60% more money for 60 hours a week or 50% more hours at work than the average person. After taxes, I would suggest that you lost somewhat. Your after tax rate per hour worked is less than the average Joe.
This is not correct. The higher taxes are compensated by the discretionary aspect of the additional income over base needs. Financially, it is far better to work 60 hours a week and have extra income than to work 40 hours a week and struggle to get by. Most of my extra income has been invested at considerable growth. In essence, the 50% more work has produced over 100% more income.
But more so, I can retire 15 years earlier than the average Joe. I have complete freedom and flexibility in what I do.
Yes you received more money and recognition but you gave up your life.
What is it with people on the internet. You don't know me. Why would you think I gave up my life?
Some of this may sound arrogant and self-serving but I don't care (it is what it is) ...
Over the last several years I've gone sky diving, scuba diving (certified), rock climbing, spelunking, mountaineering, sea and white-water kayaking, cross country and downhill skiing. I've taken a glacier traverse class. I've learned how to make igloo's.
I'm physically active and run and/or bicycle every day. Last week I rode 130 miles and ran 25. I also did about 20 miles of walks. I go hiking and backpacking. In the recent past I regularly participated in the sport of orienteering and trail races (running).
I'm 56. My resting pulse is in the low to mid-30's (it's 31 right now). My blood pressure averages around 95/65. Last August my cholesterol was 118, triglycerides 63, glucose 83. (Take that you out-of-shape smart-phone obsessed Millennials who only work 9/5.)
While I hate the overwhelming hassles associated with my job, for work, I've been to Turkey, Norway (multiple times), Sweden, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK. I've been on television 10 times and the radio twice (twice live, twice international). I've met two cabinet secretary's and a foreign ambassador.
I don't volunteer very much, although I often foster feral kittens/cats. But because I've worked hard my entire life and have extra money, I was able to give about $20K last year to either charity or people in need. I donated an additional $15K in appreciated mutual fund shares to my donor advised fund for future charitable contributions (this dropped me out of AMT). I'm in a financial position to provide significant care to my mother, step mother, and others in my life should they ever need it. For myself, I don't need to worry about issues such as long term care.
While I work a lot, I take full advantage of my available free time. Overall, I'm satisfied with how things have turned out.
So I don't understand. How exactly have I given up my life?
The point is, everyone makes choices. These choices have consequences. Working 9/5 has different consequences than working 60 hours a week. Such choices and consequences are neither good nor bad. But I object when people complain about having to work until they are 75 when a different set of choices could of have had them retiring at 55.