2 Reasons to Pursue Financial Independence

There are several advantages to pursuing financial independence as a skilled trades worker:

1. Increased choice: Obtaining financial freedom allows individuals to have the autonomy to live their best and chosen life.  Without having tight financial restrictions, one has increased choice in where  to seek employment, or to apply for a position that aligns better with one’s career and lifestyle goals, instead of feeling pressured to take the first job available.
2. Reduction of Stress & Security: Employment in the skilled trades can be very seasonal or project-based.  When a busy construction summer season closes or a major project is completed, there can be times when trade workers do not have the safety net of a consistent paycheck.  Financial independence offers people a sense of financial security and reduced stress.  Having a financial plan to cover any unexpected emergencies or periods of slow employment opportunities provides decreased pressure and mental anxiety.
3. Pursuing Passions and Interests: Financial independence allows one to discover innovative avenues in industry.  Instead of being compelled by financial limitations to stay at less than satisfactory employment, one can explore work opportunities that are more meaningful or pursue passions and interests in the field more freely.
4. Flexibility: With financial freedom, there’s greater flexibility in which employment roles an individual chooses.  One may select a role that has better parameters for when and where they work, increasing their work-life balance and well-being.
5. Comfort to take increased risks: Individuals in the skilled trades can explore new career directions and even start their own business.  Financial independence provides individuals increased confidence to take higher risks and take on these fresh endeavours.
6. Building Generational Wealth & Financial Habits: Building financial literacy allows individuals to directly pass on valuable financial knowledge to future generations.  Strong financial habits are modeled from elders who are knowledgeable about financial literacy.
7. Reduced Financial Reliance: Financial independence eliminates the reliance on others for constant financial support.  Having control of your finances reduces the risk of making expensive or unfavorable decisions to borrow additional money or take on a credit balance with high interest rates.
8. Change in economic landscape: There is such tremendous change in the economic landscape during this generation.  Pursuing financial independence allows individuals to be able to adjust and adapt more easily to shifting economic burdens.  At the time of this writing, Canada is going through a post-pandemic recovery, increasing interest rates, alarming inflation, and a housing crisis shortage.

Overall, there are numerous benefits to pursuing financial independence.  Financial freedom primarily allows individuals to have increased control and make the choices that are best for them.  The pathway towards financial independence allows individuals to plan, manage financial emergencies as they arise, and promotes self-reliance.