The Joy of Simple Living

The Quest For A Happy Life

Happiness isn’t about grand gestures or material possessions. For me, it’s the everyday moments that truly bring a smile to my face.

Having two amazing kids is a constant source of joy. Their boundless energy and zest for life are infectious. Seeing them confident and thriving fills me with pride.

Being a present parent is incredibly important to me. Thanks to being self-employed, I get to do the school drop-off and pick-up. This morning, for instance, my five-year-old son’s bright smile as he requested breakfast was a perfect example. Watching his happy face glued to his favourite cartoons while I made him food is a memory I’ll cherish.

Later, as we walked to school in the sunshine, his cute little figure in shorts and a baseball cap, chatting with his teacher and friends, made me realize how lucky I am. Many fathers miss these precious moments due to work schedules. While some might enjoy that separation, for me, spending quality time with my children is what truly matters.

Financial security is important, but not at the expense of everything else. Being self-employed allows me to have a good work-life balance, even if it means not earning the most. My accountant pushes for longer hours and potentially doubled income, but that extra money wouldn’t bring the same happiness as picking up my kids from school.

Fancy cars, expensive vacations, or a villa in Tenerife hold no allure for me. I’m content with what I have. It’s about finding what works for you.

Before becoming self-employed, I had a typical nine-to-five job that fit my life back then. Now, with the flexibility of freelance work, I can tackle tasks in the evenings after my family is asleep.

I feel incredibly fortunate for this lifestyle, and I hope this happiness continues for a long time. I’m sure my children appreciate having a dad who’s always there for them.