Live off your stocks and Bitcoin, instead of a 9 to 5 job. To some this may sound like a dream, but for 27-year-old Kevin it has been reality for several years. “Why would I do work that I don’t like as much if I don’t have to.”
“My work was not a complete match after all,” says Kevin from Rotterdam. The plan was to work in the economic sector after obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. But that didn’t go very well. The jobs he got did not really suit him, he says.
More shares than salary
“I stopped working because it didn’t suit me and because things were going so well with Bitcoin and investing, it was easy to take the step,” Kevin says about quitting work for a boss.
It turned out that on average he earned more from his shares than from working. “I now generate most of my income by investing in shares.” He now saves for his pension with Bitcoin. “I’m not touching my Bitcoin at the moment.”
See also
Spoon-fed
Kevin grew up with a father who was heavily involved in investing. “He had already built up an investment portfolio in my youth, based on the idea that it could be a good way to grow money faster. And to use it as a kind of springboard for me and my brother.”
“I took over that portfolio when I was in my early 20s,” he continues. “I then said: ‘I think I will learn the most if I now hold the scepter myself’.” After he left his employer, it was not bad news for his family when Kevin said that from now on he would live off his shares and Bitcoin.
‘Can wake up whenever I want’
And so far, things are going as he hoped. He has found the freedom he was looking for. “I really appreciate the freedom I experience. I can wake up every day when I feel like it and then decide that morning what I’m going to do that day. I think that’s what I like best,” says he.
“And that freedom is not just for yourself,” he continues. “It also allows me to make choices that ensure that I am closer to my environment. For example, if a friend is moving, I can always help. I like to be available.”
See also
Traditional labor
Still, Kevin wouldn’t call his life without a job ‘lazy land’, although his friends and outsiders sometimes see it that way. “They think I do relatively little and have a lazy life. Because you say: I live off Bitcoin and shares.”
“That sounds like you sit on your ass all day like a retired millionaire and it all happens automatically.” But according to the 27-year-old, this idea mainly has to do with the fact that he does not fit the traditional image of making money. “With that image, you mainly have to provide labor and invest time for someone else.”
No lice life
“An entrepreneur or someone with a full-time job is considered someone who is very busy, who works a lot of hours,” Kevin continues. “While, for example, if I have made an investment choice for ‘my work’, I must first do thorough research and then continue to check whether that scenario holds up. And that can be purely: constantly following the news.”
There is no time limit on the work that Kevin does. “When I watch the news, it is for ‘my work’. But someone looking at it from the outside may think: they are sitting on the couch watching TV.”
See also
Not responding to every change
But of course it must remain fun, freedom is the most important. And too much stress is not part of that. Kevin therefore chooses to make investment choices over periods of at least 5 to 10 years. And he then keeps an eye on the scenarios related to his investment. “‘Is it still correct?’ I wonder.”
“For example, a drop in the price may make it seem as if the scenario is no longer correct, then it is important to zoom out,” he explains. “A decline is often just a ripple on an entire timeline, which may seem big at first, but isn’t significant over 10 years. So I actually try to follow the larger cycles. Because as I respond to each small event Then it becomes very tiring.”
‘Earned 5,000 euros, but didn’t sleep’
“There are also investors who, for example, wait until they wake up in China or Japan,” Kevin explains. They do this so that they can participate in the market. “But that has a lot to do with the term over which you invest or invest.”
Early in his investing career, Kevin did this occasionally. But it didn’t yield enough for him in relation to the time he put into it. “Making a lot of transactions doesn’t necessarily yield much more. I once earned 5,000 euros in a week that way. But then I hadn’t slept all week either. So then I thought: well, that’s not really the route.”
See also
‘Don’t you dare have children now’
Kevin is now following a path that suits him completely. Yet he thinks it is important to point out that there are also downsides to his lifestyle. “A job comes with a lot of certainties. A stable income, social security, your disability is partly insured. I don’t have any of that.”
