Fellow humans,
Joining the military at 18 years old and serving for 12 years is how my professional journey started. Less than one year after separating from the military, I was hired in the Bitcoin industry by a Bitcoin financial services company called BlockFi, and worked there for 219 days. Last Thursday, November 18, was my first day of retirement.
I had no expectations at the beginning of my journey, but hard work and faith in God always leads to success.
Retirement can have different meanings for different people. Both of my grandfathers are retired, and their retirements are basically the same — no more working, fixed income, and enjoying life as a senior citizen. My version of retirement will be much different. I’ve retired from the rat race, which means I’m done chasing employment for the sake of a salary/job security.
Not that I’m super wealthy, but I’ve made enough money with bitcoin and have other income to stop working for many years. Also (and most importantly), I’ve learned to manage money to the point of zero debt, and extreme consumerism is a thing of the past for me. Fancy cars and clothes? No thanks. Although my ducks might be in a row, now is not the time to become complacent.
There is never a time to become complacent.
The military has taught me a lot, working different jobs has taught me a lot, and 31 years of life has taught me a lot. I have no plans to retire in the traditional sense. I have no desire to start taking vacations, golfing, or other typical retirement activities. In fact, after a short period of mental/emotional decompression, I’ll soon find a new way to make money.
I already know the only way to avoid the rat race is to continue working hard while pursuing my goals. If I kick back and become arrogant or satisfied with my circumstances; my opportunities will vanish, and I’ll become somebody’s employee all over again. For those of us who absolutely despise the rat race, what’s the meaning of working hard? I’m glad you asked.
The first real step to accomplish anything is showing up. Want to be a great parent? Show up for the kids. Want to graduate school? Show up for class. Want to keep your job? Show up for work. Can’t work hard if we never show up. We have a saying in the military — right place, right time, right uniform.
I’m not concerned about what I’m going to do or how I’m going to make money for the rest of my life. I’ve never been the type of person who worries about what my whole life will consist of. The only part of my life that I can control is right now, and the only plans I feel confident making are for the next year or so.
People might ask me, “what’s your plan?” or “what’s your next step?” My ultimate plan is to stay independent, and my next step is to find a new way to stay independent. I’ve made plans my whole life, and most of them never see the light of day, so I’ll try something new. I’m in a great position to do exactly what I’m doing right now, so why not take advantage?
Walk by faith, not by sight.
If COVID hasn’t taught us flexibility and resiliency, then I doubt we’ll ever learn. Some people have adapted and overcame the challenges of the pandemic, and some people have become more dependent on government programs. I don’t mind changing directions and walking a different path. I don’t mind starting over and re-applying the basics.
I love the unknown.
I’ve also never been the type of person who wants to have the same career forever. I like doing and learning new things. For example — I’ve never worked on a farm, but I would gladly leave my military and bitcoin talents on the back burner to bale some hay with the Amish. Life has so much to offer, why not explore?
Yes, I’m taking a lot of risk. Yes, I quit a stable career with a salary of $65k and full benefits. Yes, I understand most people cannot comprehend my lifestyle. However, everything I’m doing feels right, and makes sense to me. Plus, numbers don’t lie. I feel free, and although freedom comes with many benefits and some power, freedom also comes with responsibilities.
The first and most important responsibility is managing my own schedule, specifically the importance of waking up and staying awake when it’s time to wake up. I’ve been aware of this concept all along, but I’m more conscious now. Before, I needed to stay awake in order to arrive at school/work on time. Now I have the option to sleep all day, because my schedule is basically wide open.
My alarm went off at 7:35am today, and of course I felt like going back to sleep. I literally told myself (internal monologue) to “stay awake.” Fun fact — not everybody has internal monologue. Some people do not talk to themselves in their thoughts. Weirdos. Just kidding.
The important lesson is staying committed to the first step, especially when the first step feels uncomfortable. No matter how many hours I sleep, I always wake up feeling tired, basically dead. Going back to sleep always feels super desirable every morning, but also the least responsible option. I’m guaranteed to accomplish nothing while sleeping too much.
We can do whatever we want in life, as long as we actually do what we want. Thinking and planning are not the same as doing. I must come off as a broken record sometimes, talking about taking action as often as I do. I just don’t see any other way to find success.
Until next time,
Salvatore Norge
P.S. — Bitcoin is not dead yet. Volatility works in both ways: up and down. Don’t play the game for gains without the will to weather the storm.