[chrisdotcode]

> But somehow, I still want to do it : the need for freedom is so big I can't give up :-)

Perhaps there is an alternative freedom? Instead of accumulating so much wealth you don't have to work (as per The American Dream), how about cutting consumption so low (and freeing ourselves from a lot of our first world "needs" like 24/7 entertainment) and trying something self-sustaining like subsistence farming?

I feel as if true "freedom" is closer to not relying on "the man" at all, as opposed to attempting to make him your slave.

[UK-AL]

subsistence farming is HARD. Much harder than sitting in a chair and writing code. It's not really freedom because all you time is spent simply surviving.

[generj]

Also, it is not freedom because you are subject to the tyranny of the universe ruining your plans.

Your crops can fail because of any number of reasons. With true subsistence farming you could die through no fault of your own. You assume all risks for your own survival.

[prostoalex]

That seems to work short- and medium-term, but any time people face a financially significant event (marriage, children, parents' disability, spouse's disability, personal disability) they wish they had a larger savings cushion to rely on.

Most people's earnings peak between 25 and 45, one can always cut down their consumption and pick up subsistence farming at 50 with a fat corporate 401(k) and a paid-off house.