He takes these disadvantages for granted at this stage of his life: “It is a risk that I accept, because I earn enough to live on and have freedom. But that stability is not guaranteed. A statement I sometimes make jokingly. : ‘I wouldn’t confidently have children now’. I can’t promise that in 10 years I’ll still be generating enough income to support them.”
Wrong expectations
Kevin also believes that in general a more realistic picture of investors should be painted. Not everyone who engages in this will become a multi-millionaire. “That’s really only a small number of people who, with a little luck, and sometimes wisdom, manage to do that.”
Photos of endless holidays to Dubai and yachts create the wrong expectations, he says. “Because that is not for everyone. And moreover, these types of people often have income streams from social media or courses, so I see that more as marketing than as success.”
‘Live relatively frugally’
According to him, you generate a solid income with Bitcoin and shares precisely by limiting risks.
“This way you make fewer outliers upwards, but also much fewer downwards. And I just live relatively frugally, that’s why I can afford to live on a certain amount of money. It’s not unlimited.”
To ask? Ask them!
Do you have any questions or would you like to respond? Send us a message here in our chat. Every Thursday we tell you in the Get Involved newsletter what we do with all the responses. Do you want it in your email? Then register here.
Living the Dream: Kevin’s Journey into Stocks and Bitcoin
By a Fabulous Cocktail of Comedic Spirits
Let’s talk about Kevin: the 27-year-old from Rotterdam who’s swapped the dreary 9-to-5 grind for a lifestyle of stocks and Bitcoin. Sounds wonderful, right? Like winning the Powerball, but instead of cash, you get a sweet ticket to the land of lazy sunsets and brunch on a Tuesday.
Why Work When You Can Invest?
“Why would I do work that I don’t like as much if I don’t have to?” asks Kevin, clearly unfazed by the concept of dress codes and office chit-chat. He ain’t wrong; if working in socks and pajamas with spreadsheets sounds appealing, then why risk your sanity in an office cubicle?
Kevin grew disillusioned with the job market after collecting his bachelor’s and master’s degrees like Pokémon cards, only to discover they didn’t magically lead him to his dream job in economics. Instead, he was left with the frustrating reality of poorly matched positions, leading him to his bold decision: quitting to invest full-time. Quick, someone fetch this man a cape; he’s our new superhero.
Shares Over Salary
Turns out, Kevin was quite the oracle. “I now generate most of my income by investing in shares,” he declares. Imagine that! He’s turned his focus from filling out spreadsheets for someone else to filling his own bank account—one stock at a time. The man’s got foresight like a financial Nostradamus!
More Than Just Lazy Days
But before we start picturing Kevin lounging around in a hammock, sipping piña coladas, hold up! He insists on the rigors of investment research. Apparently, keeping an eye on the stock market isn’t just for “people with nothing better to do.” He engages with the news like a savvy detective on a heist rather than merely consuming content like your average couch potato.
The Risky Business of Freedom
Yet, let’s not forget the flip side of living off investments: “I wouldn’t confidently have children now,” he quips. No job security means no baby-proofing the house just yet. The risk of enjoying too much freedom sometimes makes you think twice before committing to something that cries, eats, and keeps you up all night—much like a stock market crash. Yikes!
Realities of the Investor’s Life
Kevin emphasizes the realism every budding investor needs. Many dream of basking in infinity pools with Bitcoin fortunes. Spoiler: that’s mostly marketing and luck. Most investors don’t start off as multi-millionaires; they’re just looking for a comfortable chair to sit in while they analyze stocks. Not everyone’s charting planes while sipping champagne—some are still working on the basics, like understanding a balance sheet. Brilliant deduction, Detective!
Frugality is Key
With a philosophical nod, Kevin admits he lives “relatively frugally.” He could pull the ‘rich investor’ card and flaunt the holiday photos, but instead he just sticks to a more sensible lifestyle that doesn’t include art pieces made of gold. The man’s got priorities—like a VIP pass to freedom.
