Being mindful? Being serious? Taking on responsibilities? That sounds way too serious. Carefree people aren't burdened by life's problems; instead, they opt for a relaxed lifestyle free of consequences. You can learn to infuse a bit of lightheartedness into your life, find a job that complements a carefree lifestyle, and avoid unpleasant stereotypes about those who enjoy fun. Jump to step 1 to get started.
Add a Touch of Whimsy
Step 1. Daydream Constantly.
Daydream constantly. Instead of stress, problems, worries, and concerns, carefree people fill their minds with fantasies. Whether you're at work, school, or even running errands like grocery shopping, let your mind wander. Imagine yourself jamming on stage with the Scorpions or catching a massive wave on your surfboard off the California coast. Live in your thoughts and let it be an unforgettable life.
- Stuck in class? Not with your imagination! Picture yourself walking through a forest, kissing your favorite person, or even what delicious sandwiches you'll make when you get home.
- Daydreaming doesn’t make you a loser or a slacker. Einstein's theory of relativity started with fantasies — with a question about what it would be like to travel through space at the speed of light. The result was one of the most famous scientific papers in the world — "The Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies," which deeply explored this idea.[1] X Source
Step 2. Forget About the Future and Live in the Present.
Forget about the future and live in the present. Ambitions? Plans? Not for the carefree. Observe every sunset, inhale the scent of every flower, and nod to every passerby. Live in the moment. Don’t stress over things like work, college, or career. Don’t dwell on disagreements or politics. Everything will sort itself out. Have fun.
- If you're constantly worried about your future, stressing over an upcoming test, graduation, or even what you’re doing this weekend, take some time for meditation. Just sit. Relax. Try to calm your mind for 15–20 minutes, watching your thoughts disappear.
- Also, don’t worry about the past. Forget all the bad things you've done and focus on what’s happening here and now. Think about today. Carefree people don’t hold grudges, they don’t hate, and they don’t act rude; their emotions fluctuate between joy and mild disappointment, then back to joy.
Step 3. Keep a Cheerful Outlook
Keep a cheerful outlook. A carefree person's face is always adorned with a smile. Why not? Chase away gloomy thoughts and stress, and try to focus on the pleasant things in your life. Even if you're going to work — make sure to wear a smile. The workday isn’t that long, and then there are weekends, and you'll have a great time.
- Try to get along with everyone. Carefree people don’t seek favorites or get into arguments. Being carefree means treating everyone equally, for better or worse. If you want to be that person, try greeting strangers and striking up conversations with anyone.
Step 4. Take a Neutral Stance on Good and Bad.
Take a neutral stance on good and bad. Carefree people approach everything — heavy topics, successes, failures — with complete indifference. They don’t need to express "deep" emotions; they prefer to remain blissfully ignorant of tension and worries. Think of it as zen-like tranquility.
- Learn to speak in platitudes. If your friend is going through a tough time or just had a setback, the best thing for a carefree person is to rely on clichés and simplified wisdom: "It’s all very bad. But sometimes you have to go through a rough patch to get to the good one — you know what I mean?"[2] X Source
Step 5. Don’t Watch the Clock.
Don’t watch the clock. Carefree people never need to arrive anywhere on time. Time is just the ticking of a mechanism on your wrist. Leave your watch at home and rely on your internal clock.
Step 6. Choose Pleasure Over Work.
Choose pleasure over work. Did your friends text you that they’re headed to the beach tomorrow, but you have to go to work? Call in sick. You shouldn’t miss out on fun with friends at the beach, especially since you’re often stuck in the kitchen, office, or classroom. Seize the moment.
- You need to learn to balance between responsibility and fun. You have to work to maintain a carefree lifestyle, but don’t overburden yourself. Try to work just enough to get by, and spend the rest of your time living.
- Make every effort to find something you enjoy doing, and then work will become enjoyable as well. In the next section, you’ll find tips on what carefree people can do.
Step 7. Make Your Life a Celebration
Make your life a celebration. Carefree people participate in all social events and are ready to throw a party at any moment. If you want to be that person, you have to be open to fun.
