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astromeria · 07-30-2006, 03:29 PM

My son also loves hiking. He's almost 27, teaches middle school science, and does a lot of hiking during summer vacations, weekends, spring breaks, etc. This summer it's Shenandoah Mtns (he loved it--saw bears among other things!), and a couple of Natl Parks in Canada to come--also visits to DC, Montreal, and Quebec City. He doesn't have $500,000 or "the one" or real estate. In fact he has $12,000 and the MA teacher's retirement plan. But he's happy, has plenty of time for hobbies, friends, and family, and seems to have little stress.

If you were my son, I'd suggest sticking to your plan (i.e., reach your number and get out of Dodge before the stress carves your tombstone), then take a year off to hike and regroup, and figure out what sort of work would suit you, earn a few bucks (enough to leave your stash alone to compound), and allow lots of free time for other activites such as hiking. I urge you to read "Your Money or Your Life" by Joe Dominguez and "Work Less, Live More" by Bob Clyatt.

07-30-2006, 03:29 PM	#16
astromeria Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,375	My son also loves hiking. He's almost 27, teaches middle school science, and does a lot of hiking during summer vacations, weekends, spring breaks, etc. This summer it's Shenandoah Mtns (he loved it--saw bears among other things!), and a couple of Natl Parks in Canada to come--also visits to DC, Montreal, and Quebec City. He doesn't have $500,000 or "the one" or real estate. In fact he has $12,000 and the MA teacher's retirement plan. But he's happy, has plenty of time for hobbies, friends, and family, and seems to have little stress. If you were my son, I'd suggest sticking to your plan (i.e., reach your number and get out of Dodge before the stress carves your tombstone), then take a year off to hike and regroup, and figure out what sort of work would suit you, earn a few bucks (enough to leave your stash alone to compound), and allow lots of free time for other activites such as hiking. I urge you to read "Your Money or Your Life" by Joe Dominguez and "Work Less, Live More" by Bob Clyatt. __________________ You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need.