I figure that if anything were to go wrong and I lose my job, I'll probably never be able to find one again so I should be prepared to live without one. My wife lost her job several years ago and despite having a degree and good experience, *still* hasn't been able to find a full-time replacement job. I've got skills in both software development and system administration, but both are heavily ageist industries. Once you hit 40, the job prospects just disappear.
I didn't realize until my late thirties (thanks to illness) what really mattered in life. In a bizarre way illness was actually a blessing, although an uncomfortable lesson.
What drives me now is really just simplicity and slow living. I envision a future of creative pastimes, spending time with people I love, appreciating all the gifts I have and beauty I am surrounded by.
I never really had life goals before, I was just going through the motions and doing what was expected. I realize now that wanting to live a simple life is in fact a goal and something I should embrace and work towards. I was always under the impression that my lifestyle dictated I was an underachiever, turns out I just place value on things most of the society around me doesn't value the same way.
Many people will reply with "not having to work anymore if I choose not to" but what are your other reasons or end goal?
A lot of finance books say focus on the why and the how will sort itself out working backwards from there.
I've got skills in both software development and system administration, but both are heavily ageist industries. Once you hit 40, the job prospects just disappear.
I've got skills in both software development and system administration, but both are heavily ageist industries. Once you hit 40, the job prospects just disappear.
I really think I would commit suicide.
I figure that if anything were to go wrong and I lose my job, I'll probably never be able to find one again so I should be prepared to live without one. My wife lost her job several years ago and despite having a degree and good experience, *still* hasn't been able to find a full-time replacement job. I've got skills in both software development and system administration, but both are heavily ageist industries. Once you hit 40, the job prospects just disappear.