- Don’t plan parties in advance; just go with the flow. On Friday nights, head to a bar or another popular spot, and then see how things go. If there’s a chance to join a party, take it. If not, throw your own party.
- Always carry a party bag. Keep energy drinks, a sports drink for hydration, chewing gum, some cash (in case the bar doesn’t accept cards or you need a taxi), a toothbrush, a phone charger, and anything else you might need for a successful party. Just in case, carry your ID (in case the bartender doubts your age, or you end up in another city).
Step 8. Be Smarter Than You Seem.
Be smarter than you seem. What’s the secret to carefree people? That there’s more beneath the lighthearted façade. Truly carefree people surprise friends and acquaintances with unexpected talents. Carefreeness is just a mask hiding true worth. At least sometimes.
- Keep hidden talents for the right moment. Maybe you’re great at playing the banjo but have never mentioned it. Wait for the right party and show off your skills by playing “Clinch Mountain Backstep.” When everyone asks, "Why didn’t you ever tell us you could play the banjo?" a good response for a carefree person is: "Well, you never asked."
- Carefree people often speak vaguely about their past or what’s happening in their lives. There’s always a mystery about them: where did they come from? What are they doing? If someone asks you such questions, respond vaguely: "Oh, just passing through. Just chilling."
Find a Carefree Profession
Step 1. Work as Little as Possible.
Work as little as possible. To avoid overloading yourself, figure out how little you can work to earn your carefree living and enjoy it for as long as possible. Do some simple math, consider how much money you need, and how much work it will take. How much do you need each month for housing, food, and other expenses? If you can find a way to earn without leaving home, that’s a huge plus. Working on a computer in your pajamas? That’s exactly what we’re talking about.
- Think about your standard of living and try to live as frugally as possible. Living carefree and maintaining your own place can be tricky, but renting with five or six people is a way to cut costs and not need a lot of money. You’ll always be out having fun somewhere, so what’s the difference how many neighbors you have? Plus, you can have fun with them too.
Step 2. Work Where You Can Socialize.
Work where you can socialize. If you’re someone who needs company for a fun and exciting life, find a job where you’ll be constantly interacting with people. If you enjoy your work, it won’t even feel like work.
- Bartenders need to work quickly while engaging with customers and making drinks at the same time, but if you work the day shift, the bar atmosphere is much more laid-back. Your tips might be smaller, but you can chat with customers and serve drinks at a leisurely pace.
- Consider jobs that involve customer service. Being a waiter, a salesperson in a shoe store, or other similar roles that require interaction with people can be ideal for many carefree individuals. You won’t have to make important decisions, just listen and fulfill requests.
Step 3. Try Outdoor Work.
Try outdoor work. Sunbathing while working? That’s every carefree person’s dream. Try developing talents and skills that can ensure a good job outdoors. Here are some great low-stress professions:
- gardener;
- surfer;
- nature trail guide;
- fisherman;
- landscape designer.
Step 4. Work in the Music Industry.
Work in the music industry. Traveling the world and listening to live music every night? The music industry is full of carefree people, and you don’t have to perform on stage to be part of it. There are countless job opportunities available for those as carefree as you. Consider studying music business, sound engineering, or other related fields, and seek jobs like:
- sound technician;
- touring company manager;
- DJ;
- guitar equipment specialist;
- producer.
Step 5. Become an Artist.
Become an artist. Carefree or genius? If you enjoy creating something with your hands, thinking conceptually about art, or just drawing, learn to do what you love well. Honing your skills, learning the fundamentals of painting, drawing, sculpture, and other necessary abilities will take time and effort, but then you’ll gain creative freedom and be able to break the rules you’ve learned. Creating dioramas out of rotting banana peels? Sewing flags out of underwear? Making busts out of chocolate and lard? It’s all art, provided you know your craft.
- Try to rent a studio close to where you live or consider a studio with a small living space. It may just be a breezy attic with only a bed for furniture, but it will be within your budget and give you enough space for your work and materials.
- Look for something like a commune or artist residency where you can live among fellow artists and dreamers like yourself. What could be better?
Step 6. Take on as Few Commitments as Possible.
