> As an example, at the top of that list would be relocating to a lower cost area. Residing in NYC/SF/BOS/TOK/LON is a choice that forces one onto the hamster wheel.
This cannot be emphasized enough. There are lots of good jobs and good areas to live that will not force you to spend absurd amounts on small rental properties, let alone half-million dollar or more homes. A lot of middle America is actually pretty nice to live in, and near the big cities that have the culture people might want, while costing a fraction of what NYC or SF cost. And the salaries aren't that much lower. You may have a hard time getting to six-figures in some of these places, but your $80k a year salary will go a lot further than $150k in SF.
And the jobs offer a great deal for having a lifestyle that isn't centered on work, in my experience. Leaving at 4 is not frowned upon, by most, and you get essentially a second day to spend doing what you want, or with the family.
This cannot be emphasized enough. There are lots of good jobs and good areas to live that will not force you to spend absurd amounts on small rental properties, let alone half-million dollar or more homes. A lot of middle America is actually pretty nice to live in, and near the big cities that have the culture people might want, while costing a fraction of what NYC or SF cost. And the salaries aren't that much lower. You may have a hard time getting to six-figures in some of these places, but your $80k a year salary will go a lot further than $150k in SF.
And the jobs offer a great deal for having a lifestyle that isn't centered on work, in my experience. Leaving at 4 is not frowned upon, by most, and you get essentially a second day to spend doing what you want, or with the family.