[cabal]

I will respond to as many posts as I can.

SW Escondido west of NC fair is an appealing option. Any downside to this area? @CAR – nice to see you are still here on Piggington fighting the good fight. Are you still CA Renter or now CA Owner?

@sdr –The options in ncc are overwhelming. What specific areas do you recommend down to the street level that generally meets the listed criteria? For clarification, I’m ok with kids but don’t want to be saturated with 30something couples, each with 3 kids running around all day in the streets. Been there and so done with that. So where is hedonism ncc?

Bonsall and outskirts of Escondido are a little too rural for me, plus we all know horse people are crazy. However, Temecula is an interesting possibility given the right property. Visited wine country recently and had a wonderful time. In particular, the newly renovated Miramonte with the expansive patio and live music was truly impressive. All you young single guys should go there for an afternoon, as every tasting room was literally filled with young drunken women.

@Sdude – Thanks for the lengthy post. I’ve casually looked in North Clairemont specifically between Genesee & Regents. However, it’s now at bottom of list after talking to several friends that bought there within last 5 years and they aren’t overly happy about the neighborhood. The older construction in Bay Ho / Bay Park doesn’t appeal to me.

@Poorgradstudent – Even if you don’t have family here, why is SD a bad place to retire assuming you can afford it? Please elaborate.

@Flyer – I can relate to providing the comforts of the whole McMansion lifestyle to raise a family assuming affordability is a non issue. However, are you seriously going to retire in RSF as empty nesters instead of downsizing? From my experience, a large house doesn’t feel right once kids start to leave, not to mention the waste of unused space and unnecessary carrying cost.

@ocr – That’s a nice house in Vista well worth consideration. Anything comparable closer to the city?

@bearishgurl – I’m sure south county has viable options. I like the newer parts of Eastlake, etc. However, I prefer north of downtown simply because of familiarity, ample options and proximity to friends and family. Clearly the options are plentiful making the down selection process difficult, but I will keep 91902 and 91910 on the radar if nothing else surfaces.

[cabal]

Le Petit Ange – I was troubled reading your posts. More information is needed to properly advise on your situation.

First, what are your plans for your severely underwater 4s townhouse purchased in 2007? If you paid 450K, it’s probably worth 330K today. If you paid 350K, it’s worth 220K. Rents will scale accordingly. My guess is you’re looking at $300-$500 minimum negative cash flow before factoring in maintenance costs and vacancy rates. Hopefully you have a fixed rate loan since you can’t refi without plopping down significant cash. You can’t get a loan mod because you’re not distressed, and a short sale will hurt your credit eliminating the option to buy another house without a co-signor, at least for a few years. Basically, you are stuck with your townhouse and will have to carry this burden going forward.

Second, having kids starting in a few years will put a severe dent in your cashflow, and continue to do so until they are out of college. If you both continue to work, you will have to pay for childcare, or if you stay home, you lose your income. I don’t know how you can afford a 600K home assuming you put down most of your money in the townhouse. To save 120K liquid in 3 years is possible, if your combined income exceeds 130K while living an extremely frugal lifestyle. However, you should have 170K cash on hand, 120K for downpayment and 50K in reserves.

Based on the limited information provided, my recommendation is not to purchase another home unless you can dump your 4s townhouse relatively unscathed. If you are able to sell the townhouse, buy a SFH, not another townhouse. Condo/townhouse appreciation are parasitic in nature riding on the coattails of adjacent prime SFH property.

Regarding the double dip in prices, I don’t see it happening in good SD locations, especially at this price point and location. Don’t worry about rates either. They won’t be allowed to increase until consumer confidence is nearly reestablished in the housing market. When that happens, the rest of the sideline money will come out further fueling demand/greed and countering any effects from incremental rate increases. That’s why home prices can sometimes increase with increasing rates.

[cabal]

Le Petit Ange – I was troubled reading your posts. More information is needed to properly advise on your situation.

First, what are your plans for your severely underwater 4s townhouse purchased in 2007? If you paid 450K, it’s probably worth 330K today. If you paid 350K, it’s worth 220K. Rents will scale accordingly. My guess is you’re looking at $300-$500 minimum negative cash flow before factoring in maintenance costs and vacancy rates. Hopefully you have a fixed rate loan since you can’t refi without plopping down significant cash. You can’t get a loan mod because you’re not distressed, and a short sale will hurt your credit eliminating the option to buy another house without a co-signor, at least for a few years. Basically, you are stuck with your townhouse and will have to carry this burden going forward.

Second, having kids starting in a few years will put a severe dent in your cashflow, and continue to do so until they are out of college. If you both continue to work, you will have to pay for childcare, or if you stay home, you lose your income. I don’t know how you can afford a 600K home assuming you put down most of your money in the townhouse. To save 120K liquid in 3 years is possible, if your combined income exceeds 130K while living an extremely frugal lifestyle. However, you should have 170K cash on hand, 120K for downpayment and 50K in reserves.

