I super agree with the title, but I think the text actually really undersells it! Runway not only increases your flexibility to not earn, but also reduces your stress and removes all sorts of psychologically difficult power dynamics that come with having a boss or otherwise being beholden to external factors for your well being (Yes, you may still have a boss or external factors, but now you won’t need their continued approval or success to pay bills, and that makes all the difference). Also, frugality enables you to really splurge without worrying when it really counts. Additionally, If you do not have any large and expensive possessions, tend to live in low cost apartments, and don’t have any dependents, you can move to whatever location it is most productive for you to be in with little to no overhead—whether that be across town or across the globe. Frugality in an urban context also forces close living situations (housemates) which can dramatically increase your social network. Further, you end up building scrappy skills and habits (e.g. negotiating apartments, meal planning, knowledge of public services, biking) which can really come in handy even when you’re not being frugal.
If you have the privilege to be in circumstances where you are able to make money without spending most of it, it’s good to take advantage of this if you can. Don’t feel bad about it if you can’t—it’s not always simple or possible for everyone. But if you feel like it would be pretty easy for you to be frugal and you’re choosing not to because you think spending a lot more makes you more productive, I strongly suggest reconsider.
Another point worth considering is that if you are sufficiently frugal, and if “productivity” is truly your goal here, you can “increase your productivity” by taking that money and hiring a second person to work on your project with you. Can all your time saving expenses increase your productivity more than a whole second person? (I’m sure there are some circumstances for which the answer is yes, but I imagine that is rare.)
I super agree with the title, but I think the text actually really undersells it! Runway not only increases your flexibility to not earn, but also reduces your stress and removes all sorts of psychologically difficult power dynamics that come with having a boss or otherwise being beholden to external factors for your well being (Yes, you may still have a boss or external factors, but now you won’t need their continued approval or success to pay bills, and that makes all the difference). Also, frugality enables you to really splurge without worrying when it really counts. Additionally, If you do not have any large and expensive possessions, tend to live in low cost apartments, and don’t have any dependents, you can move to whatever location it is most productive for you to be in with little to no overhead—whether that be across town or across the globe. Frugality in an urban context also forces close living situations (housemates) which can dramatically increase your social network. Further, you end up building scrappy skills and habits (e.g. negotiating apartments, meal planning, knowledge of public services, biking) which can really come in handy even when you’re not being frugal.
If you have the privilege to be in circumstances where you are able to make money without spending most of it, it’s good to take advantage of this if you can. Don’t feel bad about it if you can’t—it’s not always simple or possible for everyone. But if you feel like it would be pretty easy for you to be frugal and you’re choosing not to because you think spending a lot more makes you more productive, I strongly suggest reconsider.
Another point worth considering is that if you are sufficiently frugal, and if “productivity” is truly your goal here, you can “increase your productivity” by taking that money and hiring a second person to work on your project with you. Can all your time saving expenses increase your productivity more than a whole second person? (I’m sure there are some circumstances for which the answer is yes, but I imagine that is rare.)