge you to take that first step. You never know where it might lead you.

I persisted in my job because I had bills to pay and was afraid to step out of my comfort zone. The idea of not having any savings for my future was a constant worry that weighed on me. This fear was instilled in me by my parents, who had always emphasized the importance of financial security. They had grown up in poverty and knew firsthand the struggles that came with it. When they raised me, they did their best to provide me with the best education and love they could offer.

Society also played a role in shaping my mindset. Everywhere I looked, the message was the same: work hard, make money, and be happy. But as I soon learned, this was a false narrative. Sure, working hard and earning money is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of life. There’s more to happiness and fulfillment than just a big paycheck.

I had to learn this lesson the hard way. Despite the good pay and stability of my job, I was miserable. I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of work, sleep, repeat. The thought of spending the rest of my life cooped up in an office chair made me cringe. I realized that money and material possessions couldn’t bring me the happiness and sense of purpose that I craved.

It was a difficult realization to come to, but it was also liberating. I began to see that there was another way to live, one that involved pursuing my passions and doing work that truly mattered to me. It wasn’t an easy path, and it certainly wasn’t a quick fix, but it was worth it.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the lessons I learned along the way. I now realize that happiness and fulfillment come from within, and that true success is measured not by how much money we make, but by how much impact we have on the world around us. So if you’re feeling stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you, or if you’re struggling to find meaning in your work, I encourage you to take a step back and reflect on what truly matters to you. It may not be easy, but I promise it will be worth it.

As I continued to go to work each day, I began to feel increasingly conscious of my own happiness. It was then that I heard a voice in the middle of the night telling me that I should do what I love in order to truly be fulfilled in life. The message was crystal clear to me: if I didn’t love my job, I was doing it for the wrong reasons. The next morning, I woke up with a newfound sense of purpose and mustered up the courage to speak to my boss about my feelings. Although I was extremely nervous at first, as I began to speak, the words came more easily.

To my surprise, my boss understood where I was coming from and recognized my ambition. I was normally given three months to come back to work after taking my annual 25-day vacation, but my boss responded with great nobility. She saw potential in me and encouraged me to go out and chase my passion. She allowed me to take two weeks off in advance and paid my monthly salary until the end of my contract, which was an incredibly supportive gesture.

After receiving this news, I was filled with a sense of relief. It took a lot of courage to have that conversation, but in the end, it worked out for the best. I learned that taking risks and pursuing my passions were essential to my happiness, and I was grateful for the support and understanding I received from my boss and company.