My Journey

Hey — you can call me Rook. I’m the founder of Slow Burn Club, a home for people who want more out of life… but want it on their own terms.

I’ve always been a bit of a weirdo — as a kid, I used to count coins in my piggy bank for fun. Something about stacking and sorting cash made my brain light up. That turned into a lifelong curiosity about money. I went on to study Accounting and Finance at uni, and graduated a few years after the 2008 global financial crisis.

First Job: payday loans: long commute, low pay, and long days helping people in urgent need of cash. I watched folks trying to stay afloat — paying for food, rent, or emergencies. It hit me hard.

Aha Moment 1: Being there pulled on my heartstrings. I couldn’t ignore the emotional weight money carried. I started looking for ways to make sense of it all — and that’s when I found minimalism. The simplicity felt like oxygen. Less clutter. Fewer distractions. More clarity.

Second Job: mobile phone sales. I cared too much to be pushy — which made me one of the “worst” salespeople. I hit normal targets easily, but our inflated ones i fell short on. Around that time, someone handed me Rich Dad Poor Dad. It wasn’t gospel at all (or good), but it cracked a door. I didn’t even know personal finance books existed. That led me to my northern stars: I Will Teach You to Be Rich and Your Money or Your Life. Not being dramatic, but they changed the of my life.

Job from Hades: the door shop. I was the top seller — but the place was a soul-sucking black hole. The boss may or may not have paid us correctly. May or may not have misused pandemic relief funds. Paychecks were delayed. Excuses were routine. I reached a breaking point. I dreaded going in. Even picking up the phone gave me anxiety. I wanted to run.

Aha Moment 2: During that time, I discovered the FIRE movement. Mr. Money Mustache’s math blew my mind. I dove into spreadsheets and slashed my spending to the bone. The goal was early retirement — because I hated my job. But I went too far. I lost joy along the way.

Eventually, I burned out.

Intervention: That’s when a friend dragged me — gently but firmly — into something we called Get Shit Done Dinners. I wasn’t allowed to eat (my rule) until I submitted at least one job application. It worked. I landed a calmer role as a civil servant in IT, managing an intranet and breathing again. For the first time in years, I felt respected and at peace.

Aha Moment 3: I realized I didn’t want to escape life. I wanted to build one that actually felt good. These days, I still track my money, invest with purpose, and cut the spending chaff — but I also spend on joy. I protect my peace. I move my body. I unplug. I write.

Now, I’ve built a family. A home. A life. I fight for simplicity every day. I love the phrase “Keep It Simple, S[fill in the blank]” — though I’m still not quite sure what that last “S” stands for. Maybe sweetheart. I like that.

Slow Burn Club is dedicated to sharing thoughtful insights on personal finance, health, and a slow-paced lifestyle. My mission is to inspire deliberate living while guiding readers toward financial independence and sustainable well-being.

My self-portrait

Meet the writer, thinker, money nerd, and recovering overachiever. I wear all the hats here: writing, editing, designing, overthinking, and making the tea. Building this intentional living space, one slow burn at a time

Why “Slow Burn Club”?

Because I’m done sprinting.

Now I’m walking — intentionally, patiently — down a little wooded path. Watching birds. Taking deep breaths. Enjoying the view.

This is a slow burn — toward freedom, yes, but also toward happiness, clarity, and a life that actually feels good to live.

What You’ll Find Here

• Stories from my own slow FI journey
• Habits, tools, and mindset shifts that helped (and the ones that didn’t)
• Thoughts on simplicity, balance, and making money your ally, not your master
• Gentle reminders that you’re not behind — and you’re not alone

Final Note

I started this blog to stay honest and aligned. I hope it gives you:

• A simpler way to run your life
• A reason to slow down
• A reminder that your struggles are normal
• And a little spark to stay curious and hopeful

Welcome to the club.
We’re in no rush.
🔥