Confused about life and business

[The_Social_Media_Company]

Hello friends,

I'm a 38 year old male living in London. I've come to a stage where I don't want to work. I want to roam the Earth and wander around as a free spirit. I'm confused because then I will not have money, houses, business, a happy wife. I just don't want to do it. Everyday I wake up and it's like what am I doing.

I recently lost some clients for my business so I'm not making any income, and am living of savings. I have about £8,000 of savings left and that will only last me a few months at most, much sooner if unforseen circumstances arise. My wife is a teacher and does agency work earning around £80/per day. I used to make around 4-5k per month.

I'm confused...do I follow my soul and live as a free spirit and feel alive or do I give in to the realities of economic life (bills, rent) and die within whilst living?

I have my Twitter/X account which I post my things on. Can I make revenue from this? But a major part of me wants to share my knowledge for free. I got knowledge because I think a lot of deep stuff in life.

Am I walking a dangerous path by not paying attention to the financial aspects of my life or do I trust the unknown. If I do that will I become a council house and job seeking allowance taker? I'm a bit scared and worried about the money side of my life and am happy and joyful about living like a free man.

Thanks in advance.

 

[HFE Signs]

I'm not sure if you're posting this in the right place, people here get excited about business and the scope to develop, improve and grow their businesses. It sounds like you have lost the enthusiasm or excitement that comes with business. Unfortunately, we live in a world where we need money to survive and more money means we can enjoy the nicer things too. I feel for you but maybe you just need to reset your career path. Best wishes

 

[japancool]

Sell the houses. Ditch the wife. Then you'll have money to roam the Earth.

 

[fisicx]

Yes, you are being very foolish to not consider the financial implications of everything you do.

Go get a job. Stack shelves in a supermarket, work in a bar, become a cleaner. Then consider how lucky you are to have a home and a wife.

Or do as @japancool suggests and sell up everything and head off somewhere. Excepot you won't be happy as it's not easy roaming the world. I did it for a while until I got ill then realised how lucky we are back here in the UK.

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

I don't have a house. I rent. What I meant in the initial post is...if I don't focus on my business. I won't have one in the future.

 

[HFE Signs]

How much savings did you have and how did you manage to save it? Maybe go back to what you were doing when things were going well?

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

I had around £77,000. I saved it because I had a social media agency and I got lucky with one client paying really well as they were growing super fast and I sort of ended up in the right place and the right time with them and latched on to their success. I wasn't spending anything. I was sleeping my an office which I rented for £250 per month and showered in gyms and leisure centres.

 

[HFE Signs]

I had around £77,000. I saved it because I had a social media agency and I got lucky with one client paying really well as they were growing super fast and I sort of ended up in the right place and the right time with them and latched on to their success. I wasn't spending anything. I was sleeping my an office which I rented for £250 per month and showered in gyms and leisure centres.

Why did it stop?

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

They matured as a business and decided to do the social media in house.

 

[fisicx]

You therefore have two options:

1. Get a job

2. Don't get a job and be evicted when you run out of money.

There a millions of people unhappy with the their life. Your dissatisfaction is nothing unusual.

 

[HFE Signs]

They matured as a business and decided to do the social media in house.

You should use them as a case study to show to others, there is good money in your services and with your skills you should be able to find plenty of paying clients. Don't give up just because something has gone wrong, thats life - overcome, adapt, improvise

 

[japancool]

Seriously, unless you're either rich or are willing to wander around on the cheap by backpacking and staying in hostels, then you're going to have to work.

Digital nomads such as YouTubers still work when they're travelling. YouTubers in particular make their travel part of their job. Unless you have some means of earning income while you wander, you won't be wandering for very long. Do you really want to be stuck in a far-off part of the world when your money runs out?

Get more social media clients.

 

[Nick@Daydot]

Hmm - interesting question for a business forum... but since you ask...
I'd say, follow your heart, and use your head to figure out how to do it. You don't need money to be happy although many of us think we do.

Either way you'll need shelter, clothes, food, at the very least. How have other people been able to achieve what you want? Personally I have no idea but there'll be stories out there.

You don't want to look back in a few years time with regrets.

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

You therefore have two options:

1. Get a job

2. Don't get a job and be evicted when you run out of money.

There a millions of people unhappy with the their life. Your dissatisfaction is nothing unusual.

