The “Underground Railroad” To Freedom
January 31, 2010 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
I have considered nicknaming our Freedom Mastermind group “The Underground Railroad”. The underground railroad was a system that developed before the American Civil War… it was run by anti-slavery activists– to help slaves in the South escape to freedom (well, relative freedom) in the North. (The only reason I decided not to use the nickname is out of respect for this very noble piece of American history).
Today we no longer have “slavery” in the US or “modern” world.. but we certainly have “wage slavery” or near-indentured servitude. Nearly everyone on the planet is a part-time slave to some job.
Having escaped wage slavery, I now find a deep satisfaction from helping others do the same. I enjoy mentoring friends and acquaintances– helping them create their own small businesses and leave the world of work. This year, we had another success– my very good friend Joe quit his job at the end of December and became a full-time “webeneur”. His girlfriend Kristin has been free since this time last year!
And today, I just got an email from another good friend (an Athenian living in SE Asia) saying that he is now interested in developing his own small business (as a consultant/speaker…). I’m looking forward to sharing ideas with him and hope that within a year, he (and his wife) will make their way to freedom.
I find it very encouraging to know so many people who are taking full responsibility for their lives and leaving the dependent, child-like servitude of employment. I also find it inspiring to witness the transformations that happen when these people stop thinking like servant/slaves (“give me my job/paycheck pleeeaaasssseee”) and become the bosses of their own lives.
Perhaps this is why I used to be a social worker… I have always been repulsed by the degradation of other beings (human or animal)… and have always been incredibly inspired to see anyone uplifted to greater strength, self-reliance, energy and passion.
I hope that as the wage-slave economy continues to unwind, that many will turn to the freedom and dignity of a new “cottage industry” economy… rather than pine away for the false security of employment.
Believe me,…. losing your job can be the very best thing that ever happened to you!
Skald: (if we can be on a first name basis, that is!)
I have to admit, I used to be put off by some of the things you mentioned about a Mastermind group, etc., and thought it smacked of Napoleon Hill hucksterism, but you seem sincere in helping people getting to a higher level of existence than life in Cubicle Nation. I have begun to wonder if my own lack of success in breaking the chains is due to the fact that I tend to isolate too much and end up talking myself out of things or belittling my own ideas, without benefit of another point of view. You are dead on about the child-like, dependent attitude regarding employment. Just how does your Mastermind group work…and how can I join!!
I would gladly join such a Mastermind group too!:-)
You were an early inspiration for me. I trailed off while I developed my business, but was always happy to peek in and see you progressing. Now I’ve launched life and business with my wife and cat in an 8 foot camper! Now I come back and see I can still get still get psyched up here. Thanks!
Why do you want to quit from USA? Many people try to live and work in USA. I am Thai, I like Thai, Thailand, Thai culture, but we still don’t have every think like USA.