Pick Your Own Bubble

I’ve heard people say, “You live in a bubble. Stay grounded in the real world!” But I truly believe living in a bubble is the key to being happy—and maybe even finding success. I don’t owe anyone anything, and I can shape life however I want, as long as I’m a good citizen who respects the law (not to mention you can pick your citizenship and residency these days, if that suits you). Beyond that, why not build life on my own terms?

Age Doesn’t Change the Dreamer in Me

I’m 37, but honestly, I still feel like that romantic kid daydreaming about the future. I can be distracted, visionary, and not always great at day-to-day social norms. Over time, though, I have learned how to be a good husband, a caring son, a father, and a leader at work. The biggest shift that came with age is acceptance—I understand myself better and no longer feel embarrassed when I’m not perfect at something. I am who I am, and I love being me. That’s the wisdom that age brought me.

Facing Hardships – Together

I’ve dealt with forced immigration, legal troubles, the loss of loved ones, and losing significant money more than once, starting from scratch each time. Sure, it was tough and sad at points. But I never remember it as something impossible. My family and I faced it all side by side, and even in the worst moments, we found ways to enjoy life.

What Forced Immigration Taught Me
Being forced to leave a place you call home is unsettling, but it also opened my eyes. I learned that “home” is wherever my family is. We learned new languages, adapted to new cultures, and realized we could bounce back from almost anything. It made our bond stronger and our bubble more resilient.

Falling in Love Instantly

I met my wife when I was 23. Just a few days after meeting her, I told her I wanted kids—and she was crazy enough to jump on board. We got married quickly and soon had our first baby. Before that, I was a super-shy kid with no serious relationships, but something told me this was it. My mom, although probably shocked, never put any obstacles in our way. It’s been many years since then, and my wife and I are still in love, living life exactly how we want.

Living with Parents

We’ve lived with our parents ever since we got married, which is now well over a decade. Sharing space across different generations can be hard—different worldviews, different habits—but it’s also an incredible learning experience. You learn so much about conflict resolution, daily life skills, and the joy of spending real time together. My kids get to be around their grandparents constantly, and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything. Life is short, and I want us to share as many moments as possible.

Homeschooling and Freedom from Schedules

We homeschool our children mainly because we love to travel and hate being tied to strict schedules. We’ve seen families who can only take trips during school vacations—everything becomes crowded and rushed. By homeschooling, we can go wherever, whenever. We’ve visited amazing places in off-peak seasons, enjoyed quieter spots, and truly immersed ourselves in different cultures. It’s the ultimate freedom.

Traveling with Kids and a Big Family

People often say children will tie you down—that you can’t live a carefree or adventurous life once you have them. But we never saw our kids as a barrier; we traveled with them almost from birth. We’d pause for about six months to a year around each pregnancy and birth, but after that, we hit the road again—this time with not just our kids but also grandparents in tow. There was even one year we lived in eleven different cities, which might have been a bit over the top, but it was an unforgettable experience. COVID eventually slowed us down, yet those memories of exploring new places with our entire family are priceless. For us, having kids meant expanding our journey, not limiting it.

Why I Don’t Own a Car

I’m 37, and I’ve still never owned a car. I got my license just to check a box, but it’s not my thing. We choose walkable places to live, so we don’t rely on cars for everyday life. Honestly, we see so much more of our surroundings by walking. We’ve traveled the world anyway—no car needed—and it fits our lifestyle of staying flexible and noticing the little details along the way.

Remote Work & My Career

I’ve been working fully remotely for years, and it’s become the foundation of my bubble. I’m currently a Head of Engineering, which involves plenty of challenges I enjoy. The best part? I’m at home with my family—listening to the kids playing in the background, or stepping out for a walk if I need a break. There’s no morning commute, and I’ve got more control over my time. I love the flexibility; it’s allowed me to grow professionally while staying close to the people who matter most.

Burnout & Boundaries

Working remotely doesn’t mean I’m immune to burnout. Early on, I pushed myself too hard, chasing deadlines without breaks. Eventually, I noticed the signs—fatigue, loss of interest, impatience. My wife noticed, too, and helped me slow down. I realized that taking breaks, saying “no” when needed, and having clear boundaries between work and life keeps me healthy and creative. Being at home is great, but you also need to protect your mental space.

Self-Reliance & Government

I’ve chosen not to depend on government systems too much. Whenever possible, we use private healthcare—especially in places like Russia or Turkey, where it’s affordable and accessible. We also avoid the pension route by saving on our own. I look for countries or cities that allow homeschooling or at least don’t enforce strict school requirements. If we don’t find that freedom, we move on. In my view, politics is often just noise; I’d rather quietly pick a location or system that works for us than fight one that doesn’t.

Health & Lifestyle

We walk a lot—not just to get around but to stay active and connected to our surroundings. We try to avoid junk food and keep a balanced diet, though we’re not extreme about it. The point is to live in a way that makes us feel good, both physically and mentally. Being outdoors, enjoying nature, and letting our kids run around freely is more valuable to me than sitting in traffic or waiting in line somewhere.

Financial Independence & Saving

Part of living in my bubble means I don’t rely on anyone else for financial security. I save aggressively whenever possible, investing in ways I’m comfortable with. Starting from scratch multiple times taught me that money can come and go, but skills and mindset stay with you. I’d rather plan my own safety net than depend on a government pension. It gives me peace of mind to know my family can handle surprises—even big ones.

Choosing Your Own Path

I get it: everyone has opinions on how you should live. “Stay in one place. Kids need a permanent home. Keep a steady routine.” But I’ve found that’s not necessarily true. We’ve moved across countries and cities, and each time, it still feels like home. Yes, relocating can be stressful, but the trade-off is so worth it. You become open-minded, adapt to new cultures, and see your kids growing more flexible with every move.

Life throws challenges at everyone, but when you create your own bubble—based on your values, your dreams—you find peace in the middle of the chaos. So don’t be afraid to stand by your choices, to accept who you are, and to live as you see fit.

Pick your bubble. Own it. Live in it. And if you ever need to step outside, do it on your own terms.