Man reveals how life has changed since he and his wife quit the 'rat race' and it's eye opening

Working for 8 to 10 hours a day can take a toll on people by taking away time with their families and doing the things they love. It becomes close to impossible to have a work-life balance. A couple decided to quit this rat race and shared how it completely changed their lives for the better. "A year ago, my wife (f40) and I (m35) committed to exiting the rat race of 9-5’s (or at least 8-10 hours days.) She was a baker, I bounced between kitchens (sometimes management) and construction," u/Barky_Bark wrote on Reddit.

The person went on to share what they do currently. "She now runs a bakery from home with her as the only employee and sells at a farmers’ market. I manage a fishing camp from May to September. I truly do realize how lucky we are that we’re in this position but it’s honestly eye-opening at how detrimental working for someone who just wants to chase profit is," the husband wrote.

He then listed out the things they have been able to do in the last year. The person said, "Reconnected with friends and family I haven’t seen since high school, after 7 years, got to know the neighbors better, every day I was able to see my daughter off to school and able to pick her up most days, didn’t have to worry about days bus was canceled, sick days, or school closures, volunteered at her school, volunteered at the local shelter, drastically cut down on alcohol use, took up yoga, did some renovations that were being out of, was home for all birthdays and holidays (except Father’s Day and Canada Day but still had my daughter with me), was able to be selective about the small jobs I picked up in the off-season and only work them when I want to. Overall expenses are way down (less gas, insurance, takeout, more homemade food which has been grown or hunted, my wife has time to make clothes, reduced phones to minimal service… the list goes on)."

The 35-year-old then shared that there hasn't been a day when they both don't look at each other and say, "I'm so happy we get to do this." He also added that he got the time to "reflect on his faith" and what it means to him. "Before I just accepted the 'normal' without nuance. Now my faith has evolved away from religion (or lack thereof) into just…faith, which has only reinforced my commitment to my community and the world as a whole," the person said.

People on the social media platform were happy to hear their story. u/Right-Cause9951 commented, "Proud of you. Reclaiming your life and showing how it's done." u/BSTON3 wrote, "I had almost a year off between jobs. I don’t think most people realize just how much life they are missing out on by being tied to a job/desk for 40 hours a week. The rich people that refuse to retire make no sense to me at all." u/Acedia77 shared, "Ahh, you’re in Canada. You have a head start on us Americans down south with your free health care and monthly holiday! Thanks for the narrative and best of luck!"