"You can't change the wind, but you can change the sails."
This is my first contribution to the community. I would like to use this opportunity to introduce my career.
The most important thing about me is that I am 32 years old and male. I have a vocational baccalaureate and am building my professional career on a specialist training course in healthcare plus additional studies in business administration. In the second half of my twenties, I had a consumer debt of €30,000 on a net income of around €2,200-2,400 (depending on allowances). I also had health problems.
One winter evening in 2019, driven by shame and remorse about my personal financial situation, I decided to end my life, but fortunately I didn't succeed.
But I did manage to change my mind that night. That the problem wasn't me, but what I should be.
So I ended my long-term partnership, moved out of the apartment we shared and quit my job.
Emergency reset button.
I applied to countless companies for a job in sales. When I finally had the choice between three offers, I didn't choose the best one in terms of money, but the one that felt best for me.
I have since been promoted twice in this company and am still deeply grateful and happy.
I paid off my debts with my first commissions and at the same time built up a monthly deposit via savings plans.
I cracked the €100,000 mark this year, and what was still a life goal for me a few years ago is suddenly just the first stage towards the real goal: the million. But not because I think everything will be better then. No. Because I know that I already lack nothing materially compared to many people out there and, as a competitive athlete, I love to see the journey as the goal.
Without a goal in mind, I might drift off again. The goal of being a millionaire one day keeps me on track between humility and courage.
I am not a stock market god or an investor king. I'm just a person with a story, like everyone here.
I'm learning every day and 2025 was the first year in which I was able to generate a small, solid return. So the lion's share of my portfolio came from cash deposits.
I am grateful every day that something has kept me alive. And if it can inspire anyone here to keep their head above water in difficult times, then this first post has already more than fulfilled its purpose.
On to new lands.
Your Marco Polo