Thank you everone.

Is there a 3rd option? Like having faith in the divine for intervention....because that's the direction I seem to be heading in and it scares me of my ownself.

I'm not sure if I've become too philosophical and deep about life that it's diverting my mind from the realities of life. I am fully aware of the realities of life I just don't seem to be doing anything about me working, either as a job or my own thing. Even if I am doing a little it is half hearted and my mind is not fully focused on it as it used to be like 24/7. Now I'm thinking about the deeper aspects of life 24/7 and applying them to my life. But this is taking me away from financial responsibilities that I should be looking after.

But it feels so good inside when I am in this state of mind where I am applying all the things I think about. I feel more confident within myself and have feelings and emotions I've never experienced before...nice feelings and emotions.

I see people with stable jobs and businesses doing fine and going about their life perfectly with families etc. My own family is financialy stable, but suck at personal relationships. To me the straight forward life path seems so boring and depressing. I used to be so motivated about my business back in 2012 when I first started by business. Just pick up the phone and call random business owners and ask if they need social media management. Now it is a struggle to get myself to pick up the phone and if I do force myself...I can't keep it going. I'll do it for an hour and then I won't for months.

I just want to live a simple life where I can always speak the truth and be my authentic self. I don't want to lie and sugarcoat things as you have to in sales when selling a service. It just feels messed up and wrong now. Before it was all about the money...do what you have to to get the client.

Thanks everyone for replying.

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

Hmm - interesting question for a business forum... but since you ask...
I'd say, follow your heart, and use your head to figure out how to do it. You don't need money to be happy although many of us think we do.

Either way you'll need shelter, clothes, food, at the very least. How have other people been able to achieve what you want? Personally I have no idea but there'll be stories out there.

You don't want to look back in a few years time with regrets.

This is something I should look into.

 

[fisicx]

So go get a job to pay the bills (someone else is responsible for the actual business) giving you lots of time to develop your philosophical direction.

You could run a debating club in the local pub, run an adult education class, wander and explore country at weekends.

Your personal journey is one that may take a while to discover. Mind didn’t really begin until I was 50. Up until then I’d headed in all sorts of directions. I’m now in a position where my outgoings are minimal giving me plenty of time to just be me.

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

Can I possibly ask you a question. Have you ever been in a position where financially you were at a point where you didn't know what to do and couldn't see a way out?

And if so what did you do? Was there uncertainty and fear?

Or have you been lucky to never have been in that situation?

 

[fisicx]

Can I possibly ask you a question. Have you ever been in a position where financially you were at a point where you didn't know what to do and couldn't see a way out?

And if so what did you do? Was there uncertainty and fear?

Or have you been lucky to never have been in that situation?

Many times. I just got another job or reduced my outgoings. I’ve never desired possessions or the need to be wealthy so changing my life was simpler.

I also do Tai Chi and practise mindfulness. It helps.

 

[hikiwari]

@The_Social_Media_Company, you keep talking in the singular, but you are married. Can we assume your wife shares your feelings of being a free spirit somewhere?

The idea of escaping to a quiet beautiful unspoilt part of the world and escaping the rat race sounds wonderful. Potentially you could both be nomad workers.

My wife is a teacher and does agency work earning around £80/per day

If your wife only earns £80 a day as an agency teacher, has she thought of doing online tuition for school kids and charging £50 per hour?

By doing that you could have an income anywhere.

Try it for three months or six months and see if it scratches the itch. You sound as though you're on the very edge of being in a desperate situation in life. Self-care and looking after each other is so important.

 

[Ozzy]

Was you happy when the agency was making loads of money and doing well? Did you enjoy the work you were doing at that time?

I'm wondering whether, just reading your comments, you're confidence has just taken a knock and you need a moment to get back on the horse again.

 

[BusterBloodvessel]

Could I suggest one idea - if your wife is a teacher, presumably she has 6 weeks off later in the year. Why not plan the "trip of a lifetime" or "be a nomad for 6 weeks". Save the money you have in savings now and use that upcoming trip as your motivation to either get stuck back into your business, or to pick up a job stacking shelves or whatever else it is you need to do. it might give you some drive and something to work towards.

