" I hope into my 30s I don't accidentally lose perspective on what's important". True that. I had my son when I was 30 and he turned out to be autistic. High functioning tho, but still very challenging as a parent when ur child just doesnt fit into the mold. That came with a sacrifice from my career. I took low paying jobs to trade in for less responsibilities and more time to spend with my time. Here I am 10 years later dreaming to start my SAAS, having ensured that my child will have a better shot at being able to function in the society.

> So far I think the trick is to live a poorer lifestyle than your income suggests you ought to

Yes. At times it's a bit frustrating when everyone else drives a nicer car, but on the other hand not having to worry about money at all is pretty sweet.

We are obsessed with status. And we compare it in everything we do.

Though I don't entirely subscribe to Dave Ramsey, he does have a point about the status symbol being a BMW (and how maybe it shouldn't be).

If you want money and have money, then options are fun to play with. Just beat the stock market.

Thanks for mentioning enjoying life. I've been making habit changes these last few months and things are stating to stick!

> - sing with my toddler more

I've got a 4 month old that babbles non stop. I find myself singing and being silly all the time. I feel you on this.

> - grok C++

25 years experience, e-mail in profile if you want to talk about anything c++.

It's funny to hear you say you've completed your family I have an 18 year old, and I feel like I'm just getting into the real parenting.

Oh yeah no, I'm not saying I'm done. Just that we have both our sons now and no plans for more. Parenting isn't always hard but it's constant.

> So far I think the trick is to live a poorer lifestyle than your income suggests you ought to, which drastically reduces all financial and employment pressure

Yes. And then if you can find a high-paying job that allows you to work less than the typical 40 hour work week (eg: 20 hour work week) it'd be perfect, don't you think?

If you get the right boss who gets it it may be possible. I'd posit that if you gave me every Friday off instead of a nice raise, you'd still get as much productivity out of me.

This was a surprisingly fresh perspective of goals. Thanks! All I was thinking was of more time on open source stuff, research, writing etc.