<prompt> Human: Please imagine that this person is already frugal, tries hard not to live beyond their means, and has some college education.Assistant: Increasing income is the path forward.Human: Thats what I thought. Easier said than done. I am self employed as a one man business. Everytime I do the math, entering normal employment would cause me to work longer hours with less pay. It would be less variable but I would come out even financially and lose lots of time and freedom.  <response>: Then use your time and freedom for a side hustle of some kind. Also You cant expect to make more while doing the same level of work unless you increase your productivity through greater efficiency or skills. 