The Takeaway
While Kevin’s journey may seem like a fast track to a sandy beach, it’s really about making smart moves and staying grounded. Sure, he’s living the dream, but it comes at a cost—like getting a tattoo in exchange for your mortgage. Investing isn’t entirely passive, and it sure isn’t all yachts and pajamas; it takes diligence. So, who’s feeling inspired? Just remember, before you jump ship from your job, check if you’re really prepared to sail into the new uncharted waters of investment.
Got Questions? Drop Us a Line!
If you’re curious about living off your stocks or just want to share thoughts on the wild world of cryptocurrency, feel free to reach out. Remember, every Thursday, we delve into the juiciest discussions in our Get Involved newsletter. Want the gossip delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up—if you dare!
Imagine living off the profits of your stocks and Bitcoin rather than being tied to a traditional 9 to 5 job. For 27-year-old Kevin from Rotterdam, this dream has transformed into his daily reality for several years now. “Why would I do work that I don’t like as much if I don’t have to?” he questions, embodying a refreshing perspective on work and finance.
More shares than salary
“I stopped working because it didn’t suit me, and because of the success I found with Bitcoin and investing, it was easy to take the step,” Kevin reflects on his decision to leave behind traditional employment.
It turned out that on average he earned more from his shares than from working. “I now generate most of my income by investing in shares.” He now saves for his pension with Bitcoin, choosing to leave his investments untouched for the time being. “I’m not touching my Bitcoin at the moment.”
Spoon-fed
Kevin grew up with a father who was heavily involved in investing. “He had already built up an investment portfolio in my youth, based on the idea that it could be a good way to grow money faster. And to use it as a kind of springboard for me and my brother.”
“I took over that portfolio when I was in my early 20s,” he continues, emphasizing the learning experience. “I then said: ‘I think I will learn the most if I now hold the scepter myself’.” After he left his employer, it was not bad news for his family when Kevin shared his intention to live solely off his shares and Bitcoin.
‘Can wake up whenever I want’
And so far, things are going as he hoped. He has found the freedom he was searching for in this unconventional path. “I really appreciate the freedom I experience. I can wake up every day when I feel like it and then decide that morning what I’m going to do that day. I think that’s what I like best,” he proclaims, reveling in the autonomy his lifestyle affords him.
“And that freedom is not just for yourself,” he continues. “It also allows me to make choices that ensure that I am closer to my environment. For example, if a friend is moving, I can always help. I like to be available.” This flexibility has transformed how he interacts with those around him, strengthening his connections.
Traditional labor
Still, Kevin wouldn’t label his life without a job as ‘lazy land’, even though some friends and outsiders sometimes perceive it that way. “They think I do relatively little and have a lazy life. Because you say: I live off Bitcoin and shares.”
However, according to the 27-year-old, this misconception primarily stems from the traditional image of work. “That image suggests that you mainly have to provide labor and invest time for someone else.”
No lice life
“An entrepreneur or someone with a full-time job is considered someone who is very busy, who works a lot of hours,” Kevin continues. “While, for example, if I have made an investment choice for ‘my work’, I must first do thorough research and then continue to check whether that scenario holds up. And that can be purely: constantly following the news.” This diligent approach sets him apart from the casual observer’s expectations.
There is no time limit on the work that Kevin does. “When I watch the news, it is for ‘my work’. But someone looking at it from the outside may think: they are sitting on the couch watching TV.” This highlights the nuanced reality of his day-to-day life and the continuous effort he puts in behind the scenes.
Not responding to every change
But of course, it must remain enjoyable; freedom is the most crucial element for him. Kevin chooses to make investment choices that span over periods of at least 5 to 10 years. “Is it still correct?” he wonders, emphasizing his strategic thinking.
“A decline is often just a ripple on an entire timeline, which may seem big at first but isn’t significant over 10 years,” he explains, noting the importance of maintaining perspective in the fluctuating world of investments.
‘Earned 5,000 euros, but didn’t sleep’
“There are also investors who, for example, wait until they wake up in China or Japan,” Kevin explains, pointing to the dedication some display to participate actively in the market. “But that has a lot to do with the term over which you invest or invest.”
