Life Design as a Solo Entrepreneur: Crafting Freedom, One Step at a Time
The traditional 9-to-5, 40-hour workweek is dead for most of us. At least it is for those of us willing to shatter the illusion that working tirelessly until retirement is the only path to success. If you're a solo entrepreneur or aspiring digital nomad, you need to hear this: you can design your life to align with your values, desires, and dreams.
I’m living proof. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to create a life where I can work remotely, sustain myself, and take mini-retirements. I’ve skipped harsh winters, lived in vibrant, low-cost destinations, and built a sustainable balance between work, travel, and personal growth. Here’s everything I’ve learned about life design, mini-retirements, and how you can create a fulfilling, flexible lifestyle for yourself.
Why the 9-to-5 is Dying
Why do we work 9 to 5, anyway? That schedule was created during the industrial revolution to balance the day into three parts: 8 hours of work, 8 hours of rest, and 8 of "free time." But does that model make sense for most of today’s jobs, especially in our increasingly digital and globalized world?
For solo entrepreneurs and remote workers, it doesn’t. With a laptop and internet connection, many of us can complete 8 hours’ worth of work in 3 or 4 focused hours. What would you do with the extra time? Travel? Pursue hobbies? Learn something new? The opportunity to design your days as you see fit is here, and the idea of grinding away for a distant payoff in retirement feels outdated.
What is Life Design, and Why Does it Matter?
Life design is about being intentional. It means taking the time to figure out what you truly want from life and aligning your work and daily choices with your values and goals. For me, life design looks like this:
Working 15-20 hours a week when I’m traveling, covering my cost of living while still making time to explore and relax.
Choosing destinations that align with my budget and aspirations; for example, spending a month in Tulum or Argentina, where the cost of living is significantly lower than back home in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Investing in experiences (like reconnecting with family in Argentina or exploring Ecuador) instead of material possessions, which has made me a more creative and self-reliant entrepreneur.
Life design matters because it puts you in control. Instead of following societal expectations, you’re creating a life that reflects your unique priorities.
The Mini-Retirement Model
For many, mini-retirements are the antidote to the traditional savings-and-retirement model. Instead of deferring all your dreams to your 60s or 70s, why not take small chunks of time off throughout your life to travel, reset, and grow?
Here’s how I’ve managed to make mini-retirements sustainable as a solo entrepreneur:
1. Adopt Strategic Thinking
Plan ahead. Pick destinations that are both exciting and affordable. For example, a month-long Airbnb rental in Tulum or Argentina can cost significantly less than monthly rent in Kitchener-Waterloo. Don’t underestimate the power of long stays; Airbnb usually offers steep discounts for a month or more.
For reference, in 2024, my total rent expenses (while traveling and at home) were under $9,000. That’s less than you'd pay for a single year’s lease on a one-bedroom apartment in Kitchener, which averages $1,600/month plus utilities.
2. Focus on Low-Cost, High-Value Experiences
Destinations like Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador offer incredible opportunities to live well at a fraction of the cost. For example, the dollar stretches much farther in Argentina, allowing me to enjoy great food, vibrant culture, and a slower pace of life.
And remember, not everything has to be about money. Sometimes, the memories you create and the personal growth you achieve while traveling pay dividends in ways you can’t predict.
3. Work Smarter, Not Harder
When I travel, I keep my workload to 15-20 hours a week. I prioritize high-impact tasks and focus intensely to get things done efficiently. The key is to balance work and life so you’re not grinding away while everyone around you is soaking up the sun.
4. Use Travel as a Stepping Stone
Each destination has been a stepping stone for me, guiding me toward a better version of myself. During the winter of 2022-2023, I spent three months in Ecuador, where I adopted a “mini monk mode”—focusing on introspection, work, and figuring out what I want from life. Then, in 2023-2024, I split my time across Argentina, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, reconnecting with family and building on my personal growth.
Fast-forward to April 2025, and here I am in Tulum, taking a mini-break and soaking up inspiration for whatever comes next.
The Unexpected Benefits of Life Design
Designing my life hasn’t just given me freedom; it’s also made me a better entrepreneur and person in ways I didn’t anticipate.
Creative Problem-Solving: Navigating new places and making things work on a budget has made me more resourceful and adaptable.
Self-Reliance: When you’re responsible for both your livelihood and your lifestyle, you develop a deep sense of autonomy and agency. There’s no greater feeling than knowing you’re fully in control of your life.
Enhanced Perspective: Investing in experiences over possessions has broadened my worldview and improved the way I approach both business and life decisions.
How to Start Designing Your Life
If you’re ready to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and start crafting a life you love, here are some actionable steps to get you started:
Clarify Your Values
What matters most to you? Freedom? Travel? Quality time with loved ones? Use your answers as a guide.
Define Your Goals
Ask yourself what you want your days, weeks, and months to look like. How much do you need to earn to make it sustainable?
Start Small
You don’t have to turn your life upside-down overnight. Start with a short trip or a remote work week and build from there.
Plan for Sustainability
Ensure your income covers your cost of living and leaves room for savings. When cash flow is high, work hard; when it’s low, use what you’ve saved.
Make It Your Own
Remember, life design isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a life that aligns with your values, even if it doesn’t look exactly how you imagined.
The Final Brew
The life you want is closer than you think. It starts with rejecting outdated norms and taking control of your time, work, and choices. Whether it’s sipping coffee in a Colombian café or exploring Tulum’s beaches while working part-time, life design is about crafting a lifestyle that feels fulfilling and authentic to you.
If this resonates, I encourage you to sit down, take stock of your goals, and start taking the steps toward your ideal life. The only thing holding you back is the belief that the 9-to-5 is your only option. It’s not.
Make the leap. You won’t regret it.