Changes at work led to new ideas that spurred the start of a business idea.  However, given financial obligations, pursuing starting a new business was not an option.

The typical advice leads to little in savings and thus to be financially free would take until old age.

Financial obligations can tie you into dependence on an employer and thereby confine you from 8-5 plus commute time or some variant thereof.

1.  These are all factors that engage the body, mind or soul.  These factors such as socializing with friends and family, spirituality, having a sense of purpose, helping or being kind, expressing or experiencing gratitude, enjoying nature, exercising, sleeping, consuming nourishing food, setting and pursuing goals, meditation, having a sense of agency.  All these factors are free – thus the philosophy that the best things in life are free (once basic needs are met).  

Many studies have shown that people derive some level of happiness in the process of comparing to those around them.  

Deaton & Kahneman: emotional happiness does not increase beyond a salary of ~$75K but life satisfaction continues to increase beyond that point. 

Easterlin: despite the increase in wealth over time, happiness levels on the average is not greater today than in the past (after basic needs are met). 

Lyubomirski:  “income and happiness are indeed significantly correlated, although the relationship isn’t super-strong.”

Santos: social comparison plays a big role in determining happiness. She presents examples including the study of olympic medalists, workers who are unemployed in places of higher vs lower levels of unemployment, and social comparison on social media sites.

Except for the ability to acquire more possessions there is much overlap – including more leisure time, financial security, greater autonomy and control.