It’s nice to hear someone’s honest opinion on the endless rat race for most non-critical and non-inspiring tech work. I didn’t see, but how old is your daughter? I assume once she is old enough for college, that should allow you to work in more places than being stuck in SD…
In general, I just think at probably an age like 35-45 with a kid in the suburbs, you really can’t expect too much. IMO, and I see this in my own life, I just put up with it and see life as mostly waiting now, at least till the kids are grown and out of the house…
Being divorced as well and having gone through my own “mid-life” crisis probably 10 years ago, I’m sorta ok with it though. I did take time off with no work so I got to travel and do nothing for a while which I’d recommend if you can swing it. Downside is if you HAVE to work to raise a kid, that’s a lot of pressure/stress since time off looks bad. I had no kids when I took time off so just screwed around for a while which was totally awesome…honestly.
I don’t know if it’s just you or most people/families with kids, but a lot of people (OK, maybe it’s just ME) aren’t really interested in expanding their friend networks since they just don’t have that much free time. The most free time I had was when I was single and could control my own schedule. Once you have a wife/gf/kid, time is really scarce.
With kids and all their stuff and work, I honestly just don’t have time and don’t care I have very few/zero friends honestly. If anything, it’s sorta less problems to have to listen to and since I’m not trolling to hook up or meet women, I guess I simply don’t care honestly.
What I’d recommend is maybe figure out what activities you like to do in your spare time and find other people who like to do it too. Since you’re single, it’s certainly going to be easier to control your schedule for your daughter and figure out what you find “fun”.
Best of luck! I liked your post and agree that America is too much about work. It’s also true that if you have experienced other countries, things here aren’t THAT great IMO…
Learn to consume a lot less, save a war chest now, and retire early and move to a lower cost of living place and enjoy your free time.
