TO SHRUG - AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE FOR AN INDIVIDUALIST

[archerships]

David King is a bit of a nut.* However, I agree with much of what he wrote in his essay "TO SHRUG - AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE FOR AN INDIVIDUALIST"

[Note: I don't agree that Shrugging is morally desirable. To reduce your income below taxable levels, just to avoid paying taxes, seems to be a case of cutting off one's nose to spite your face. However, I definitely agree that reducing your expenses as much as possible, so that you're free to spend your time as you wish, is a very desirable goal.]


* I suggested to him that he publish a practical manual describing how he had outfitted his bus for long term living. He said that he didn't want to do that because he thought that his technical skills would be very valuable to a Galt's Gulch-like society that he expected to form upon the collapse of civilization, and he didn't want to give up his competitive advantage.

Comments

[rillifane.livejournal.com]

I agree that it is passing odd to deliberately reduce your income to avoid taxes when there are so many more creative ways to do it if you choose your occupation carefully.

I think I've done something like this fellow has but done so while living in what I suspect is a lot more comfort.

And having formally retired I now have no need to do any work whatever for the remainder of my lifespan (which ought to be around 35-40 years). Not bad considering that my life as a worker bee lasted less than 25 years.

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Which occupations would you recommend for tax avoidance?

I think I've done something like this fellow has but done so while living in what I suspect is a lot more comfort.


Probably true. However, it's useful to know that someone could do it even if they work part-time as a janitor or restaurant worker. (As King does).

[rillifane.livejournal.com]

Clearly you need to be in an occupation in which you are not paid a reportable salary or commission.

An independant self employed professional such as a lawyer or accountant is the most obvious.