On Bowling Alleys and Handcuffs

I've spent a lot of time thinking about it. A LOT.

I want a bowling alley in my dream house. Wide, freshly polished lanes that I can go to anytime and hurl heavy objects around to relax. Right next to it will be a small Irish Pub, dark and cozy with wooden booths. And maybe a helicopter. Or two.

Aww yeah, I'm feeling good already.
It's a fun place to visit in daydreams, but I wouldn't want to live there.

Why? There's a term I'm thinking of: Golden Handcuffs.

It's used in business to describe a system of payment that, while incredibly generous, effectively locks the employee into that company. Think about getting a million dollar bonus the day you are hired, but having to give it back if you leave the company within five years. This doesn't just apply to business. The more financial obligations we have, the more our lives are run by money. In the case of my dream house, think of everything else that having that bowling alley/pub/helipad would entail. Maintenance, insurance, property taxes, security system, utilities, etc.

To keep up a life like this:
What kinds of jobs must I have?
How much time must I spend working to live?
What must I give up?

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Think about all of the unnecessary financial obligations you have, the golden handcuffs keeping you chained to your desk. Now ask yourself:
What kinds of jobs must I have?
How much time must I spend working to live?
What must I give up?

Take off the handcuffs.
You’ve already got the key.