Lately, I’ve been chewing on a question that feels more relevant than ever: Should we hustle hard now so we can kick back later? Or is it smarter to carve out more time today, even if it means working longer down the road?
We’ve all heard the classic script: Put in the grind now so you can enjoy the good life later. It’s how we made it through med school, residency, and into our careers. Delay gratification, and the payoff comes eventually.
But here’s the thing… I’ve started to seriously question that game plan.
The Beliefs We Buy Into
I realized we often stick to this hustle-later model based on three big assumptions:
- That “later” is a sure thing
- That life will be better and more fun then
- That it’ll all make us happy in the end
So let’s unpack those, shall we?
Assumption 1: “Later” Is Guaranteed
The traditional blueprint says: work your tail off for 30 years so you can finally live freely in the next 30. But what if those 30 “free” years don’t come?
If you’re anything like me, you’ve started noticing how often people around your age are dealing with serious health issues. Friends, coworkers, even folks in the news—it’s unsettling. And while I fully plan to live a long, active life, that outcome isn’t promised.
Sure, I exercise and eat right. I avoid doing dumb stuff most of the time. But I can’t control everything. If “later” ends up being shorter, or never arrives at all, was trading away all this time now really worth it?
Assumption 2: Life Will Be More Enjoyable Later
We often imagine retirement as some sort of paradise. Lounging under palm trees, sipping something cold. And while that sounds amazing, let’s be real… some parts of life get harder as we age.
Take it from me. A few herniated discs later, I’m already adjusting my activities. Where will I be mobility-wise in my 60s?
I asked my parents what they consider the most joyful season of their life. Surprisingly, it wasn’t retirement. It was when we were all living under one roof, chasing dreams, laughing over dinner, and simply figuring life out together.
And honestly? That’s what I have right now. Two wild, hilarious kids. A house full of chaos and laughter. My wife and I often feel like we’re flying blind, but that’s part of the magic.
So why would I rush through this chapter to get to another that may or may not be better?
Assumption 3: All This Will Make Me Happy
I’m in my early 40s, and fulfillment has become the name of the game.
Not just success. Not just money. Real, lasting contentment.
I’ve learned that while financial security matters, happiness doesn’t automatically scale with income. You can have the house, the car, the dream vacations, and still feel empty.
Ironically, some of the happiest people I’ve met were in modest villages halfway across the world. No WiFi, no Amazon Prime, just connection, purpose, and community.
That little inner voice whispers to us sometimes, doesn’t it? Telling us that fulfillment might look a little simpler than we thought.
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So What’s the Move?
I’ve decided I’m in the prime of my life right now. And I’m not willing to miss it chasing a “later” that’s still hypothetical.
No, I’m not throwing in the towel or quitting work. I’m just being more intentional.
I work on what excites me. I take on projects because I choose to. I invest not just money, but time and energy into things that align with who I want to be. And I’m learning to use leverage—financial, social, and time-based—so I don’t have to burn today to fund tomorrow.
Worst case? I work a little longer later in life. But I’ll do it with purpose, not out of desperation. Because having something to work toward is fulfilling in itself.
So let me ask you this:
When do you believe your prime time is? Right now or down the line?
And if you’re ready to start buying back some of your time through passive income, especially through real estate, check out Passive Real Estate Academy. No pressure. Just hop on the waitlist and see if it’s for you.
Let’s build freedom now, not just someday.
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Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.
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