The Point of No Return

Joshua Fields Millburn of The Minimalists on why he walked away from a six-figure corporate career at 29 to pursue writing and a more meaningful life.

The decision

On 1 March 2011 he left a large telecom company after 12 years. He'd climbed from 18-year-old sales rep to director of operations and regional manager, running up to 100 people across 16 stores. He was very good at it: top sales awards, a strong team, people asking to follow him when he left. He tells you this not to impress you, but to show that success by the usual measures still wasn't enough. He wasn't pursuing his passions or his mission.

Why

To focus on his passions, writing (essays and fiction), and on contributing to others, including charity work.
He didn't hate his job, or his boss, who helped arrange an amicable exit. What he was quitting was a lifestyle without meaning, not a job.

How he could afford it

Cut expenses first. It's far easier to live on less when you get rid of most of your bills: expensive car payments, cable, subscriptions. You can choose freedom or extra bills.
He didn't have a large nest egg, just a few months' cushion, made workable by living simply.
His longer essays ("Stop Living the Lie; Start Living the Life" and "Screw You, I Quit!") explain the how in more detail.

The message

He isn't telling everyone to quit. If you love your job, great. But if you're not fulfilled, something has to change. For him, the "point of no return" was committing fully to a life built around what he loves.

The decision

Why

How he could afford it

The message

See also