Early in his investing career, Kevin attempted this approach occasionally; however, he soon realized it was counterproductive. “I once earned 5,000 euros in a week that way. But then I hadn’t slept all week either. So then I thought: well, that’s not really the route.” His experiences shaped his current investment philosophy.
‘Don’t you dare have children now’
Kevin acknowledges that while he is following a path tailored to his desires, there are significant downsides to his chosen lifestyle. “A job comes with a lot of certainties. A stable income, social security, your disability is partly insured. I don’t have any of that.” He accepts these downsides, attributing them to the risks worth taking for personal freedom.
However, he quips, “I wouldn’t confidently have children now.” This sentiment underscores the precariousness of his financial situation, as he reflects on the uncertainty of future income.
Wrong expectations
Kevin advocates for a more accurate representation of investors in society, pointing out that not everyone who engages in this lucrative endeavor becomes a multi-millionaire. “That’s really only a small number of people who, with a little luck, and sometimes wisdom, manage to do that.” His cautionary perspective counters the glamorized image of wealth often showcased in media.
He claims that photos of endless holidays to Dubai and yachts create misguided expectations. “Because that is not for everyone.” Kevin asserts that many of these individuals often have income streams from social media or courses, viewing such portrayals more as marketing strategies than genuine success stories.
‘Live relatively frugally’
According to him, you can generate a solid income with Bitcoin and shares precisely by limiting risks. “This way you make fewer outliers upwards, but also much fewer downwards.” Kevin’s approach encourages a mindset of cautious optimism, which translates into his lifestyle: “I just live relatively frugally, that’s why I can afford to live on a certain amount of money. It’s not unlimited.”
To ask? Ask them!
Do you have any questions or would you like to respond? Send us a message here in our chat. Every Thursday, we tell you in the Get Involved newsletter what we do with all the responses. Do you want it in your email? Then register here.
How can individuals balance the pursuit of financial independence with the inherent risks and lack of job security associated with investment lifestyles?
Ldren now.” This highlights the inherent tension in his lifestyle choices; while he enjoys the freedom of living off his investments, the lack of job security causes him to think twice about major life decisions that traditionally involve stability and certainty.
Honing Investment Skills
Despite the risks, Kevin is continually honing his investment skills. He acknowledges that it took time and effort to become proficient at navigating the complexities of the stock market and cryptocurrency. “I had to learn the hard way,” he admits, reflecting on his early mistakes and successes. “Each misstep taught me something invaluable.” His journey serves as a reminder that patience and persistence are vital components of a successful investment strategy.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, Kevin’s approach to investment isn’t just about accumulating wealth; it’s about creating a lifestyle that aligns with his values. He values flexibility, the ability to prioritize personal connections, and the freedom to explore his interests on his own terms. “I want to invest not just for more money but for a life that I design,” he states emphatically. For him, investing is merely a tool—a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
A Cautionary Note
While Kevin’s journey reflects a compelling narrative of independence and financial success, it also serves as a cautionary tale for others considering the same path. The volatility of investments can lead to unpredictable outcomes, and not everyone is equipped to handle those fluctuations. It’s important for aspiring investors to do their due diligence, understand their risk tolerance, and remember that financial freedom often involves sacrifices and challenges. As Kevin wisely notes, “Freedom comes with a price tag, and like any good investment, you need to know what you’re signing up for.”
Wrapping Up
The investment journey is highly personal and unique to each individual. Kevin’s story is just one of many paths people can take towards financial independence. Whether you’re inspired to dive into the world of stocks, cryptocurrencies, or looking for a different approach, remember to equip yourself with knowledge, stay prepared for the realities of investment, and keep your goals in sight. For everyone considering a similar lifestyle, keep Kevin’s experience in mind as you chart your course into the potentially rewarding yet risky realm of investments.
Ready to start your investment journey or deepen your understanding? Don’t hesitate to reach out and join our Thursday discussions! After all, in the world of finance, knowledge is power.
Contact Us
If you have questions, comments, or insights from your investment journey, we’d love to hear from you! Join our community and let’s share knowledge to navigate this dynamic landscape together.
