What would you consider a waste?
Putting yourself in a situation that you’ve never been before, and taking a chance? Going so far into the ocean that you’re forced to sink or swim and becoming more of a complete person because of it or.. staying in your comfort zone, and building your fortune for the future?
There’s no real correct answer, both have their merits, both have their pit falls. You could become more complete, yet lack the grounding financially to return to your comfort zone with a large amount of amassed treasures which you would’ve accumulated had you never left.
What do you value more? Time or money? If you value money, then you play it safe, if you value time. then you take risks when you’re young enough to do so, so in the event things don’t work out, you can always recover with time. You will probably get so comfortable amassing wealth and comfort at a young age that you’ll be reluctant to leave later on.
I came across this friend of mine in Europe on a brief trip I took there last week, it was interesting, we crossed paths a few years back when I was staying there, we are almost the same age and had a huge desire to explore, yet due to some circumstances beyond his control, he had to stay in his home city for an extended period of time. He took this set back as an opportunity to accumulate wealth in a comfortable environment that he was familiar with. He did very well, launched online companies, traded stocks successfully, and now owns properties, co-owns bars and is very well off.
We caught up at one of his establishments and reflected a little bit on the past few years. What was obvious to me was that he doesn’t regret making money but truly regrets not being able to freely roam the world without any baggage in his early 20s. He has a comfortable life now, but the burden he has now would make it impossible for him to enjoy the freedom that he could have had back a few years ago. He did end up being the most successful person he could be despite the curve ball life threw at him, and his dedication was inspiring.
Although, I feel as if I was lucky enough to balance out both of the desires of wealth and freedom, I can still come to respect the people that chose to lean more strongly on either one. However, doing neither and simply existing, that’s one thing I’d rather avoid.
Inside The University of Melbourne 