I am the envy of many people I know. Now that I’ve left full time employment behind, they think I laze around watching movies all day in my jammies, getting up every now and then to walk to the fridge in my bunny slippers to get a drink.

The last week has been a real emotional roller coaster ride. Being home all day, I’ve lost my day time friends. Lunch buddies. Tea time buddies. Instant Messenger has become my bridge to the real world. But it’s like communication through a séance.

I’ve kept myself pretty busy. All the things that needed to be done from months ago are finally being done. DIY stuff. Getting the finances in order. Salvaging the garden.

Since my mini-retirement, I’ve yet to sit down with my pina colada, feet up and a book in hand. Or watch a single movie. Or plan the orgy that was to occur when my wife was at work. The picture that now makes up my life isn’t as rosy as many think it is. Leaving those who are envious, with nothing to be envious about.

Waking up this morning and not having to go to work did not bring me the joy I thought it would. Laziness was to be my master, and I was supposed to lay in bed, till hunger drove me out to the kitchen for food.

Instead, my mind perked up at 7:30, and I was up and about, even earlier than I normally would. My brain was fully charged, and desperately searching for the new direction my life’s compass was to point to.

Figuring out what you want to do at 34, and altering your direction is no easy task. I knew some serious questions needed to be answered. But the hard part was finding the right questions to ask.
Sometimes, it’s the simple ones that really mess you up.

What makes you happy?
What’s your purpose in life?
How do I achieve the two things above without one day waking up old and broke?