I could drive a Tesla. I don’t.
Instead, I drive a scratched-up Toyota Camry with a sticky cupholder and that looks like a golf ball because of hail damage.
It’s not that I couldn’t afford the upgrade. I could pay in cash or swing the $800/month payment.
But I work from home and spend little to no time behind the wheel. That purchase would fuel my ego, not my purpose.
I’m not willing to sacrifice one for the other, and neither should you.
Instead of buying the Tesla, I invest the money.
That investment isn’t as exciting.
But it does buy me something more valuable:
Time.
And when you understand that every decision is a trade…
You start designing your life differently.
Last month, I got a job offer with a higher salary than I make now.
But it wasn’t remote. I would’ve lost the flexibility I have — the freedom to travel, work on side projects, and be present at home.
It was another trade.
More money or more freedom?
I said no.
Not because I don’t want more money but because I’ve made the right financial trade-offs earlier on. And those decisions give me more options now because I don’t have to chase a higher paycheck.
I’m trading a different car and a different job for one important thing — freedom.
Life is trade-offs.
You don’t need to optimize for everything.
You just need to be clear about what matters most and make trades that move you closer to it.
Want more time?
Cut the car payment.
Want more freedom?
Spend less now so you can say no later.
Want peace of mind?
Pick the simple job with great culture over the chaotic startup with “potential.”
Trade like your lifestyle depends on it.
Because it does.
Two of my biggest values are freedom and flexibility. I make trades to optimize for them.
What trade are you making to move closer to the life you want?
Reply to this email. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
—Jake
P.S. Just because a new car isn’t worth it to me, doesn’t it shouldn’t be worth it to you.