Take on as few commitments as possible. A carefree person should be as free as possible from obligations and responsibilities to focus mainly on themselves. Pets, children, career advancement — all of these complicate a carefree life. If you want to live this way for as long as possible, it’s essential not to tie yourself down with long-term commitments that would force you to settle down and stop living in the moment.
Avoid Stereotypes
Step 1. Don’t Be Afraid to Show Your Intelligence and Speak Your Mind.
Don’t be afraid to show your intelligence and voice your opinion. Carefree people are not stupid; they simply don’t worry about anything and are more focused on having fun than on responsibilities. This attitude towards life doesn’t make you a fool, and you shouldn’t act ignorant just to attract the attention of other carefree individuals. Make arguments, have your own opinions, and showcase your intellect. Staying true to yourself is ultimately what it means to be carefree.
- Being stupid is not cool, sexy, or funny. It just means being dumb. Learn more about what interests you and show genuine interest when listening to knowledgeable people. Don’t disregard people just because they aren’t as carefree as you.
Step 2. Be Smart About Parties.
Be smart about parties. Smoking, drinking, and constant partying are stereotypes of carefree behavior. You can completely refuse them or allow yourself occasionally (it’s up to you), but it’s important to find a middle ground to avoid excess while not overly restricting yourself. Having fun is important, but so is taking care of yourself to ensure your fun life is long-lasting and avoiding self-destructive behavior that some confuse with fun.
- Set party rules for yourself and always stick to them. For example, "No more late-night parties on weekdays after I turn 25" or "Home by 2 AM." Make a list of your party rules and always carry it with you. Make it part of your carefree lifestyle.
- If parties negatively impact your work, relationships, or health, you should limit them drastically. If you suspect you have an alcohol or other dependency, seek help.
Step 3. Be Independent.
Be independent. The difference between a carefree person and a slacker is that carefree people can take care of themselves, which is why we perceive their lighthearted behavior as a personal quirk. However, if these quirks hinder your ability to provide for yourself, dress well, and maintain a tidy living space, that’s a problem. If you want to be a carefree person, you need to know how to take care of yourself and provide for your needs. You don’t have to be a subsistence farmer or a survival expert, but you must carve your own path in life.
- Carefree people have a reputation for living in chaos — who has time to clean? — but try to keep your living space tidy and avoid clutter. No loose ferrets or unwashed cat litter boxes, especially if someone else lives with you. Be an adult.
- At a certain age, it’s very important to move out from your parents’ home and take on your own responsibilities. Having support while you’re trying to get on your feet is nice, but it’s essential to take reciprocal steps as soon as possible. If you're already 25 and someone is doing your laundry or cooking breakfast for you, that’s pretty shameful, even for carefree people.
Step 4. Stay Healthy and Take Care of Your Body.
Stay healthy and take care of your body. A Big Mac or fries now and then is tasty and totally forgivable, but don’t overindulge in fast food if you don’t want to become a carefree person with cholesterol issues by the age of 30. Balance your carefree life and partying with healthy eating, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
- Learn to cook for yourself and try to buy fewer ready-made meals or eat out. Aim to consume enough fiber and vitamin-rich vegetables while cutting down on snacks and fatty foods.
- Find fun and engaging exercises that you enjoy. Chances are a carefree person won’t be a super fan of CrossFit and other intense workouts, but you might enjoy frisbee, long hikes in nature, or dance aerobics.
- If you indulge in smoking, try to quit as soon as possible. Many young people try smoking before they start worrying about their health, but if at 30 you realize you've been smoking for 10 years, that’s quite scary. Quitting will only get harder as you age.
Step 5. Surround Yourself with Goal-Oriented People.
Surround yourself with goal-oriented people. Too many carefree individuals are like a ship with no one at the helm: someone needs to steer! Try to connect with a variety of people, including natural leaders, who will complement your friend circle and allow you to relax and go with the flow if you wish. Find your "yin" to complement your "yang."
- Goal-oriented people may envy your ability to relax, have fun, and remain carefree year after year, which means you can be a kind of escape for them. In turn, career-focused friends can teach you skills they’ve already mastered, whether it’s opening a savings account, filling out grad school applications, or handling bills.
