For about 25 years, I have been firmly planted in the fast-paced world of IT. From troubleshooting support tickets to architecting complex platform solutions, I’ve pretty much done it all. My career has spanned database administration, data warehousing, Business Intelligence development, software engineering, DevOps, and solutions architecture. I’ve been freelance, and worked for small family companies, large corporations, and global consultancies – a path that, for many, would signify success. My wife, too, has been a dedicated professional her entire working life, climbing the ladder in the insurance industry for many years to a position many would consider extremely successful

We’ve worked hard, we’ve earned well, and we’ve built a relatively comfortable life. We have the good fortune to live in the stunning Exmoor National Park where we own our home outright and have no debts. By conventional metrics, we are “doing things right and doing them well.” So, why have we decided to walk away from it all? The answer is surprisingly simple, yet profoundly complex: we are tired. Tired of the relentless churn. Tired of working just to pay an ever-increasing mountain of bills, often for things that do little to bring us pleasure or enhance our lives. Tired of seeing an ever increasing amount of our hard-earned money disappear into the higher and higher taxes, whilst the public services we get in return dwindle in both quality and quantity. More importantly we are tired of the relentless pressure on our mental health and the gnawing fear that we are meticulously planning for a retirement we might never be healthy enough, or even alive, to truly enjoy.

The Hidden Cost of the “Successful” Life

This isn’t a new phenomenon. The toll of continuous, high-pressure work is well-documented. Studies consistently highlight the links between long working hours and negative health outcomes. Research from sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) has shown that long working hours significantly increase the risk of stroke and ischaemic heart disease.

Beyond the stark physical risks, the mental health implications are equally grave. The constant stress, the lack of control, and the blurred lines between work and home life contribute to:

  • Increased Anxiety and Depression: A persistent sense of being overwhelmed can lead to chronic anxiety and, in many cases, clinical depression.
  • Burnout: A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. This isn’t just feeling tired; it’s a deep weariness that erodes motivation and performance.
  • Reduced Cognitive Function: Chronic stress can impair memory, focus, and decision-making, ironically making us less effective at the jobs we’re stressing over.

We felt these pressures acutely. Despite the beautiful scenery outside our window, our energy was often too depleted to truly appreciate it. Our weekends are often spent recovering from work just so we have the energy to start again the following week.

Our Investment in Freedom: More Than Just Money

Our decision to change our lives wasn’t impulsive. For a while we’ve been strategically investing, not really in financial assets, but in a lifestyle designed for minimal ongoing expenditure whilst protecting the environment in which we live. We understood that to truly break free, we needed to sever the chains of a high cost of living. Our home has become a testament to this philosophy where we’ve invested in:

  • Solar PV and Battery Storage: Generating our own electricity and storing it for use when we really need it reduces our energy bills and carbon footprint.
  • Solar Thermal: Harnessing the sun for hot water gives us another significant utility saving in the summer months.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: A simple yet effective way to cut down on water consumption, we flush toilets and wash laundry using harvested rainwater.
  • Extensive Home Insulation: External wall, cavity wall, and loft insulation ensure our home is warm in winter and cool in summer, drastically lowering heating needs.
  • Electric Vehicle: Minimal running and significantly reduced maintenance costs compared to petrol/diesel, especially when charged from our solar panels.

These investments weren’t about building ‘wealth’ in the traditional sense; they were about buying us freedom whilst minimising our impact on the environment. Every pound saved on bills translates directly into less time we need to spend earning and more time we can spend living.

The Shift: From Paying Bills to Living Life

Initially, our transition won’t be a full stop. We’re embracing a gradual descent from the summit of full-time employment. Instead of working for large corporations we will focus on work we can do in the local area, earning enough to live on whilst being part of the community the small rural community in which we live.

My wife will be working two days a week in a local shop, connecting with the small rural community where we live in a way that feels meaningful, rewarding, and less demanding than a corporate job..

And me? After decades in the digital realm, I’m stepping into a surprisingly tactile role: I’ll be driving the school bus for a couple of days each week.

These initial steps are designed to cover our significantly reduced essential expenditure. They are not about the acts of career progression or wealth accumulation that we are used to. They are about providing the necessary income to cover essential living costs whilst we explore more flexible, “on-demand” ways of earning in the long term.

The Unquantifiable Returns: Health, Happiness, and Exmoor

The true ‘return on investment’ in this lifestyle change isn’t measured in a spreadsheet. It’s measured in:

  • Restored Mental Clarity: The space to think, to breathe, to simply be, without the constant mental noise of work. This mental quietude is a powerful antidote to stress and fosters creativity and resilience.
  • Improved Physical Health: More time for walks on the moors, dips in the sea, gardening, or whatever physical activity brings us joy. The opportunity to cook healthy meals without rushing, and crucially, to get consistent, quality sleep. A study published in The Lancet highlighted how physical activity is associated with lower odds of depression and anxiety, and we’re ready to embrace that.
  • Deeper Connections: More quality time with each other, with friends, and with the community around us. No longer just existing side-by-side, but truly living and connecting.
  • Reconnecting with Nature: Living in Exmoor, this is paramount. The ability to spontaneously decide, “The sun is out, let’s hike Dunkery Beacon!” or “It’s a calm day, let’s explore a new part of the coastal path!” is the ultimate luxury. Nature’s restorative power on mental health is well-researched, with numerous studies linking exposure to green spaces to reduced stress and improved mood.

This is really the start of our journey and it is a testament to the idea that true success isn’t solely defined by a job title or a bank balance. It’s about crafting a life that supports your well-being, allows you to savour the present, and ensures that the “fruits of your labour” are actually consumed and enjoyed, not just endlessly accumulated. We’re trading the grind for the greater goods, and we invite you to consider what you’re truly working for.