FIRE.082 We PASSED the Joneses today

I was thinking about this whole “keeping up with the Joneses” thing the other “WE-day” when my wife and I were driving on the freeway at 11a and drove past dozens and dozens of office parks with smallish businesses.  When driving past these businesses, I always think about how half of the people in the US are employed by smallish businesses, nearly all of which we’ve never heard of.  I’ve always had the tendency to think large Mega-Corps were the big employers but that’s a fallacy according to the statistics.  

As we drove by, I thought about the employers, and then I thought about the employees.  I realized many of these employees follow the weekly grind of wake, prep, drive work, drive, evening time, sleep, repeat.

Grinding Pressures:

I wondered about the pressures causing their personal push into the weekly grind, or worse, the 9-to5-to-65 grind.

I wondered if their push related to the newer cars in the parking lots.  I wondered about their homes and the niceties they may have.  I wondered if they need to take large amazing vacations to decompress from the weekly grind. 

Upper Frugal

I mentally compared our older used vehicles and the starter home we’ve lived in for almost 30 years to the Joneses lifestyle.   Were we missing out on such niceties?  Or, do we secretly possess the ultimate (in our minds) luxury of daily time, instead of a luxury temporary vacation?

We were lucky today.  We were out-and-about enjoying a special time together during the middle of the week, middle of the day—truly living off-peak.

UPDATE:   I was sitting in the dentist waiting area and noticed everyone seemed to be enjoying their (working) day.  I wondered, what percentage of people enjoy their working day.

In re-reading this post, I admit that I’m biased to think that the lifestyle we chose. and live. is preferential to us specifically.  Our choices are not the best choice for most people.  No, not at all.  As I’ve stated before, I’m just sharing my thoughts about our path and journey in life up to this point.

Everyone’s mileage may vary.  Please do one this…enjoy each day.

*** Nothing in this article is to be construed as financial advice.  I am not a financial planner, nor do I pretend to be.  You should always consult your own professional when seeking advice.

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