Most people have finite resources; and isn’t “leaving the rat race” another word for retirement, slowing down and spending less? Retirees become stagnant, start clipping coupons and finding early bird dinners because they need to conserve cash.
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Some people are OK with driving old cars, and having old stuff, but that’s not the American way.

Nope — leaving the rat race is another term for doing what you want to, finding a rewarding job with time flexibility (say teaching) vs working for big corp 60 hours a week. (Though flu seems to have the time-management thing down.)

As far as the American way, who cares? Though I’m not sure it isn’t. I know plenty of Northeastern Jews and WASPS who drive older cars, haven’t replaced their TV in a decade and a half, and still make good money. Priorities are just different than in CA. Less show, more go.

e.g. the somewhat well-known cardiologist who still has a kitchen straight out of the 60s and drives a 90s Volvo.