Work Optional

“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” Sidonie Gabrielle Colette

In today’s work culture, we’re expected to hustle around the clock. But what if you could escape the traditional path and get on one that doesn’t require working full-time until age 65? What if you could wake up every day without an alarm clock and do the things you love most? Well, that is what Tanja Hester dreamt about doing and has done so and now helps many others on that path.

Regardless of where you are in your career, you can live a happier, more meaningful life, free from the daily grind. I truly believe this which is why I was excited to have Tanja on the show to share some inspiration, insights and practical advice on how we go about living our dream life. Enjoy!

Guest Bio

Tanja Hester retired at the age of 38 from a career as a political consultant and journalist. The author of WORK OPTIONAL: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way, Tanja bridges the gap that so often exists between life and money, shifting the conversation to life purpose, fulfilment and happiness, rather than wealth for its own sake.

Tanja writes 2018 Plutus Awards blog of the year Our Next Life and co-hosts the podcast The Fairer Cents, in addition to travelling the world and enjoying the outdoor life around her home in Lake Tahoe, California. Tanja was the first FIRE blogger to get a regular column on MarketWatch, she’s spoken at Google, FinCon, CampFI at conferences around the world, and she has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME, MONEY, CNBC, PBS, Vice, Yahoo! Finance, Forbes, Refinery29, Bustle, WGN and global media outlets.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Remove the need for routine.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Don’t spend so much money oonstuff you don’t need.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Success is having control of my own time. Spending my time how I wish to.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Going offline.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

A slice of NY pizza and a Boston cream doughnut.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Writing – “I hate writing but love having written.”

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

My Life in France by Julia Child

Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way by Tanja Hester

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” Sidonie Gabrielle Colette

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

It’s not predetermined but we do all have the ability to find a why or purpose.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

Helping other to fight for an equal opportunity in life.

How to connect with Tanja here. 

You can also check out her blog – Out Next Life, here. 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.