The Digital Dream vs. Living the Dream

At night, I often lay awake, caught in a struggle between two very different lives. On one side is the digital world, where I run an ad agency. It’s full of opportunities—tools that have made me a stronger creative, provided financial stability, and offered a platform for expression. But then there’s the dream of a simpler life on the farm. The idea of waking with the sun, tending to a garden, and living off the land is incredibly appealing. It promises self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to nature.

What If the Internet Vanished?

But what if the internet disappeared tomorrow? What if war or disaster wiped out the infrastructure we all depend on? Would I regret pouring my energy into a business that might become irrelevant? Would I long for the quiet peace of a life spent farming, away from the chaos of digital demands?

Farming isn’t necessarily a money-making venture, but it can get you close to self-sufficient living. You might not be raking in profits like in the digital world, but you can grow your own food and sustain yourself in ways that feel rewarding. I’ve come to realize that while running my agency offers financial stability, living on a farm shows you the value of being grounded and resourceful.

Finding Balance

Now that I’ve experienced both sides, I see that you can have both worlds, but when everything goes sideways, the farm becomes far more important. There’s a certain security that comes from knowing how to grow your own food and live off the land. Technology may enhance our lives, but it shouldn’t be our only lifeline.

My suggestion? Buy a farm, just in case. Having a piece of land can provide a safety net, allowing you to be more resilient in tough times. Embracing both worlds—leveraging technology while nurturing a connection to the earth—offers a balanced approach to life.

In the end, it’s not about choosing one over the other. It’s about preparing for whatever the future holds and making the most of every moment. Investing in both creativity and self-sufficiency might just be the best way to enjoy life fully.

I say this often, Success is not money, or titles, or fame. Success is having the control over your own time, having autonomy. I’ve found that I have been more successful further away from the grid, then when I was in it.