Friday reads – volume 21

And here are the lineups…

Work-Life Balance is a Lie (Deserting Debt) 

When people talk about “work-life balance”, they are discussing it as if they are two totally unrelated things. Work and life coexist in such complicated ways that you must ensure that both are emotionally and mentally healthy.

What Are the Alternatives to Early Retirement? (Abandoned Cubicle) 

It would appear that the happiest nations (Denmark and other Scandinavian countries) are not even aware of early retirement, and get along just fine without it. Why wouldn’t they? The longest living, healthiest among us continue to work until their time on earth is done.

Why Middle Management Sucks (Accidental FIRE) 

I found out quickly that middle management is a tough place to be when upper management sucks. There’s tons of research and literature out there about the difficulties of middle management. It’s a job that forces you to constantly pivot between deference as a subordinate to seniors, and assertiveness as a leader of a large group. That’s a tough dance when you don’t agree with your seniors, and your subordinates don’t either.

If You’re Too Busy For These 5 Things, Your Life Is More Off-Course Than You Think (Inc ASEAN) 

When you choose to forego momentary gratification in order to have an enhanced future, you are investing in your future. Most people fail to do this successfully. Most people don’t purposefully invest in their finances, relationships, health, and time. But when you invest in yourself (and your future),you ensure your future present moments will continue to get richer and more enjoyable.

“Living off 50% of our income saved me in an unexpected way” (Budgets are Sexy) 

 I don’t know how I’d cope with that, but I agree it would be very nice to not have to worry about $$$ throughout it all. Which is usually a BIG one for households, particularly if the spouse that departs was the breadwinner!

And here’s a quote to round up the week.