A conversation I haven't had for a very long time is on my powerdowns. The reason I haven't talked about my powerdowns for so long is because, I can't remember the last time I actually powered down. I think it was mid-2017. Even then, I wasn't actually powering down properly, because I was powering it straight back up. The reason I did this was because it meant that I was always closer to getting something out than the 7-days for a cycle. The reason I stopped doing it was because it was pointed out that many people just see the powerdown and make assumptions, they don't look at the powering up.
The reason I bring this up now is because last week and after almost three years, I started a powerdown again based on the TRON news. Because I as uncertain what was going to happen (still am), I decided to take the safe approach and recall some delegations as well as start a powerdown until I figured out what to do. In 21 hours, the first powerdown cycle should mature.
But fuck it.
I am going to stop the powerdown and take the risk. The reason is that while it is a defensive move, what the hell is 1000 dollars really going to do for me in this life at this time? I don't mean that to sound like I am rubbing it in because I know that is a lot of money in some plaes, but I live in Finland, and it really isn't that much. I want life changing and that doesn't do much to even change my month.
One day, I hope it will be though.
Yeah, I of course hope that Steem will do all the great financial things, but in order for me to actually benefit, I have to have Steem. Selling at 22 cents out of fear just so I get something isn't really what I have worked so hard for. And as I have said, it is to the stars - or the gutter.
If it is to the gutter, so be it. This is the risk right? Sure, I can play it safe and take the little I have and put it into Bitcoin and watch it climb steadily over the next 5 years, but that is what I can do with my fiat if I choose. With my Steem, I am able to use it here and add a few extra cents around the place and perhaps add some smiles and even some value to people.
Sure, one day I will have to cash something out, but I am hoping that when that time comes, it is going to make a significant difference to whatever the conditions of my life are. For instance, if I was able to pay-out my mortgage in 5 years, the rest of my and my family's financial life would be quite a lot easier as our monthly costs will decrease enormously. I don't need a Lambo. I wouldn't even want one.
Simple pleasures, bills paid without having to feel the belt tighten, a gadget occasionally to test out new tech perhaps, and a trip to Australia with my family so we can all be together for once in a blue moon. I think like most people in life, I am pretty tired of the economic struggle, and I feel that cashing out any no is supporting its continuance. Instead, I will support the crypto life, at least for now.
I know that there are quite a few large accounts powering down and they might even dump. A lot of people will get upset at this, but don't as it is great for distribution and if you thought you missed your chance to buy at the lows, you might get another swing. Those large accounts might not need the funds even, but that also means that they don't need the highs to have that life changing amount, it would just be nice for them.
For me, if I could sell my entire stake now, I would get around 16,000 dollars, which after paying what I must in tax, likely leaves me with a few months of addition salary. That is really nice to have, but a year or two from now, it would be like it never happened as it would be absorbed into life, a distant memory - like the feeling of a holiday a few weeks after returning to work.
Powering up and holding Steem is a risky position in relationship to having "cash in the hand" that can be spent now, but it is also an act of defiance of some kind and a support for all those who are to come in the future. Some might only care about the dollar value, but I do have a sense that there is more at stake than what I am able to buy.
If Steem dies, I might lament not taking something, but I do not think I will dwell on it for too long and will rather get on with my life, Steemlessly. After all, I have lived my life Steemlessly til now, so I will manage a little further.
Taraz [ a Steem original ]
