Tired of the rat race?
You're not alone.

Have you ever felt stuck in the 9-to-5, like your time and energy are spent building someone else’s dream and fortune?

You’re not alone.

Hi, I’m Rickard, the creator of Hamster Wheel Exit.

Over the years, I’ve worked as a carpenter, written copy for years, and held more jobs than I can count. I’ve also had longer stints of unemployment, trying hard to make ends meet.

I’ve never really fit into the 9-to-5 hamster wheel — mostly because I kept choosing the creative path. Chasing my dream meant financial ups and downs, but it kept me honest. It kept me me.

And this little self-inflicted problem of mine? Writing stories. Always fulfilling, but never financially successful.

Yet.

When Others Call the Shots

When I hit 40, then 50, I noticed it became much harder to land a job. That’s when it hit me: I’m done waiting for someone else to pick me. Done with others calling the shots.

Over the years, I’ve worked in construction, led teams, written for brands, cleaned hospital wards, helped customers in retail, and spent almost nine years with Scandinavian Airlines — working as a transfer baggage driver at Arlanda, Stockholm, while traveling as often as I could.

Every job taught me something different: about people, work ethic, running projects, creativity, and how fragile “security” can be when someone else signs your paycheck.

When Life Forces You to Rethink Everything

About nine months ago, I finally landed a job — one I’m genuinely grateful for. But those long stretches of unemployment left their mark. The uncertainty, both financial and emotional, made me realize how easily everything can slip away.

That’s why, this past winter, I completed a Master’s in Digital Marketing — to strengthen my skills and prepare for whatever comes next.

So even with part-time work today, I’m building online ventures on the side — this time with the goal to create something lasting, something that grows, and something I fully control.

The truth? When doors stop opening and you’ve got nothing solid to fall back on, it makes you painfully vulnerable. And I don’t want to live at the mercy of that again.

Maybe you know that feeling too?

Not an Expert — Just Honest About the Journey

So here’s my take: let’s build a life no one else can take away from you — creative, flexible, aligned with your values. A life that gives you more time, more creativity, and enough financial breathing room to stop worrying about next month.

That’s what Hamster Wheel Exit is about.

Not just my journey — hopefully a space for you to learn, experiment, and build a life that fits you. Whether you’re an artist, welder, doctor, or accountant — if you’re tired of the rat race and want something different, you’re in the right place.

But listen — I’m no online expert. Far from it. I’m still learning, failing, and showing the work as I go.
Take a look at the ExitLab — you’ll see exactly what I mean.

The blog’s still under construction (minus the hard hat). I’m adding more stories, lessons, and ExitLab experiments as I go — consider this your sneak peek into the chaos.