Financial verse time freedom
TIME FREEDOM| October 2025
Financial verse time freedom
Over the last few weeks I’ve been thinking a lot about time freedom and what it means to me. How do I jump off the hamster wheel where the more you want, the faster you have to spin? Like a never-ending Psycle class.
I came across a post by Ali Abdaal (ex medic turned Youtuber) on time freedom verse financial freedom. It reminded me of a conversation with a friend (doctor turned techie) who told me how his old job had consumed him. It made him, in his own words, a “bad son, friend, and partner.” When he changed careers, everything shifted. Suddenly, he had more time, less stress, and more happiness. Ironically, he also had more money doing something he loved.
When I reduced my clinical hours - going “less than, less than full time” - I gained time but lost income. It wasn’t ideal, but it was a powerful lesson that ultimately led me to my current portfolio career.
So maybe the real goal isn’t choosing between the two. It’s figuring out how to have both —more time and more money — and finding that sweet spot in between.
What is Time Freedom?
Time freedom is the ability to control your own time, allowing you to pursue activities you enjoy and spend your days as you wish, rather than being dictated by work or financial constraints.
How is it achieved?
This can be achieved through financial freedom but also through conscious decisions about your work, lifestyle, and priorities, which may involve reducing work hours or pursuing passion projects even if it means a less extravagant financial life.
How do you balance the two?
1. Define your "Why":
Understand why you want financial and time freedom. Is it for security, to pursue passions, or to have more control over your life?
2. Align lifestyle with your means:
What would you actually do with more time? Travel? Spend quiet days at home? The answer determines the level of financial independence you truly need.
3. Make intentional choices:
You don't need millions to feel free. Time freedom can be achieved on a modest income if your lifestyle is aligned and your work is flexible.
4. Prioritise what matters:
Some people value financial freedom more, while others prioritise time freedom. The goal is to find the balance that gives you the life you want - on your terms.
Balance is tricky, but life is short. Don’t wait for a crisis, the death of a loved one, burnout or a health scare in order to step off the hamster wheel. You can start choosing differently today.
Here’s to a week of clarity, courage, and taking that leap of faith - toward the kind of freedom that truly matters.
This week I have been…
Reading
The Art of Uncertainty: How to Navigate Chance, Ignorance, Risk and Luck by Prof. David Spiegelhalter – a thoughtful exploration of how to live with risk and unpredictability.
Listening
Anything by De Mthuda -a South African house DJ
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