You have made some really good points. This sort of reminds me of "Walden" by Thoreau. That book was life changing for me. While I never transitioned to being off grid (although I did consider it), I did start to give serious consideration to basic economics of everyday life. For example, I have never bought a house because I don't have the money to buy it outright, and I don't want to be a slave to it for as long as I hold a mortgage. I mean, I know it's a far cry from literal slavery, but it keeps you confined to a location and a payment schedule, which usually locks you into a job, etc. Thoreau talks about how much of your life you are willing to trade to get something. That is economics. I did not understand that until I read the book. It's why I left a job that paid well in high tech. I like programming, but corporate life was soul-sucking. Was that worth it for the money? Was it worth trading my life (or 50+ hours per week of it) for a paycheck? I chose a different path, and I am so glad I did although I think some might find me insane for it.

How is Portugal? I have considered moving there for part of the year. Winters here are bitter. If I move anywhere permanently, I lose my health benefits, but I can leave the country for seven months out of 12 and keep them.

As you can tell, I found your posr very intriguing. Thank you.