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My 2024

Live my best life

Slava Melanko

Last edited 8 minutes ago by Slava Melanko

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Intro

Here we go again! This is my 2024, and I’m continuing a series of posts about key parts of my life, reflecting on the past year.

The main purpose of this summary is to reflect on my past, understand what I’ve done well, and make plans for the future. It’s also a good way to learn English.

1. Over 1,000 days of the war

It was late February 2022. I was sitting in a basement with neighbors. A woman I had never met said the war would end on March 8. My first thought was like, 'What? That’s about ten days away." She also added, someone who could see the future using cards said that 🤦‍♂️ Time flies... Over a month ago, we passed 1,000 days of war.

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https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1869795224467452033

https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1869795224467452033

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The most discussed topic and biggest issue last year was the incompetence of some commanders in military units. It's crucial to recognize mistakes and work on solutions, as mistakes in the army cost lives. However, we have role models like Azov, 3rd Assault Brigade, K-2 Battalion, Magyars Birds, and others that keep evolving and proving they are the best — from soldiers to commanders.

Despite tough conditions, Ukraine achieved small yet meaningful victories against its huge enemy. Russia failed in Armenia (though that was in late 2023 🤔), Syria, and Kursk.

My contribution to Ukraine’s success seems big at first — more than $17k — but that includes entrepreneur taxes, car customs fees, other taxes, and donations.

2. I’m 33

I'm 33, and it's a great age to enjoy life, with physical and mental health, time, and financial stability — despite the war. Unlike others who often complain about childhood or student years, I have no such complaints. Perhaps there is only one... I sacrificed my personal life in my 20s, working six days a week, 10-hour days, driven by strong motivation. Now, in my early 30s, I work over 8 hours in winter, less in summer, and never — well, almost never — on weekends.

Again, 33 is a perfect age to enjoy life in my opinion. If not now, then when? So, I bought myself a gift and at the same time a 392 HP emotion:

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The 'pocket rocket' is pricey, especially to maintain, but I have zero regrets. It might have its downsides, and there’s always a better car, but none of that matters because it’s my 💛.

3. Career and self-development

As a developer, ChatGPT powered my 2024. I quickly implemented features or fixed bugs without diving into theory, deployed, and moved on to the next task. It feels like:

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Joke aside, I really enjoy frontend, especially React, and I like my work, but there’s always a “but”. It can be frustrating not having time to clean up code or work on my own features to feel like it’s my project too. The business side often comes first, and the dev part falls behind. Sometimes the code is 💩. But even that kind of code works and can make money. I just have to accept it and keep moving forward.

4. Financial health

Continuing my yearly tradition, I'll begin by giving an overview of my expenses:

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"Vehicle" refers to maintenance only; car price is excluded.

"Vehicle" refers to maintenance only; car price is excluded.

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On the preview image, 42% progress toward financial independence looks great, but it’s just stage 1. The goal is to cover essential expenses like food, utilities, and basic medical needs which is about $600 per month. The current progress comes from deposits and bonds. The challenge for 2025 will be figuring out how to continue this progress, even if it’s just a few percent.

Bitcoin is unstoppable. At some point of 2024, it surpassed both Meta and silver in market capitalization:

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I believe it’s only a matter of time before it becomes number one 🤞🤞

Final word

2024 was all about living my best life and focusing on relationships while work and finances were secondary. Yeah,

life is full of tradeoffs⁠

. For 2025, I have some ideas for self-development and increasing my wealth, but I’m not sure if they will work. However, I’m certain my relationship will reach a big milestone next year 🙂

Previous summaries

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2018⁠

2019⁠

2020⁠

2021⁠

2022⁠

2023⁠

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Intro

1. Over 1,000 days of the war

2. I’m 33

3. Career and self-development

4. Financial health

Final word

Previous summaries

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