I'm struggling to not feel like career progress toward fiat goals was a colossal waste of a decade for me. I didn't even realize I was a fish out of water. The life I wanted deep down was not in the tax bracket I thought it would be in.

I stepped away from production construction recently and took a job as a ranch hand in my local community to have more time for family and writing. Stepping so far out of the mainstream lifestyle has given me perspective. This is the most vibrant day-to-day life I've ever experienced. I'd encourage anyone thinking about an alternative lifestyle to go for it.

There is a whole glorious world out there beyond the mirage of internet culture.