I hear you man. I feel I’m pretty much at the top of my game experience- and knowledge-wise. My close rate on sales is exceptional. Customer service issues near zero. I’ve built and implemented the business processes that nearly every dollar that flows into my current employer’s company passes through. I’ve introduced and trained staff on software and project management tools that have leveraged everyone in the organization’s time by 2x. I’m currently getting stonewalled on negotiated quarterly profit sharing bonuses that would offset inflation to a great degree, and certainly more than the first (and only) 2.9% insult of a raise I got at the end of year 3. All of this while the company continues to make large non essential capital purchases to erase anything I could point to as net profit. If there were an abundance of other competitive opportunities up here I would have jumped ship long ago.

I’ve understood for a while now that employment has now just become a great way to stay on zero (or backslide into credit debt by half a grand per month). Employment in this country has been a hamster wheel for a long time. Running really hard and not moving forward. Now it’s a hamster wheel sliding backwards down a 6-12% incline.

I’m working on a sideline while I still have the energy to work a ten hour day AND stay up half the night creating content and tools. I’m done building other people’s empires.

I was a carpenter foreman running 15 guys. The pay was great, really great, but I couldn't handle the environment and nepotism within the company. So I made the switch to a simple maintenance carpenter job at a small facility VERY close to home. It was the best decision I've ever made..

I was literally going crazy and suicidal working the other job. I took a huge paycut coming here (almost 30%) but I've been able to amass more capital from not driving 3 hours per day. Plus its such a relaxed environment, and I get to have coffee with my wife and kid everyday here. I got my sanity back, which really helped my relationship with my family.

Hope this helps. Good luck

Whats wrong with withdrawing fiat?

The fact that you are taking steps to take more control of your life and lifestyle, is a huge advantage for you. The way you think about your future will move you forward in that direction.

You aren’t alone. Similar situation here. Keep grinding and do what makes sense to you. In the end, dolla bills will not matter.

I've gone through a similar story, stepped down from management and my life is better than ever because i got to keep the same salary.

The different here is i realized early on that I dont need a car loan, i am just fine with a used car.

I dont need brand name things, actually prefer clothing without logos.

I only use credit for gas and utilities.

I paid $700 for my used car 5 years ago and its running like a wristwatch still.

Stacking sats, staying away from trends, moving to the country were the best decisions of my life.

I am able to provide more for my family as times goes by.

Climbing the corporate ladder and then climbing half way back down has given me the experience and knowledge of a director with the responsibility of a minimum wage worker while retaining expertise and allowing me to complete 8 hours of work in 2 hours a day.

My life involves alot of gardening, mining and zapping people on nostr.

Good job on growing your own food!

Mate, I feel this!

In the middle of a career purplepatch that is 15 years in the making, finally reaping what I sowed. All the late nights, early starts, self-education, bumps and bruises along the way are now bearing fruit.

It’s pushing me upwards in the hierarchy which 5-6 years ago I thought I would eventually want that but now I dread having seen what it’s done to others who went that route before me. None have become happier, all are in poorer health, they’re more stressed and have even less time for family or life in general.

I’ve already decided my own path though which has been incredibly empowering. For now I walk the tightrope whilst I get my ducks in a row, I’ll probably be forced to take one more step up the corporate ladder which I can bear but ultimately I will be getting off at that point on my own volition.

The “template life” of go to Uni, get a job, buy a house with a massive mortgage, slave away until your 70 was never my direction so whilst my peers will think I’m crazy, friends and family will understand and ultimately I will be happier.

Sometimes you’ve got to take a leap and back yourself, not just follow the herd because everyone else is.