Then when it comes to the 6 weeks - switch off, go and live life the way you're thinking about. You may find it the most spiritual and rewarding thing you've ever done and never want to come home! But you may also find it tough, not what you expected. It may be a way of not only trialling what you’re looking for but giving you some motivation to work towards it.

 

[Joseph K]

Life is full of ups and downs.

Don't despair, I would advise to do the following:

1. Get a job, for financial stability.
2. Seek professional advice for financial planning and for your well being.
3. When you become financially stable, and are able to pay your bills, then consider in having a part-time business.
Hope that helps.

Best wishes.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Just a couple of points I've picked up on:

The point of Job Seeking Allowance is that you have to show that you are seeking a job - in the current climate there are plenty, so just get one whilst you consider your forward options.

You absolutely don't have to or need to lie when selling services. Whilst slam selling definitely exists, reationship selling is all about building trust.

The problem, I suspect, is that you don't really believe in what you are selling. I was in a similar position about 7 years ago. Took time out & drove vans for a bit. It took 18 months to work out that the problem wasn't my industry, but my approach to it - as is often the case, putting distance (literally in this case) between myself and my business helped me to see things clearly and find a solution

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Can I possibly ask you a question. Have you ever been in a position where financially you were at a point where you didn't know what to do and couldn't see a way out?

And if so what did you do? Was there uncertainty and fear?

Or have you been lucky to never have been in that situation?

Yes, of sorts. I lost a well paying job and came within 2 weeks of losing everything including the family home and effectively spent several years ducking and diving, holding my hand out for help, and was fortunate enough to weather the storm. On one hand not having to do the 9 til 5 plus 4 hours travelling into and out of London each day gave me time to enjoy the simplicities of raising a young family a whole lot more. On the downside I lost the fire in my belly, the confidence to risk everything again and it took me a long time to get back into the real world. Only now when I look back can I hold my hands up and say I've never recovered, that 'my time' was 30 years ago. Your looking at a different concept altogether but I'd get your eggs ($$$$) in a row before making any hasty decisions.

My wife is a teacher and does agency work earning around £80/per day.

A mate of mine is earning that per hour doing online tutoring - to 'A' level standard whilst on his travels. He has a good CV and many years teaching experience in a top school, and built his reputation face to face first, but might be worth looking into?

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

@The_Social_Media_Company, you keep talking in the singular, but you are married. Can we assume your wife shares your feelings of being a free spirit somewhere?

The idea of escaping to a quiet beautiful unspoilt part of the world and escaping the rat race sounds wonderful. Potentially you could both be nomad workers.

If your wife only earns £80 a day as an agency teacher, has she thought of doing online tuition for school kids and charging £50 per hour?

By doing that you could have an income anywhere.

Try it for three months or six months and see if it scratches the itch. You sound as though you're on the very edge of being in a desperate situation in life. Self-care and looking after each other is so important.

Hello,

I don't know what she wants deep down. She says so but we have a lot of expectations from family to stay put and follow the traditional path. I guess she'd be fine with a stable family path.

Yes we are advertising for tuition online for £35 per hour for one 2 one classes and £20 for group but there are just 2 or 3 students signed up. I made 3D social media animated content for her to use.

Edge of a desperate situation yes, I am moving from a a 2 bedroom flat to a studio on Feb 10th. I have furniture which I have to sell because it won't fit in a studio, which I haven't even found yet. Have been looking though.

Thank you for your reply.

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

Was you happy when the agency was making loads of money and doing well? Did you enjoy the work you were doing at that time?

I'm wondering whether, just reading your comments, you're confidence has just taken a knock and you need a moment to get back on the horse again.

I was happy yes but not because I was making reasonably decent money. I was enjoying the freedom of being alone in my office and just being able to do my work. I did give my 100% and more to it. Money was there and of course that made it comfortable, even though I chose to stay in my office. I didn't want to spend on rent. In the beginning it wasn't, I had to watch what I was spending, eating one meal a day and driving my mums car. Then I got lucky with that one client who started to grow and I happened to be the person managing their social media at the time.

I feel that any kind of remote work where I can be left alone to just get on with it would be ideal. I'm a bit of an anti social and don't really like the office politics and games you have to play. I just want to do my work in the comfort of my own space and do it as best as I can. I used to like talking to the business owners though, with them I'd talk for 20-30 mins on the phone and that was fine.

