Like many modern-day druids, I long for a simpler life, one closer to nature, but feel constrained. What keeps me from following that dream? I’ve fallen into the Job Trap.

When I read this paragraph in Thomas J. Elpel’s article, I heard my own story and predicament:

Nearly everyone I meet is too busy treading water, trying to stay afloat among the bills and debt to even think about their Dreams anymore. Like a mantra, I hear people say it over and over again: “I know I could break free if I could just make a little more money.” That idea is one of the grand illusions of the universe.

So what is the answer? Basically it is to live more simply. Conserve energy. Funny how the answer to my desire to live simply is just to live simply. It seems so elusive, yet it is right there in front of me. Reading Mr. Elpel’s article gave me much to think about. Maybe breaking free from the job trap isn’t such an impossible dream after all.

Update: Also see Mr. Elpel’s related article, Wealth & Work.