Evolving Towards Inefficiency

I am all about efficiency. I am all about optimization. The only reason I have been able to make this journey to financial independence and half retirement is that I have been ultra thoughtful about advanced planning. Whether it be work bursting or long term career plotting, I have never found it reasonable to waste time. Whether I am talking about seconds, minutes, hours or days, why not make the most of my time? This attitude has, for the most part, taken me exactly where I want to go. Yet, as I continue to build a life towards purpose, identity, and connection, I find myself evolving towards inefficiency.

Believe it or not, there is a dark side of optimization. It is the point where efficiency becomes less about options and joy, and more about anxiety.

It serves no one to rush through life.

The Financial Independence Paradox

I am finding financial independence quite the opposite of what I thought it would be. Before reaching financial freedom, I spent all my time thinking about my net worth. I rarely even consider it now.

Before my half retirement I was all about investing. I almost never check my accounts anymore.

I worry less about spending. My frugality gene is expressing itself infrequently in daily life. And I am altogether more chill about finances in general. I am almost embarrassed to admit it here.

I’ve changed. I am evolving towards inefficiency.

Tools Verse Values

I used to consider frugality a value. Now it seems more like a tool. Same goes for investing and most of personal finance. I have no innate love of saving money. I love what saving money can do for me.

To look at the other side of the coin. I now look at hard work as a value and not a tool. Pre Financial independence, it was definitely a tool. But now that I don’t need the money, I think of it more as a personal character trait.

I will always work hard. Even if I don’t need to. Because it is a value that helps solidify my identity. I can’t imagine letting go of this value just because I don’t need more money.

Evolving towards inefficiency, however, lets me use this skill in whichever way I choose. I can spend all day moving boulders around the back yard if I deem it a worthwhile use of my time. This may not be the most expedient way to get the job done, but it may just feel good to spend the day working hard.

Efficiency Has Lost It’s Allure

There is no longer a reason to be efficient. Although it has its own elegance, there’s no need for optimization stress. I can accomplish life tasks as cleanly or messily as I prefer. I can be lazy at times, and aggressive at others.

This is true freedom.

Final Thoughts

I am evolving towards inefficiency because post financial independence, this tool is only as good as it brings me joy. I have decided not to consider it a personal value, and therefore have no reason to allow it to dictate my life.

I certainly enjoyed efficiency when I was front loading the sacrifice and building a bridge to financial freedom.

Now that I have arrived at my destination, I may just decide to ditch it!