To achieve what 1% of the worlds population has (Financial Freedom), you must be willing to do what only 1% dare to do..hard work and perseverance of highest order.― Manoj Arora, From the Rat Race to Financial Freedom

Nice post. As I started reading, it was breaking my heart that you work so hard and so much.

I'd like to add some thoughts on this too... there's smart work vs hard work – be efficient and spend only time that's worth it. I've seen people work themselves soooo hard and have nothing to show for it. The system is stacked against us. The cost of living is rising much higher than salaries. Effectively, most middle-low earners get a pay cut with each government budget. Many full-time workers in the UK earn barely enough for rent/mortgage, bills, food. Some never get a holiday or have enough for proper days out with the family. These people work hard.

That extra is about not only putting effort into something but about discovering something other people don't do – thinking. They're taught to go to school>college>university>career. Work till you drop. That's the path. It's not the way to riches though. That's the way to mediocrity. I know because I did exactly that. I worked at the job and worked on my writing and my parenting and my socialising and and and eventually came the exhaustion. When there's exhaustion, there's no real joy. Everything becomes a chore. Your time and energy is precious. Spend wisely.

For me... Extra is about ingenuity, perseverance, finding your passion and believing/applying your abilities.

I'm glad the Beserkers helped you see the way to success and enjoying the real value you bring to the world. It's yours. Take it. Don't let those bosses steal it from you. I feel very blessed (as far as it's possible for an atheist) to have met them too.