A Scottish entrepreneur has revealed his secrets to living a life of minimal work in your 40s, traveling the world, and enjoying financial freedom. Craig Campbell, who once slogged through “dead-end” retail and food industry jobs, always knew the 9-to-5 grind wasn’t for him. He was determined to escape the rut of working relentlessly until a small pension kicked in, craving instead to be his own boss.
Now at 44, Craig has achieved a level of financial independence where working is optional, yet he chooses to spend a few hours daily sharing his insights on YouTube. With over a million subscribers, he can earn £5,000 from a simple 10-minute video by promoting products or services he believes in. But how did it all begin? The answer lies in digital marketing.
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“Working for myself rather than for a company was always appealing,” Craig said. “The main motivation was being my own boss and having the flexibility to work when it suited me. But when I started, I was putting in 18-hour days.
It was exhausting and felt like a 15-year-long apprenticeship, but I kept going. Back then, fewer people were in digital marketing, so I taught myself new skills from online forums, gathering any knowledge I could to realize my dream. Freedom and flexibility have always been crucial for me; it’s all I ever wanted from my career.”
Craig launched his business 20 years ago, during the early days of digital marketing. He helps companies enhance their websites and market themselves online. Craig likens his work to flipping properties, but instead of houses, he increases the value of online businesses and digital assets like websites.
However, this success didn’t come without sacrifices. He missed out on social events in his 20s, focusing instead on building his career. Fortunately, he met his now-wife Lauren while working at Burger King as a teenager, though she often felt frustrated by his constant working.
The hard work has paid off. Craig not only enjoys financial security but, as a father, he can now focus on spending time with Lauren and their five-year-old son, Charlie. “I only work a few hours a day now, and never on weekends,” Craig said. “This gives me a lot of freedom to spend more time with my family. I can do the school run and be around for my son.”
Craig’s online presence has led to invitations to speak at conferences worldwide. “The first conference I spoke at was in London in front of about 30 people. I was nervous and almost backed out, but something pushed me to do it, and I haven’t looked back since. This year, I spoke in front of 6,000 people. I travel globally for these talks, having been to Dubai, Thailand, the US, Bulgaria, Finland, and across the UK.
I love it. Last year, I took 25 trips in nine months. I’ve seen some amazing sights, like Elvis’ house and the spot where JFK was assassinated, and visited places like Chiang Mai in Thailand and Bulgaria that I wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s a privilege to be invited to speak worldwide.”
In addition to public speaking, Craig enjoys sharing his knowledge through how-to guides on YouTube, teaching others how to earn money online. “After 14 years of learning and making mistakes, I can help others achieve success much quicker. I’m passionate about it,” he said.
Craig shares five key tips with his audience:
- Invest in Yourself: “Whether it’s consultancy or more training, investing in your own learning pays off massively in the long run.”
- Time Management: “Keep on top of your schedule. Your time is valuable.”
- Learn to Delegate: “No business grows without processes, systems, and delegation. Make yourself disposable to gain freedom and time out.”
- Support System: “Surround yourself with good people. A mentor or supportive network can pull you up to their level.”
- Enjoy What You Do: “Have an interest in your work. Otherwise, what’s the point?”
While Craig contemplates retirement, he wonders if he could ever fully step away. “I worry that I’d get restless after a few months and want something new to get involved with. I’m not sure I could ever fully retire – I don’t know how I’d pass the time!”
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