Being a software dev, what is the fastest and safest way to financial freedom?

Congrats on the remission.

Financial freedom is a tough goal to explain for a number of reason. Most notably because it is different for each person. Myself I have a family and I consider us rich. Never missed a rent payment, always enough for cloths, food etc. How is that not rich?

That said, most people struggle with bills because outgo often exceeds income. The root of which is a failure to distinguish between need and want. So changing your question to how to I improve my money such that outgo is less than income - you use the most common method for fixing any habit - Write it down - everything - every penny. When you go shopping, you go with a list - not on the list - do not buy - oh you forgot to write down Milk? Write it now - do home - do you still need milk? Then go back and buy it. Yes a tedious exercise, but you might decide the impulse to buy milk is not worth the trip, or you will learn to write better lists. So yeah 10 beers at the pub i probably not on the list - so you would have to cut down on that.

Then it is time to invest, I recommend mutual funds. At your age, go for growth. Growth goes up and down more than anything else, but all the downs are typically fixed in 2 years, outside 5 years. Side corollary when you know you will need the money, about 5 years out, pull it from growth. But only if the market is good, if it is recovering, set a quantitative goal (like PE of 20), then pull it, as that should easily occur within the 5 years.

Avoid gambling and the lottery, those are just a tax on people who do not understand math.

If you can do a startup, on the side, sweet! Does your wife work?

I concur with those saying keeping the 9-to-5 is probably the most stable. It sounds like you've done some thinking and had some life realizations (which is good), and now are valuing things different in your life. This is perfectly normal and good. Of course if there are really bad reasons you don't want to go back (toxic environment, etc.) then don't.

But put it this way: if you go back, and it doesn't work out, you can always leave later. The worst that would happen is they would fire you or lay you off, and then you would get unemployment, which you probably wouldn't be able to collect if you quit.

Maybe going back to your job with your new perspective might even be healthier. Sometimes I just need to care less about my work, and more about my life.

Also, as someone who was self employed for a bit, never underestimate the value of health insurance, especially if you are likely to have medical costs. It's really expensive if you pay for it on your own. It honestly shocked me, and that was for just me, and I have no health conditions.

As for financial freedom, there are two parts: what you bring in, and what you spend. My first suggestion as a stoic would be keep your lifestyle simple. Don't let lifestyle inflation eat away your money for no reason. Having money allows you to save, invest, and take more risks.

Maybe you could start a side hustle to look for clients before you make a leap. Sometimes getting a taste will really change how you feel, and it's best to do that before making any changes that can't be undone.

Good luck.

I still believe it's real estate. As someone in the tech space, you should be able to do house hacking quite easily. Let that portfolio grow and then 1031 into larger commercial properties. If you work remote, it may be even easier. Happy to talk shop with whomever wants to.

I wouldn’t ignore your personal aspirations and go back to the 9-5. We only get one life. Live it how you want, for yourself. Sometimes that means doing scary things or things others don’t want you to do.

Financial freedom is a mindset and an approach to money where you always have more than you need. The way you achieve that is to spend less than you earn. Someone can be financially free working at a café.

I would radically reduce your spending to what is actually needed, to reduce pressure from quitting your job. Forget about being rich from quitting your 9-5 and realize you can be happier with less money. You can be happy without new clothes, a car, Netflix subscriptions, eating out, video games, etc.

If you want to freelance, my most effective strategy to acquire clients was to email startups looking for full time engineers and offer to do contract work for slightly lower rates on my own terms. Worked especially well for startups that had listings open for more than a few months. Most startups can’t afford decent engineers, so take advantage. That’s what I would do without a network.

If you have the skills you can find clients. Research freelancing. Be proactive. Take action. You will see results.

If you need any help or want to talk email me, it’s in my profile.

For many people, as soon as they have money they want to spend it, and to acquire even more. People really waste their money on things that don't matter (e.g. fancy car that is no more reliable or comfortable than a moderately priced one second hand) rather than setting themselves up with a home and all the tools and opportunities they need to pursue their hobbies.

Perhaps the problem is that people don't have hobbies. Maslow's Hierarchy culminates in self-actualisation. People become desperate when they get to this point thinking money can satisfy all their needs.

I know someone who lives on social security and is building soft X-ray generators in his shed (he has shown me). He made it out of rather crude parts (e.g. Vegemite jar). Built his own vacuum pump. He has the respect of countless colleagues, a kind nature and exceptional talent.

Today's culture of consumerism in the West has really been ingrained in to some people.