How to Escape the Rat Race (Without Losing Everything)

'It’s easier to be miserable in a mansion than happy in a smaller house.'

Lets unpack that.

I was 18 when I joined Glencore, in a nice office by Bond Street station.

If you don't know what that is, its one of the worlds largest natural resource companies.

And by my late 30s I was still working in trading and broking, but now in the City.

So I'll tell you more about that later in this article...

...but be sure that everything I write is taken from experience.

The Rat Race can become a Silent Prison

Every week, I get messages from men.

• "I feel trapped."
• "I’m sick of my job, but I don’t know what else to do."
• "I’m stuck, but I’m shit scared to leave."
• "I dont want to wake up dreading the train ride in to work and 10 hours at my fucking desk."

Totally understand these frustrations.

The quiet life of desperation is looming or already upon you.

But think of it a different way - it’s not just the job that’s keeping you stuck.

It’s fear, and not knowing what the to do.

• Fear of losing the lifestyle you’ve built.
• Fear of saying to your wife and kids, "If I take a lower paid job we might need to downsize. Smaller house, smaller car, fewer holidays."
• Fear of failing and looking like a loser.
• Lack of direction and ideas.
• Nobody to turn to for advice or act as a sounding board.

So men stay put because...

...it’s easier to be miserable in a mansion than happy in a smaller house.

Or maybe that's what societal expectation would have you think.

But, and think DEEPLY about this:

Your family would rather have you, happy, alive, energised...

...than your big salary and dead soul.

Sadly, I know men who have taken their own life because all of this became too much.

And that's not where this story ends.

What can you LEARN from my journey.

I followed the script of employment success.

Got the corporate job(s).

Finance.

UK and European Power Trading.

Carbon Emissions broking (Back before the NetZero scam was upon us).

Fuel Oil, and Liquid Petroleum Gas Shipping Derivatives.

I worked my way up.

Worked my arse off to get the bonus and the lifestyle.

(Clue: The bonus will NEVER be big enough)

But it wasn't all its cracked up to be.

I’d spend nearly 200 hours a month at my desk.

Although that was always made easier if you had some solid mates as colleagues.

Guys like:

Jamie, Ray, Mark, Ben, Sonke, Terry,

Deuxy, Jay, Blackie, Bugle, Sausage Fingers,

Clare, Hughesy, Blobby, Tim...

...to name but a few.

Some weeks I was commuting for 15 hours.

Plus, I was flying around Europe to entertain clients...

...(and yes a lot of that was fun if you had the right clients...but does get tiring).

Add in the fact that I was giving 45% of every penny I earned to the tax man

...and asking permission to take time off like a schoolboy asking to leave class.

Something didn’t feel right.

I’d ticked all the boxes society said I should.

Yet deep down, I knew I wasn’t happy.

I was working on goals assigned to me by someone else.

Making money for people I would never meet.

And climbing a corporate ladder, only to peep over the top...

...and find a lot of them men who were there didn't really want to be there.

Sadly, for some, they felt they HAD to stay because, well,

what else do you do to earn that kind of money and percieved status?

(A well paid Hamster in a box with luxury wheel and an expense account).

I had roughly 20 years left if I stayed and beavered away - but for what?

My gut was screaming: "Is this it? Is this the rest of your life?"

What's the point of living if you are just existing?

But that's just my story, I have HUNDREDS of examples to share (but can't).

So if this speaks to you, the below will help you.

How to Escape the Rat Race (Without Ruining Your Life)

If you’re serious about getting out, here’s how to do it.

And lets be clear, I dont know your situation, so there is wiggle room.

Awareness

Ask yourself the hard question: "Do I really want to live like this for another 5, 10, or 20 years?"

If you’re not sure where you stand, take the Blueprint Quiz.

It’ll help give you clarity on what’s really holding you back.

Make a Decision

The biggest mistake most men make is staying stuck in “maybe.”

Decide: Are you staying or going?

Even if it’s terrifying, commit to a path.

Talk It Through

Sit down with your wife, partner, or family.

Tell them what’s going on in your head.

Be honest about how you feel.

It’s not about just saying, “I hate my job.”

Show them what a better life could look like for all of you.

Make a Plan

If you know what you want to do next GREAT!

Start working on it on the side (I help men in The Network with this)

Build momentum.

If you’re unsure, upskill. Learn. Experiment.

Find your next step while staying in your current job.

Stack Your Cash

You’ll need a safety net.

Aim for 3-6 months of expenses AT LEAST.

Look into grants or start-up help if you’re thinking of going solo.

Maybe re-evaluate your lifestyle and spending (sounds obvious).

Reach Out to Smart People

Find mentors, business owners, or entrepreneurs who’ve done what you’re trying to do.

Their advice will save you years of mistakes. (But keep it quiet at work, don’t let the office sniffers derail your plans.)

Why Most Men Stay Stuck

Psychologists like James Hollis say that most of us live our lives ruled by societal expectations.

We stay in jobs we hate because they give us the illusion of security.

But security isn’t real.

It’s just fear wrapped in a comfortable package.

What’s real is this:

• Regret hits harder than failure.
• Time doesn’t care how much money you make.
• And no one remembers the guy who played it safe.

Your Next Move (The hard bit)

I won’t sugar-coat this: escaping the rat race isn’t easy.

My journey hasn't been paved with success, but small steps of wins then fuck ups then more wins.

It takes courage. Clarity. Accountability.

And a bloody good plan.

That’s why I’m writing The Ignite Book.

It's a framework for men like you who want to stop wasting their life and start building one they’re proud of.

That will be out for you to buy soon...

But if you want help today, join The Network.

It’s where men like you (frustrated, stuck, and ready for change) get the tools, support from me, and guidance they need to take the leap.

?? Click here to join The Network

Because if nothing changes, nothing changes.

This is your chance to reignite your drive and build your ideal life.

Anthony

Director - The Network

Founder - Whole Man Academy