I did travel to 3 or 4 different countries and I took my laptop with me where I would be able to do my work. Also, every now and then I'd go to some nice places in the UK for a night in a hotel in the countryside with my laptop.

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

Just a couple of points I've picked up on:

The point of Job Seeking Allowance is that you have to show that you are seeking a job - in the current climate there are plenty, so just get one whilst you consider your forward options.

You absolutely don't have to or need to lie when selling services. Whilst slam selling definitely exists, reationship selling is all about building trust.

The problem, I suspect, is that you don't really believe in what you are selling. I was in a similar position about 7 years ago. Took time out & drove vans for a bit. It took 18 months to work out that the problem wasn't my industry, but my approach to it - as is often the case, putting distance (literally in this case) between myself and my business helped me to see things clearly and find a solution

Thanks for replying.

Not just my work but the whole world and the way it currently works seems like a facade. I want to break free of this facade and live in an authentic way but how can anyone do that when the whole system is like that?

This comes to my original problem I guess..breaking free but at what cost? I don't want to betray myself and give in to societal pressures and norms but at the moment I may have to. Because the alternative is kinda scary and giving me sleepless nights.

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

Yes, of sorts. I lost a well paying job and came within 2 weeks of losing everything including the family home and effectively spent several years ducking and diving, holding my hand out for help, and was fortunate enough to weather the storm. On one hand not having to do the 9 til 5 plus 4 hours travelling into and out of London each day gave me time to enjoy the simplicities of raising a young family a whole lot more. On the downside I lost the fire in my belly, the confidence to risk everything again and it took me a long time to get back into the real world. Only now when I look back can I hold my hands up and say I've never recovered, that 'my time' was 30 years ago. Your looking at a different concept altogether but I'd get your eggs ($$$$) in a row before making any hasty decisions.


A mate of mine is earning that per hour doing online tutoring - to 'A' level standard whilst on his travels. He has a good CV and many years teaching experience in a top school, and built his reputation face to face first, but might be worth looking into?

Thank you. I've had this thought recently that could the last few years have been the best of my life in terms of finance and from here on financially I'm not ever going to be in that position again. Is this something I should come to accept. This is a reality that could come to pass. I try to look at the way life is rather than thinking as an individual and "oh this won't happen to me" Life is and does happen and it doesn't care about any one individual.

It would fit the way nature works...you build a home at your peak, you mate, have kids and then its all about maintaining. I missed the build a home boat because I was selfish with my freedom and this is the price I have to pay now perhaps.

 

[IanSuth]

Hello,

I don't know what she wants deep down. She says so but we have a lot of expectations from family to stay put and follow the traditional path. I guess she'd be fine with a stable family path.

Yes we are advertising for tuition online for £35 per hour for one 2 one classes and £20 for group but there are just 2 or 3 students signed up. I made 3D social media animated content for her to use.

Edge of a desperate situation yes, I am moving from a a 2 bedroom flat to a studio on Feb 10th. I have furniture which I have to sell because it won't fit in a studio, which I haven't even found yet. Have been looking though.

Thank you for your reply.

Don't know where in the country you are but that is well low

Around here in Berkshire - people are paying unqualfied Uni students £25ph to online tutor ALevel students

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

he last few years have been the best of my life in terms of finance and from here on financially I'm not ever going to be in that position again

How old are you?
Colonel Sanders fried his first bit of chicken when he was 40 years old and was 62 when he franchised his secret recipe!

I was somewhere in between when I hung up my 'employed' suit!

 

[The_Social_Media_Company]

We're in London, Bromley.

I have made a website for her

How old are you?
Colonel Sanders fried his first bit of chicken when he was 40 years old and was 62 when he franchised his secret recipe!

I was somewhere in between when I hung up my 'employed' suit!

I'm 38.

 

[fisicx]

Around here in Berkshire - people are paying unqualfied Uni students £25ph to online tutor ALevel students

That’s very cheap. I stopped tutoring about 10 years ago and even then I was charging £45 for a level tutoring.

From March until exam time I was earning huge amounts. Two students per day and 4 on Saturday earned me about £500/week