I can totally relate, I have been working for myself forever and still get these kinds of reactions from friends and people I meet - a little less now since remote working is more popular, but it still happens.

It used to get to me until I realized what matters is not what they think - it's my interpretation of their reaction. Deep down I felt judged, like I was doing something wrong; like I should be in the fiat grind with them as well - suffering in a 9/5 I hate.

I would feel that pain and then refocus on the joy I felt in my life choices - a 9/5 was never what I wanted for myself, and what brings me the most joy is fully owning my time! My time-freedom was always far more valuable to me than a false sense of security in the form of a stable pile of colourful pieces of paper.

Instead of getting offended, I empathize with them now - most often they do not believe it is possible for themselves and so it's a projection onto us - even if we are embodying the possibility. They must believe it for themselves - that they can free themselves as well. I can only do what I believe is best for me while they do what they believe is best for them.

Sincere congrats on taking that step :) I think we are all going towards this world beyond fiat and thanks to Bitcoin it will be inevitable ✨