I don't have to love my work to collect that paycheck

The idea of having to work for a living just bothers the hell out of me. It's not that I mind the work I do, it's the power dynamic that I don't like. Having to come in every day, regardless of the season, because I know I need that income to survive. The idea that at any time I can be tossed out for any reason that isn't my tribe. Hell, if I suddenly became a billionaire, I'd probably go to work, at least at first. But I'd feel free knowing that I didn't have to. Even if I had a job petting kittens, the power difference hanging over my head would kill the enjoyment.

At first, I spent a lot of time reading about investment and financial independence. Then I realized that living a bare-bones life while working so that I can hope to live a bare-bones life of my investments in 20 to 30 years wouldn't be fun either. What would I do once I became financially independent? And what if I died in the meantime? I want to keep enjoying myself along the way.

I've thought about starting a business, but I don't have any ideas or business acumen. I've seen my dad spend nearly 20 years trying to get businesses off the ground but never striking it rich. I don't think I could work nearly as hard as he does, or love it as much as he does.

I don't have a right to complain. I have a well-paying professional job with decent people that isn't too stressful. I'm not even depressed, or at least I don't think I am. I'm making new friends, maintaining my relationships with friends and family, and trying new things in a new city. Money makes all that possible.

The fact that I have to spend at least eight hours of my time per day making someone else's yacht payments will always rankle me, but hey, I don't have to love my work to collect that paycheck.