I started working at age 27 and got out of 25k of debt, making only 30k a year.
Now I am almost a Swiss Franc millionaire (950k net worth at the time of this writing, more than 1.2 million USD – due to market changes in the last few months, I am up more than 50k again!)
I did this by saving at least half of my income consistently over 12 years and investing it in real estate and the stock market. In the first 7 years of working, I usually saved 70% or even 80% of my take-home pay and poured this into investments.
I still managed to travel to more than 50 countries, live a great life, have two kids and buy a home.
It is completely possible in Switzerland to save enough money to be work optional, with a high enough savings rate, and still live a good life.
You just have to cut some of the fat – most of the fat is unnecessary – and focus on the important things.
Yes, I could have a luxury car right now and a much bigger house. But I would not trade any of the choices I made financially for anything. The security and confidence I get from knowing that I am ok financially, is priceless.
I am not done yet – although I could stop working and finance my life, I want to maintain the sense of social contribution and appreciation of your skills and talent that comes from working.
You can achieve this too.
Alex
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