In a world where most people hesitate to invest even a fraction of their savings into volatile assets, one man made a decision that defied all logic — and social norms. In 2017, at the peak of the first major Bitcoin bull run, Dutch entrepreneur Thomas Tjut (commonly known as "Tijl") sold everything — his successful business, his 200-square-meter home, furniture, three cars, and even his children’s toys — to convert his entire net worth into Bitcoin.
He then left his conventional life behind, moving his wife and three kids into a nomadic lifestyle, traveling from campsite to campsite across continents. His bold move sparked global media attention, earning his family the nickname “The Bitcoin Family.” But what happened after the headlines faded? How is he doing now?
A Life-Changing Decision Rooted in Simplicity
Tijl didn’t make this radical choice out of greed or a desire for overnight riches. Instead, it was born from a deep personal awakening. Prior to 2017, he was a workaholic entrepreneur, spending over 12 hours a day running his business for 11 straight years. The cost? Time with his family, meaningful experiences, and personal fulfillment.
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The turning point came in January 2016 when his father passed away. Reflecting on his father’s life — a man who followed his passion for football and became a professional athlete — Tijl realized he had been living like “a hamster on a wheel,” chasing money without purpose.
He decided to break free. His new mission: sell everything, embrace minimalism, and spend quality time with his family while exploring the world.
From Curiosity to Conviction: Discovering Bitcoin
Although Tijl first heard about Bitcoin back in 2010, he didn’t truly understand its potential until his travels exposed him to the growing crypto community. During a trip to Bali, he met a South African investor who had quit his job in 2017 to go all-in on cryptocurrency. On an Australian beach, he had deep conversations with a Dubai-based Bitcoin enthusiast.
These encounters opened his eyes. He began to see Bitcoin not just as digital money, but as a revolutionary force — one that could decentralize financial power and reduce reliance on traditional banking systems.
“The world is quietly changing,” Tijl said. “Blockchain technology is redefining how value moves and how trust is built in society.”
This conviction led him to make the ultimate leap: converting every asset into Bitcoin. While others saw madness, he saw opportunity — not just financial, but philosophical.
Riding the Rollercoaster: From $20K Highs to $4K Lows
By December 2017, Bitcoin reached nearly $20,000 — validating Tijl’s bet in spectacular fashion. For a brief moment, his net worth had multiplied many times over. Yet, instead of cashing out, he stayed committed to his vision.
“I’m not in this for short-term gains,” he explained. “I believe in the long-term potential of decentralized money.”
But the euphoria didn’t last. Within weeks, the market crashed. By mid-2018, Bitcoin had plunged to around $6,000 — and later dipped below $4,000 in 2019. Half of his portfolio’s value evaporated overnight.
Yet through it all, Tijl remained calm. He didn’t panic-sell. Instead, he focused on spreading awareness. Over the years, he’s given talks in over 40 countries, participated in blockchain events, worked as a translator, and written extensively about cryptocurrency — often reinvesting his earnings into more Bitcoin.
Why He’d Do It All Again
Many ask: What if Bitcoin never recovers? What if it goes to zero?
Tijl’s answer is both surprising and profound:
“Even if we lose everything financially, we’ve already gained so much — time together as a family, freedom from materialism, and experiences most people only dream of.”
He admits that if things go south, he’ll simply find work and rebuild. But for now, he continues living off-grid, teaching his children about finance, technology, and resilience — lessons no classroom can offer.
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Core Keywords & SEO Integration
This story naturally revolves around several high-intent keywords relevant to cryptocurrency enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers alike:
- Bitcoin investment
- financial freedom
- crypto lifestyle
- blockchain education
- nomadic living
- long-term holding (HODL)
- decentralized finance
- risk and reward
These terms are embedded throughout the narrative to align with common search queries such as “What happens if you invest everything in Bitcoin?” or “Can you live off Bitcoin?”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Did Tijl regret selling everything for Bitcoin?
A: No. Even during market downturns, he maintains that the journey has brought immense personal growth and family bonding — outcomes more valuable than money.
Q: How does Tijl support his family now?
A: He earns income through public speaking, writing, translation services, and crypto-related consulting — always reinvesting profits into Bitcoin.
Q: Is Tijl still holding Bitcoin today?
A: Yes. Despite price fluctuations, he remains a long-term holder and advocate for decentralized digital currency.
Q: Where is Tijl’s family now?
A: They continue their nomadic lifestyle, moving across Europe and beyond, often staying in campgrounds or eco-villages while promoting financial literacy.
Q: Could someone replicate Tijl’s strategy safely?
A: While inspiring, his approach carries extreme risk. Most financial advisors recommend diversification rather than putting all assets into a single volatile instrument like Bitcoin.
Q: What lessons can we learn from Tijl’s story?
A: Beyond crypto, it’s a powerful reminder to question societal norms, prioritize relationships over possessions, and have the courage to live intentionally — even if it means taking unconventional paths.
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Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Crypto Bet
Tijl’s story isn’t just about Bitcoin — it’s about redefining success. While figures like Changpeng Zhao built empires from crypto (like Binance), Tijl chose a different path: one of simplicity, mobility, and human connection.
His experiment challenged the status quo and proved that wealth isn’t only measured in dollars or satoshis — sometimes, it’s measured in sunsets shared with loved ones, spontaneous conversations with strangers worldwide, and the peace that comes from living by your values.
Whether Bitcoin hits $100,000 or collapses tomorrow, Tijl has already won in ways that can’t be quantified on a balance sheet.
And that might be the most valuable return on investment of all.