Financial Freedom: Don't Count on That Lasting Long

 This kicked in about three years ago: Too many who had assumed they had achieved financial freedom and turned on the off-duty sign realized they had to earn income again from working. Some had been part of the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement. Others had felt financially safe with their Social Security, Medicare, savings and investments. 

Inflation, stock market volatility and unexpected expenses such as out-of-pocket payments for medical bills had blown up the expectation of total financial freedom. At least for non-billionaires. Even the millionaires started coming to me for coaching. 

The tough lesson for them and for anyone who considers exiting the labor market/closing up their business is that it has become increasingly difficult to re-enter. 

In terms of barriers to re-entry the top one is technology. They hadn't kept up. For example, they didn't even know, never mind become skilled in managing, how AI had taken over everything from the format of resumes to how interviews are conducted to how actual work is done. 

There was also not being at all work-ready in an era when so much had changed. Too many wouldn't dumb down their credentials by deleting advanced degrees. Proud of their fine education and all their experience they also blew the interviews they got by not focusing only on the results they could deliver in-the-now for employers. And cheaper than other applicants. Their expectations for compensation were 20th-century. 

So here you may be now, no longer financially free. Your skills, including technical, and your work-readiness have atrophied. What do you do? 

Well, you do what people have done for decades who had to get work after not working for a while or never. They grabbed whatever they could. Then went on from there. 

That was the classic pattern for late-20th century stay-at-home wives whose households needed a second income. Yes, being out there working will then attract better work. A likable guy operating the desk at my fitness center is receiving a number of job leads from those of us with contacts. Had they been home in isolation applying for jobs there would be no such edge.

Meanwhile get over the shame of running low on money. That's become the usual state of being in 2026. 

Earning a Good Living in 2026 Involves Mental Combat. The enemy is usually your own thinking.

Complimentary consultation. No Pressure. Solid Guidance. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.


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