Title says it. I stopped participating in the rat race.
I sold all my stuff except my computer and clothes. I moved to Hawaii. I rent a 140sq ft room for $650/mo with a communal shower and kitchen and free utilities/internet. (My front door opens to the outside) It's a quarter mile from the beach.
I got a battery powered bike and applied for a part time job 2 miles down the road (also on the beach) washing dishes at a fine dining restaurant that pays $18/hr. If the dishes are clean my job is being done and no one bugs me or critiques me. I literally listen to audiobooks and spray plates for 6 hours then walk out the door and go home, no questions asked. No extra duties. No begging for me to stay. All of this I set out for them during the interview so that there would be no surprises. In exchange I offered to be reliable and show up when scheduled and to always do my job as described. They found this very reasonable.
I am actually happier living this way than I have ever been. I am in my thirties and have always hustled to make other people rich, or broke my back trying to run my own business and stay competitive while treating my employees like human beings. It was exhausting.
I know I have no healthcare. I know I have no stability. I know I will never afford fancy things or vacations living this lifestyle, but I don't care. I barely had those things before and I was miserable.
Ive quit drinking and smoking.
I let all my debts go to collections.
I'm done.
I'm contributing the very least possible to this shit show from here on out and I couldn't be happier.