Wow. An excellent synopsis of the scourge of SoCal. I moved here from the East Coast 3 years ago, and agree completely. Although most urban areas suffer from the same pathology, although to a lesser degree. I think the root of the problem in SoCal is that gratification MUST be instant. Folks just don’t want to work hard and get rich slowly. Yes, some are fortunate enough to work slightly and get rich quick, but the only reliable bet is to live below your means and enjoy life not for the car that you drive, but for the choices that you make being a true expression of your personality. Oy, that said, folks should just grow up and realize that the size of their house has absolutely nothing to do with who they are. I rent an 800 sq. ft. half of a duplex, and make more than $330K a year. I also contribute more than $10K per year to a few select 501(c)(3)s, and love every minute of it. I also like the security of knowing that I could quit my job tomorrow, walk away from the rental, and wander the earth for 10 years on amassed savings. That’s not what Madison Avenue touts as cool, but that’s my idea of true freedom.
