But what have I achieved?
I stepped into the rat race as a noob (nobody uses this word now, I admit I'm old), being tekan by unhelpful "seniors" who thankfully left after 1+ year of torture and earning lesser than my peers, to slowly building up my confidence, emerging stronger and being more courageous to say "No", proving myself along the way and getting rewarded with better bonuses and increments.
I know I'm working just for the money (and the medical benefits that comes with it).
If I look at the money, so far, I should be doing it right in my career. I've decent bonuses and decent increments. I'm in a general profession, but I'm doing pretty ok.
So what has my 5 years of work got me?
Money.
Through employment, coupled with my thrifty habits, I managed to hit $100k savings at 25
...
I read through your article (though inconclusive) and your goals. I like to mention that you are not doing badly. However, since you have already feeling a sort of vacuum (a sense of not been fulfilled) in your paid job, I want to assure you that the feeling will continue to grow worse as you scale through career ladder. The earlier you start planning your exit, the better. you need to be definite about the age you intend to quit your 8-5pm job, otherwise you will just keep procrastinating. One thing I know is that,nothing can stand on the path of the person that is determined and resolute about his goals. That does not mean there won’t be obstacles. But the doggedness in him will make him overcome the obstacles.