Have you ever thought about how short life is?

We only get 85 years if we’re lucky. Yet we spend the majority of our time acting like someone we’re not.

In truth, I may not have recognized the correlation between financial independence and identity without my year off work.

That mini-retirement provided time to reflect, which allowed me to realize the fake identity starts during school. We are forced to learn subjects that are not interesting. We’re told how to dress, what time recess is at, and we are granted very little time to focus on subjects that actually interest us. 

Obviously some structure is needed at a young age, and our education system is better than no system at all.

But why not build structure around natural interests, and why not form an identity in earnest?

Related Post: Why the Education System should make Financial Education a Priority

My Interests Growing Up

In case you were wondering, I was interested in drawing, hockey, basketball, BMX biking and documenting. Yes, I was even into documenting before blogging existed. I had a micro-cassette voice recorder when I was in elementary school.

Based on natural ability, my best hobby ever was probably BMX biking. That’s the one that I might’ve had a chance at turning pro at considering my skill level and age at the time. I was pretty damn good at street riding, which is a style of riding.

Also, street riding is why I enjoy photography. It’s the same creative process.

For BMX biking, you’d set out riding to find a new ledge to grind, or a new set of stairs to jump. 

And with photography, you set out to find the perfect setup. 

I can only imagine being a kid in today’s internet age, because there is so much opportunity!

If I was 12 to 14 years old, I’d go all in on BMX biking. I would create a BMX brand. I would start a blog and Instagram about BMX biking, and I’d post as much as possible. 

I’m Still The Same Person

Nothing changed. I’m still the same exact person I was then. I’m still in my head with the same thoughts, and I’m still interested in the same things. It’s just a more advanced, self-aware version.

Frankly, sometimes I think kids know themselves better than adults. The friends and hobbies they choose aren’t influenced yet. It’s not about status or how they can climb up a ladder. It’s just natural. 

The point is—I identify with the person I was before I had to do all the bullshit that is supposed to define me now.

I’m not just the program I studied in College. I’m not what my LinkedIn profile says. I am not just some fucking title. And I’m not what anyone else wants me to be! 

How I spend most of my time now does not define me. It would only define me if I didn’t have an escape plan and I let my personal interests go.

Financial Independence is about Identity

The only time I’m truly myself is on the weekends or during vacations.

And to be honest, I even find it difficult to be myself on weekends. I usually need a day or so to shake that shit off. 

There’s a strange, foggy aura that prevents me from being myself like a cloudy day stops the sun from shining.

But that’s where financial independence can help. FI is about the freedom to pursue work you love and it’s about identity.

In short, financial independence allows you to establish your own culture. Since you no longer have to prove yourself or gain acceptance to trade time for money, you can spend your time doing things that actually matter. 

Financial independence is whatever style you want. It’s choosing your clothes without asking permission. It’s the ability to decide when you are hungry and when you want to eat. Furthermore, it affords you the opportunity to fail at your interests. FI is a great way to test out entrepreneurship. 

Related post: F.I.E.E. – Financial Independence Entrepreneurship Early

Concluding Thoughts

As always, I do want to say that I’m grateful for my job and I’m not complaining. 

I am merely stating that financial independence allows for the most natural identity.

If you’re not skilled enough to earn full-time income from your hobbies (like me rn), financial independence is the support system to acheive your dreams your way at your own pace. 

Of course, the main reason for FI is to own your time because time is limited. But in my opinion, financial independence is also about maintaining an identity.

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I am not a licensed investment or tax adviser. All opinions are my own. This post contains advertisements by Google Adsense. This post also contains internal links and links to RTC social media accounts.

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