I’m writing this article with the hope that it will inspire others to make the changes they’ve been longing for in their own lives. My intent isn’t to glorify my journey or claim that I’ve figured everything out – far from it. My life continues to be full of challenges. However, I can say that I’ve gained a profound sense of freedom and relief by pursuing a path toward self-sufficiency, one that took years of effort and learning. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about aligning your life with your values, and I hope that my experiences will encourage others to take steps in that direction.
For over 20 years, I built a career in the legal profession. Like many, it started as a practical decision – a way to earn a living with the belief that the more I earned, the more freedom I would have. But I soon discovered the opposite was true. The more I earned, the more I had to spend, and before I knew it, my career had consumed my life. If there are any young professionals reading this, let me tell you something I wish I had known: you’ll never earn “enough” money. The higher your salary, the higher your outgoings. Let me tell you, some of the most financially strained people I’ve known have been partners at law firms earning big salaries.
I spent 10 hours or more every day behind a desk, slowly losing precious time with my children, my personal freedom and stressing about other people’s problems. If you’re reading this and feel like you’re stuck in a job you tolerate, working long hours, yet somehow still living paycheck to paycheck, I’m here to tell you that breaking out of that cycle is possible.
My journey toward self-sufficiency and a more meaningful life was gradual and took over a decade to reach the lifestyle I enjoy today. Now, I run an outdoor education school (www.ambleford.com) and manage a smallholding, where I work with young people, teaching them about nature and sustainability. I also keep animals—goats, pigs, and bees—and grow vegetables to help feed my family. This life couldn’t be more different from my previous one, and while it required grit, persistence, and a lot of learning through experience, it’s been worth every step.
Here are my five pieces of advice for anyone feeling stuck and searching for a life that better aligns with their values.
1. Start Small, but Take Action
My transition from corporate to running a smallholding wasn’t an overnight leap; it was a series of small, deliberate steps. Throughout my career, I experimented with various side businesses, some of which still exist in some form today (most were failures). None of these ventures were successful enough to allow me to leave my day job, but they provided me with invaluable experience and skills.
Starting small gives you the opportunity to test new ideas without risking everything. Whether it’s starting a weekend project, volunteering, or learning a new skill, action is what brings clarity. Too many people stay stuck in the “planning phase,” endlessly analyzing and reading self-help books. But the only way you’ll know what works is by doing. Take those small steps and adjust as you learn.
2. Know the Business Aspects
While the idea of running a smallholding or working outdoors may seem idyllic, the reality is that it’s still a business. Legal and business responsibilities – like insurance, regulations, marketing, and business planning—don’t disappear just because you’ve left the corporate world. When I started my outdoor education school, I had to navigate land use laws, health and safety regulations, and legal requirements for working with children.
Fortunately, my background gave me a head start, but even if you don’t have that foundation, it’s important to educate yourself – using someone else’s time to do it. Ignoring the business side of things will only lead to problems later. Throughout my corporate career, I took every opportunity to pick up skills that I knew would be useful in the future. Every new venture comes with its own challenges, but careful planning will save you from many headaches down the line.
Get Free from Debt and Reduce Outgoings
Debt is one of the biggest obstacles to leaving a job you dislike. When I finished university, I had significant student loans, and like many, I fell into the trap of wanting more material things – measuring my success by possessions or by the success of others. But the more you consume, the more trapped you become.
Over time, I consciously worked hard to pay off my debts, and I’ve broken free from the consumer mindset. Now, aside from my mortgage, I have few financial obligations. Reducing your expenses and eliminating debt gives you the financial breathing room to pursue something more meaningful. The less dependent you are on a paycheck, the easier it is to take the leap when the time is right.
4. Embrace the Physical and Mental Challenges
People often romanticise the lifestyle I’ve chosen, imagining a life of freedom, fresh air, and scenic views. While that’s partly true, the reality is that running a smallholding and an outdoor school is both physically and mentally demanding. At 46, I’m (arguably) no longer in my prime for hard physical labor, but I’m still deeply passionate about it.
The work is tough, and the admin doesn’t go away, but you need to embrace the challenges. If you dream of self-sufficiency or working outdoors, be prepared for the physical and mental effort involved. There will be days when everything seems to go wrong, or the weather isn’t on your side, but the satisfaction of overcoming these challenges makes it all worthwhile.
5. Discipline Equals Freedom
Leaving the structure of an office job doesn’t mean leaving behind discipline. In fact, it requires more. While I now have the flexibility to structure my own time (to some extent), without self-discipline, that freedom would quickly turn into chaos. Running a smallholding and business requires a solid routine, clear goals, and the discipline to stick to them.
The beauty of this new life is that you can design a structure that aligns with your values. A bit of discipline in your routine actually increases your flexibility because your time becomes intentional and meaningful. Whether it’s managing the farm, teaching, or maintaining the land, having a plan in place allows things to run smoothly.
If you feel stuck in your current job, know that change is possible. It won’t happen overnight, and it won’t always be easy. But with gradual steps, a commitment to learning, and a willingness to embrace the challenges, you can build a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with your values. Start small, take action, and don’t wait for the perfect moment -create it. I hope this helps!