Totally relate to the "going all-in" mindset. It's been hard to accept/find that balance in my life. It's nice knowing that battle isn't just going on my head. I've also have found it more freeing to accept the fact that the balanced approached might not be for me.
I greatly relate to many of your thoughts here--I'm turning 26 in a few weeks and have my first career "blow-up" behind me after leaving public accounting and traveling for six months. While still in the accounting field, I'm considering a second career redirect in the next few months when the right opportunity presents itself. I appreciate your thoughts and how transparently you share your journey.
Always impressed by your clarity of mind, and how relatable what you write sounds to me. I'm 30 and will never regret living 1 year in UK + 1 year in Australia, I went all-in for fun (and new experiences, etc.). I now need to find my balance (or lack of maybe!), but yes everyone's greatest fear should be to 'not live life', whatever definition it bears for each one of us. I'm trying to remember that while my stocks portfolio plummets (I'm lucky it's a small one).
Looking forward to reading more of you and might suscribe.
This sort of seasonal approach to life also has absurdly high returns later when stuff like kids happen. You can more easily make the tradeoffs based on past experience
I am much older than you, but not that long ago I was in your exact spot. I made a very calculated decision early on: I will not sell my soul for career or money (no matter how much). I have not regretted that decision, and being true to myself served me very well. Surprisangly, being true to myself helped me in the business world. People respond well to authenticity in this superficial world.
I enjoy your blog. Your insight is quite mature and intelligent. You will accomplish what you set your mind to, I am sure. However, don't become a boring man with money. Become an interesting man. Be yourself, don't follow the herd mentality. Be brave and original and carve your own path. Conformity will destroy you and you will regret it later in life. To accomplish this, you need balance from the start. So insist on balance and negotiate free time in your commitments. Free time for you. If you have dreams, live them now.
The trick is not to be "all in". Balance is key. No matter how much money you earn, you will never be able to buy time. You will realize that later in life. All the best to you!
I have such a sense of comfort seeing this as 26 year old turning 27 soon. Spent a good portion of my twenties working remotely abroad. Felt like I had found the perfect balance between exploring and growing. Life felt the most full. I’ve realized in the past year if I neglected to go all in on something soon i wouldn’t hit any of my longer term goals. In any case, your email really resonated with me, Jack. Thanks you for all the hard work you’ve done with young money. It’s made a profound impact on my life.
Nothing wrong with "optimizing life" but I caution against stressing over it. IMO, if you don't live a "Die Wiith Zero" life, that's perfectly fine. It's impossible to do everything. IMO, enjoying your ride of life is all that really matters. If you didn't get to do everything you wanted, that's OK as long as you enjoyed what you did get to do.
“Do one thing and do it better than everyone else.”
Hard to beat the person who focuses on one thing relentlessly while others have shiny object syndrome. Happy birthday, my man and I think we see it in business and our personal lives, the best way to do something is to go all in. Good luck in monk mode!
Congratulations on turning 28 and soon you will get to 30. There is no stopping that, how you get there is entirely up to you. I got to 50 recently hence sharing.
Don't overthink the journey. I like it that you have taken risks, followed your heart and done things you wanted to wanted to do. keep at it.
With age the definition of Fun changes and that's a lovely evolution. its not about drinking more or less etc. Its about what gives you joy.
Thank you for sharing this. Our son is 28 and lives with 3 guys who are within 4 months of his age. The ups and downs are hard—I think 3 out of 4 would say that.
One thing that’s stuck with me is a survey I saw a few years ago from people who were older about what they would have done differently in their younger years. Instead of lots of pontificating answers , I thought it was interesting that highest ranking answer was “not drink as much.” I agree. Wish I had switched to water after max 3 drinks, would have had more and better times overall . Asked my husband his thoughts, he agreed. You learn.
This one line speaks so much: Misunderstanding what actually excites you now and instead optimizing for what “should be” or what “used to be” fun is how we screw up.
We are high on nostalgia or trapped by anxiety. Either state sucks because we miss everything that is happening right now
Some life advice from an old man: a man picks a haircut in his late 20s and sticks with it for the rest of his life. If you have unfortunate hair, change it now.
Also, sign up with Treasury Direct and start buying bonds.
Totally relate to the "going all-in" mindset. It's been hard to accept/find that balance in my life. It's nice knowing that battle isn't just going on my head. I've also have found it more freeing to accept the fact that the balanced approached might not be for me.
