Why (and how) I retired at 22...and why you should too.

I did my first "retirement" at 22. Actually didn't work except for a social life for about 4 years.

Here's is why (and how).

First, I'm an old guy now, officially retired. But I took 4 years off to have fun and adventure when I was 22 and I think some of you young people should consider working a lot less (YIKES, one guy is working 100 hours a week).

This won't apply to you who are driven to success, whatever that means, and to financial freedom, whatever that means.

But it just hurts my soul to see so many young people struggling when they should be out in the world having fun and getting youthful experiences.

So, for what it is worth to a few or even just one...chill.

You have energy, curiosity and opportunity to explore and use.

I was able to retire because I spent 4 years in the US Submarine Service, and on subs, not many ways to spend money. Then, when in port, Pearl Harbor Hawaii, I would buy and sell stuff, a lot of cameras and stereo equipment.

But, I'd buy anything for sale, cause I knew I could sell it for a profit (otherwise I didn't buy it...you make money on the BUY).

So, I came out of the Navy with a huge amount of cash, and spent 4 years traveling and having "experiences". I also had a lot of college credits which I earned on the sub taking classes. When I did go to college, it was pretty easy for me.

Anyhow, at 22 I could afford to do whatever I wanted. I took a job with Amtrak and kept it just long enough to get a railroad ID, which permitted free travel I also used Greyhound two month passes and finally traveled in a VW van with a pop up roof, a VW camper van.

My favorite bumper sticker was, if this van be rockin, don't be knockin.

I did love to rock that van.

There is the old story about the Entrepreneur vacationing in Mexico. He saw a "lazy" fisherman who went out in the morning and was finished at noon. He told this "lazy" guy he could help him get rich. He would buy another boat, lease it out, then another, work hard for several years running this big SUCCESSFUL business and retire.

The lazy fisherman asked hm, "Then what?"

The hard working Entrepreneur replied, "Then you can relax on the beach everyday and spend time with your loved ones".

The fisherman said, "I already do that".

See? What are missing out on while you're working so hard to get to a place, you may already be at?

Of course if you have children, that is a different issue, but there are so many young people here, what do you want? I just want you to stop for a minute and smell the flowers instead of trampling through the garden on your way to success.

We old guys like to tell you how fast time goes (and it does)...but, let this one old fart tell you to take a break and think about what you want.

There are several young Warriors working their businesses on the beaches of the world in a few minutes a day. That is the "lifestyle" dream many 100 hour a week working gurus sell to you, but, how much do you need to LIVE your daily dream NOW, and what do you really need to make it happen?

As for making money, keep it simple, sell what people want to buy...and make a profit when you do. Simplistic? ABSOLUTELY, but being done around the world even as you read this post.

Just some food for thought.

gjabiz

PS. Begin with defining what you want and why. Most can't do that, but once you do, plans emerge from everywhere to help you get what you want.

Relax, have FUN, go and Rock some Vans for crying in a bucket!!!