In case you missed it, here is the previous part:
Year 2: “Balancing Side Hustles, Mistakes, and the True Cost of Growth”
By the time I entered Year 2 of my FIRE journey, I had come a long way from the exhausted corporate worker I once was. But this year didn’t follow the neat path I expected. It was more of a rollercoaster—full of highs, lows, and some unexpected twists. As I learned from Year 1, the FIRE journey isn’t linear, and that was certainly the case in Year 2. The good news was that I was still gaining momentum, and my mindset had begun to solidify, though the challenges were never too far behind.
Stepping into New Beginnings
The first major change came when I officially left my full-time job at Starwood Hotels. I had been hustling between my day job and side freelance gigs, but when I reached a tipping point where the stress of managing both was overwhelming, I took the plunge and quit my corporate job. I was now fully relying on my side hustle, hoping to make it work for the long haul. There was a sense of exhilaration, but also anxiety—could I make enough money freelancing? Was I cutting off a safety net too early?
The transition to full-time freelancing wasn’t as glamorous as I’d hoped. No longer tethered to the steady paycheck, I had to learn how to operate my own business, manage client relationships, and keep myself accountable. The early days were full of mistakes, missed opportunities, and yes, a bit of panic. But I also started to see the freedom that came with being my own boss, and that’s when everything started to click.
Side Hustles and Growing Pains
I kept pushing myself, taking on new freelance projects, some of which were incredibly rewarding, while others—well, let’s just say they weren’t as exciting. But each new project taught me something valuable. I started to realize that building a successful freelance career wasn’t just about landing bigger clients, it was about developing a reputation, being consistent, and, more importantly, learning how to say no.
For example, I was approached by a tech startup that was growing fast. The salary they offered seemed tempting at first, but after some serious reflection, I realized that their work culture didn’t align with my values, and it wasn’t a good fit for my long-term goals. Turning them down was hard, but necessary. My time was valuable, and it was crucial that I protected it by only saying yes to opportunities that truly advanced my FIRE goals.
The biggest challenge in Year 2 wasn’t necessarily financial—it was mental. I was constantly battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Every time I landed a new client, I would wonder if I had what it took to handle the workload. Every new project felt like a test. Would they like my work? Would they pay me what I was worth? These thoughts crept in often, but I learned to combat them by focusing on the value I was offering and the progress I had made.
The Temptations of Instant Gratification
Despite my focus on building a sustainable income, Year 2 also introduced some unexpected temptations. With the rise in my freelance income, it felt like I could finally enjoy some of the things I had put off in Year 1. I began to treat myself more, especially with the things I had always dreamed of, like new gadgets, luxury items, and travel. It was easy to convince myself that I “deserved” these purchases.
One of my biggest indulgences was an impulse purchase that I’m still somewhat embarrassed about: I booked a last-minute first-class flight to a dream destination I had wanted to visit for years. I justified the splurge by telling myself it was an experience I would never forget, but deep down, I knew it was a poor financial decision. My FIRE journey had been about cutting back and prioritizing saving, yet here I was, going the opposite direction.
The purchase was a wake-up call. It was a clear sign that I was using consumerism as a way to cope with stress. I was falling into the trap of trying to buy happiness, thinking that material possessions would make me feel more fulfilled. This mindset was dangerously close to the same consumer culture I had been trying to escape when I first started my FIRE journey.
I realized that in trying to escape the monotony of work and financial stress, I had used exercise and consumerism as distractions, rather than confronting the real issues. The guilt from these purchases lingered, but it wasn’t all for nothing—it taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of mindful spending and keeping my long-term goals at the forefront.
The Exercise Overload
Another mistake that became apparent in Year 2 was my overzealous attempt to manage stress through exercise. My first year had been focused on building the foundation for FIRE, but in Year 2, I thought that exercise would be the perfect outlet to release the pressures I was feeling. I began to exercise obsessively, spending hours at the gym each day, trying to burn off stress and avoid confronting my personal and financial issues.
This wasn’t about health; it was about running away from my problems. I had developed a routine where I would go to the gym first thing in the morning, spend an hour on the elliptical, and then return after work for several more hours. It wasn’t about fitness anymore—it was a coping mechanism.
The tipping point came when a gym employee asked if I was training for a marathon. That’s when I realized I was using exercise to avoid confronting the tough realities of my life. It wasn’t sustainable, and it certainly wasn’t healthy. I wasn’t treating my body with respect; I was using it as an outlet for my stress. Once I recognized this, I knew I needed to change.
So, I made a conscious decision to scale back my gym time and focus on more intentional, balanced fitness routines. Instead of spending hours on the elliptical, I switched to weightlifting, which was more efficient and better for my physical and mental well-being. I had to stop running from my issues and face them head-on. I started spending more time with friends, prioritizing my mental health, and being present in my relationships. This was a huge turning point in my journey toward not only financial independence but also emotional well-being.
Realizing the True Cost of “Success”
Year 2 really emphasized the cost of success—not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and physically. As I tried to juggle multiple side hustles, manage my time, and still enjoy life, I realized that there is no such thing as true success without balance. While my financials were improving, my mental health and relationships were beginning to suffer.
It was a wake-up call. I had spent so much time in “grind mode” that I hadn’t noticed how it was affecting me. The lesson here was clear: financial success is just one part of the equation. To truly achieve FIRE, I had to work on maintaining a healthy balance in all aspects of my life.
Year 2 Reflection: Growth, Mistakes, and Next Steps
Looking back, Year 2 was a year of growth—though not without its mistakes. I learned that even though freelancing offered me freedom, it also came with new challenges I hadn’t anticipated. I was managing stress through unhealthy means and indulging in consumerism to cope with the pressures of my new lifestyle.
But these mistakes weren’t failures; they were lessons. They taught me about the importance of mindful spending, the dangers of overexercising, and the need for balance in my life. Most importantly, they reminded me that the FIRE journey isn’t just about saving money; it’s about living a meaningful, intentional life that aligns with your values.
What’s Next?
As I head into Year 3 of my FIRE journey, I am more aware of the importance of balance. I’ve adjusted my lifestyle to be more in tune with my goals—financially and personally. I’ve learned to make smarter decisions, not just with my finances but also with my time and energy. My work is no longer a source of stress—it’s a tool that supports the life I want to live.
The lessons from Year 2 have been invaluable, and I’m excited to continue building on them in the coming years. While the road to FIRE is long, I now understand that it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey. I can’t wait to see where this path leads next.
Year 2 Recap:
- Freelance income: Increased as I started focusing full-time on side hustles.
- Spending: While I splurged on some indulgences, I learned valuable lessons about mindful spending.
- Net Worth: Grew, but not as quickly as I had hoped due to some costly mistakes.
- Personal Growth: Took the time to focus on fitness and mental health, realizing that a balance of success is key to a happy FIRE journey.
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