Finland part 3 - The sequel no one asked for
Waiting for a Savior or Saving Ourselves?
Where does one find hope in political stagnation and societal decay?
The government released its first budget - Government: Returning Finland to a sustainable growth track.
Well, let’s dive in!
Tax revenue estimates are a little bit too high.
Deficit 11.5bn
R&D program to 1,2% of GDP
Seventy million bet to quantum computing.
4,5 million to small modular reactor nuclear research.
Four billion investment program, mainly more train tracks - Why this fascination with train tracks?
A little bit more to Police - See what’s happening in Sweden; same in slow-motion here.
Total tax rate +-0
Well, what changed? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Did I expect that something will change? The divide between “left” and “right” is growing bigger, but nothing has changed! There is no unity to solve problems. And time has proven this prediction right:
Everything will remain the same in the next four years. There is zero incentive for government officials to change anything for the better same goes for the member of parliament. So what do they even try to fix?
Finland won't collapse. Despite declining living standards since the early 2000s, we're still among the best globally. This gradual decline will span decades, with deficits ballooning. I refuse to waste my energy hoping for urgent structural reforms. The over-reliance on the government is mind-boggling. How did we get here?
This isn't unique to Finland; it's a Western phenomenon.
What to do? Strive for financial autonomy. Don’t become dependent on the government. It will end up in tears. Our modern society is extremely weak let’s be honest: the current trend here in Finland is to watch some decadent streams where people destroy their lives.
Be the person you want to become:
Walk 15k steps daily? You're in the top 5%.
Hit the gym thrice a week? Top 5%.
Finish a book weekly? Again, top 5%.
Have a side hustle or business? Top 5%.
Write regularly? You guessed it, top 5%.
Prioritize self-improvement over mere survival.
Face the ugly reality with truth. You are part of the problem.
The great escape
I am so happy that I started to run this business. It forces you to think 6-steps ahead of the rest. Yes, sometimes I am wrong, and sometimes I am right. That’s not the point. The whole exercise is to think. If running a side hustle or business is not your thing, you can also start to play the market, forcing you to think. While most wait for change, taking the lead is our only path to true freedom.
Challenge creates a strong character.
Are you content with settling for a mundane 9-5 existence on autopilot? Relying solely on the government for everything is an easy way out. I have spent too much time and energy trying to explain to others why everything is decaying. Let them come to you when they realize - they will ask for help eventually.
Why not embrace this decaying for a while? Don’t make peace with it, but start a war with yourself. It is extremely easy to be “ok” nowadays. Look at your competition. Everybody eating shit, doing mundane 9-5, and watching streams of decaying and tik tok?
The same applies to business; showing up is enough today.
My plan currently:
Work-Life Balance: I started working only 4 hours a day this year. (I used to work 50-100h weeks). I am focusing on what truly matters. Salary is so massively taxed, what’s the point of working 3x more? To get 30% more of the net wage? There are zero incentives to grow my current business… Sure, I hire more people, invest in new machinery, and make more sales, but for what? Time is the one luxury money can't buy.
→ Yes, I am living like a student at the moment, but this will pay back with huge dividends in the future.
Continuous Learning: I've allocated a few hours daily to read and educate myself. Continuous learning keeps me ahead, whether it's about global markets, new business strategies, or personal development. Knowledge is the new currency, and I'm amassing wealth.
Diversifying Income Streams: Apart from my primary business, I've started exploring other avenues for passive income. There is nothing to report here; I am still exploring.
Personal Well-being: Physical and mental health are paramount. I build huge deficits in this part by working years 50-100h a week without resting. This is my top focus at the moment. I quit alcohol, walk 15k steps daily, eat clean food, and spend more time with family. Health is the true wealth.
Next year, I plan to focus on acquiring new skills.
This is my plan currently, but it can change rapidly if needed. I hope to inspire you to craft your plan. What are your priorities? The “great escape” is not just about breaking free from societal constraints; it's about building a life of purpose, passion, and prosperity.
Conclusion
The "great escape" isn't just about financial autonomy; it's about breaking free from a system that seems resistant to change. We must recognize warning signs, understand our trajectory, and take proactive steps to secure our future.
While the government may or may not take the necessary steps to address Finland's challenges, we, as individuals, have the agency to shape our destinies. Whether it's through entrepreneurship, investing wisely, or simply living within our means, the path to a brighter future starts with personal responsibility.
Be the solution, or at least try to live like one.
While many settle for chains, I choose freedom. Where do you stand?