I admire how my friend thrives with little to no money

I’m a normie now but me and my friend were both unemployed, pursuing art degrees, and reliant on parents for financial support (ik not exactly a NEET but if we weren’t in university we’d basically be living the NEET lifestyle). I remember back then thinking that all my problems would be solved if I just get a job and earn money. I would think “I’ll be able to actually be the person I see myself in my head; I’ll be able to afford to look the way I want to, I’ll be able to afford the hobbies I want to do, and then I’ll be a complete whole person.” I was caught up with that way of thinking that I didn’t even realise that my friend was already living the life I wanted without a job. He knows who he is and confidently expresses himself through fashion and creation. He creates his own jewelry which he learned from youtube, he makes thrifted clothes look high end and he has a unique style that reflects his interests and personality, he learned how to sew from free community sewing classes, he learned how to tattoo himself, he sculpts and draws, he goes out and does street art, volunteers at his local thrift store, and a joy to be around. He is emotionally mature, insightful, and inspiring. I think he funds some of these activities with neetbucks. He’s a complete person positive and self-assured without needing to participate in excess consumerism. While I’m happy to have a job now, It didn’t fix the fact that I don’t entirely know who I even am or how to even express my identity and regain my passion and hunger to create art. I’ll get there soon and I’m learning from him. anyways, It just made me realise and how cool it is that you can live a happy fulfilling NEET lifestyle. Albeit, with the support of either your parents/partner/government.