I greatly relate to many of your thoughts here--I'm turning 26 in a few weeks and have my first career "blow-up" behind me after leaving public accounting and traveling for six months. While still in the accounting field, I'm considering a second career redirect in the next few months when the right opportunity presents itself. I appreciate your thoughts and how transparently you share your journey.
Always impressed by your clarity of mind, and how relatable what you write sounds to me. I'm 30 and will never regret living 1 year in UK + 1 year in Australia, I went all-in for fun (and new experiences, etc.). I now need to find my balance (or lack of maybe!), but yes everyone's greatest fear should be to 'not live life', whatever definition it bears for each one of us. I'm trying to remember that while my stocks portfolio plummets (I'm lucky it's a small one).
Looking forward to reading more of you and might suscribe.
A french-guy.
Bookmarking. As a nearly-27-year-old I’m excited to revisit this soon. Thanks for sharing - I feel that duality you mentioned pretty strongly!
Happy belated, Jack!
This sort of seasonal approach to life also has absurdly high returns later when stuff like kids happen. You can more easily make the tradeoffs based on past experience
That's good to know. Going to be full monk mode for a bit here.
I am much older than you, but not that long ago I was in your exact spot. I made a very calculated decision early on: I will not sell my soul for career or money (no matter how much). I have not regretted that decision, and being true to myself served me very well. Surprisangly, being true to myself helped me in the business world. People respond well to authenticity in this superficial world.
I enjoy your blog. Your insight is quite mature and intelligent. You will accomplish what you set your mind to, I am sure. However, don't become a boring man with money. Become an interesting man. Be yourself, don't follow the herd mentality. Be brave and original and carve your own path. Conformity will destroy you and you will regret it later in life. To accomplish this, you need balance from the start. So insist on balance and negotiate free time in your commitments. Free time for you. If you have dreams, live them now.
The trick is not to be "all in". Balance is key. No matter how much money you earn, you will never be able to buy time. You will realize that later in life. All the best to you!
I have such a sense of comfort seeing this as 26 year old turning 27 soon. Spent a good portion of my twenties working remotely abroad. Felt like I had found the perfect balance between exploring and growing. Life felt the most full. I’ve realized in the past year if I neglected to go all in on something soon i wouldn’t hit any of my longer term goals. In any case, your email really resonated with me, Jack. Thanks you for all the hard work you’ve done with young money. It’s made a profound impact on my life.
Nothing wrong with "optimizing life" but I caution against stressing over it. IMO, if you don't live a "Die Wiith Zero" life, that's perfectly fine. It's impossible to do everything. IMO, enjoying your ride of life is all that really matters. If you didn't get to do everything you wanted, that's OK as long as you enjoyed what you did get to do.
“Do one thing and do it better than everyone else.”
Hard to beat the person who focuses on one thing relentlessly while others have shiny object syndrome. Happy birthday, my man and I think we see it in business and our personal lives, the best way to do something is to go all in. Good luck in monk mode!
Preciate it Ryan!
HI Jack
Congratulations on turning 28 and soon you will get to 30. There is no stopping that, how you get there is entirely up to you. I got to 50 recently hence sharing.
Don't overthink the journey. I like it that you have taken risks, followed your heart and done things you wanted to wanted to do. keep at it.
With age the definition of Fun changes and that's a lovely evolution. its not about drinking more or less etc. Its about what gives you joy.
Enjoy the ride.
Thank you for sharing this. Our son is 28 and lives with 3 guys who are within 4 months of his age. The ups and downs are hard—I think 3 out of 4 would say that.
One thing that’s stuck with me is a survey I saw a few years ago from people who were older about what they would have done differently in their younger years. Instead of lots of pontificating answers , I thought it was interesting that highest ranking answer was “not drink as much.” I agree. Wish I had switched to water after max 3 drinks, would have had more and better times overall . Asked my husband his thoughts, he agreed. You learn.
This one line speaks so much: Misunderstanding what actually excites you now and instead optimizing for what “should be” or what “used to be” fun is how we screw up.
We are high on nostalgia or trapped by anxiety. Either state sucks because we miss everything that is happening right now
Some life advice from an old man: a man picks a haircut in his late 20s and sticks with it for the rest of his life. If you have unfortunate hair, change it now.
Also, sign up with Treasury Direct and start buying bonds.