I've spent at least 30k on my hobbies over past 10 years, since graduating college. I still have a mortgage, I'm still in debt. But, my hobbies have given me something to enjoy outside of work. I love programming, but I consider myself lucky when my work and passions actually align. Sometimes I get to solve interesting problems. That's a luxury. But you know what is always there for me when I clock out? My family, and my hobbies. When the weather is nice, I can look forward to a motorcycle ride. I enjoy going to the gym, learning jiu jitsu, gardening, cooking, repairing things. Yes, it costs money. But, I'm in my 30s, in good shape, happy, and in debt. I see people that maxxed out their work life, and neglected their personal lives, and they tend to be miserable for one reason or another. Getting in shape and being active gets harder as you get older. Relationships take time and work as well. Money is not going to buy you a happy relationship, it's not going to buy you friends, and it's not going to buy you health. It absolutely helps, but it's not the priority. Work so that you can live well, not so that you can accumulate numbers.
