Don’t let anything or anyone take away your freedom to choose where you want to go

Not long ago, I was catching up with some fellow software developers. As we talked, I realized something that might sound surreal to others: the level of freedom we have in this field is truly remarkable.

One of them lives in the countryside. He raises chickens, owns cattle… and writes software. He chose that lifestyle because it’s quieter, more peaceful, more in touch with nature. And thanks to remote work, he can make it all work without sacrificing his professional career. It’s his choice, and he’s living it fully.

But not everyone can say the same.

Some of my colleagues expressed frustration. They wanted to make changes in their lives, move, study something new, spend more time with family. But their current jobs won’t allow it. They feel trapped, living a routine they didn’t choose, quietly accumulating a kind of agony that pushes them toward one inevitable outcome: quitting everything to chase what they really want. Sadly, when someone reaches that breaking point, it usually comes at the worst time, without a plan, support, or stability.

I’ve learned that the smartest thing is to find balance. To know what’s negotiable in your life and what’s not. To stay conscious of the kind of life you want to live and never lose sight of your priorities. Freedom isn’t just about changing jobs or moving; it’s about choosing where you want to go on purpose.

Don’t let anything or anyone take that freedom from you. Protect it. Own it. Because if you don’t choose your path, someone else will, and when you finally wake up, you might be far from the place you really wanted to be.

How to Start Planning Your Exit

Here’s what you can do to start planning your way out wherever you are right now:

1. Save Like Crazy

Yes, it sounds cliché. But really, save aggressively. Save so much that you won’t mind going five months without a job if it means transforming your life.
Track a personal budget and see where you can cut back. Watching Netflix? Not essential 😉

2. Get a Part-Time Job

This gives you extra income and the opportunity to gain experience and apply skills that you might not be using in your current role.

3. Talk to Your Peers

There are always new projects floating around. Everyone has that one colleague who’s always starting something new. Join in. Explore. Try new things.

4. Use Your Vacation to Test Ideas

Not sure how to start? Take some vacation time and use it to plan, think, and experiment. It works.