Based on the limited information provided, my recommendation is not to purchase another home unless you can dump your 4s townhouse relatively unscathed. If you are able to sell the townhouse, buy a SFH, not another townhouse. Condo/townhouse appreciation are parasitic in nature riding on the coattails of adjacent prime SFH property.

Regarding the double dip in prices, I don’t see it happening in good SD locations, especially at this price point and location. Don’t worry about rates either. They won’t be allowed to increase until consumer confidence is nearly reestablished in the housing market. When that happens, the rest of the sideline money will come out further fueling demand/greed and countering any effects from incremental rate increases. That’s why home prices can sometimes increase with increasing rates.

[cabal]

Le Petit Ange – I was troubled reading your posts. More information is needed to properly advise on your situation.

First, what are your plans for your severely underwater 4s townhouse purchased in 2007? If you paid 450K, it’s probably worth 330K today. If you paid 350K, it’s worth 220K. Rents will scale accordingly. My guess is you’re looking at $300-$500 minimum negative cash flow before factoring in maintenance costs and vacancy rates. Hopefully you have a fixed rate loan since you can’t refi without plopping down significant cash. You can’t get a loan mod because you’re not distressed, and a short sale will hurt your credit eliminating the option to buy another house without a co-signor, at least for a few years. Basically, you are stuck with your townhouse and will have to carry this burden going forward.

Second, having kids starting in a few years will put a severe dent in your cashflow, and continue to do so until they are out of college. If you both continue to work, you will have to pay for childcare, or if you stay home, you lose your income. I don’t know how you can afford a 600K home assuming you put down most of your money in the townhouse. To save 120K liquid in 3 years is possible, if your combined income exceeds 130K while living an extremely frugal lifestyle. However, you should have 170K cash on hand, 120K for downpayment and 50K in reserves.

Based on the limited information provided, my recommendation is not to purchase another home unless you can dump your 4s townhouse relatively unscathed. If you are able to sell the townhouse, buy a SFH, not another townhouse. Condo/townhouse appreciation are parasitic in nature riding on the coattails of adjacent prime SFH property.

Regarding the double dip in prices, I don’t see it happening in good SD locations, especially at this price point and location. Don’t worry about rates either. They won’t be allowed to increase until consumer confidence is nearly reestablished in the housing market. When that happens, the rest of the sideline money will come out further fueling demand/greed and countering any effects from incremental rate increases. That’s why home prices can sometimes increase with increasing rates.

[cabal]

Le Petit Ange – I was troubled reading your posts. More information is needed to properly advise on your situation.

First, what are your plans for your severely underwater 4s townhouse purchased in 2007? If you paid 450K, it’s probably worth 330K today. If you paid 350K, it’s worth 220K. Rents will scale accordingly. My guess is you’re looking at $300-$500 minimum negative cash flow before factoring in maintenance costs and vacancy rates. Hopefully you have a fixed rate loan since you can’t refi without plopping down significant cash. You can’t get a loan mod because you’re not distressed, and a short sale will hurt your credit eliminating the option to buy another house without a co-signor, at least for a few years. Basically, you are stuck with your townhouse and will have to carry this burden going forward.

Second, having kids starting in a few years will put a severe dent in your cashflow, and continue to do so until they are out of college. If you both continue to work, you will have to pay for childcare, or if you stay home, you lose your income. I don’t know how you can afford a 600K home assuming you put down most of your money in the townhouse. To save 120K liquid in 3 years is possible, if your combined income exceeds 130K while living an extremely frugal lifestyle. However, you should have 170K cash on hand, 120K for downpayment and 50K in reserves.

Based on the limited information provided, my recommendation is not to purchase another home unless you can dump your 4s townhouse relatively unscathed. If you are able to sell the townhouse, buy a SFH, not another townhouse. Condo/townhouse appreciation are parasitic in nature riding on the coattails of adjacent prime SFH property.

Regarding the double dip in prices, I don’t see it happening in good SD locations, especially at this price point and location. Don’t worry about rates either. They won’t be allowed to increase until consumer confidence is nearly reestablished in the housing market. When that happens, the rest of the sideline money will come out further fueling demand/greed and countering any effects from incremental rate increases. That’s why home prices can sometimes increase with increasing rates.

[cabal]

Le Petit Ange – I was troubled reading your posts. More information is needed to properly advise on your situation.

First, what are your plans for your severely underwater 4s townhouse purchased in 2007? If you paid 450K, it’s probably worth 330K today. If you paid 350K, it’s worth 220K. Rents will scale accordingly. My guess is you’re looking at $300-$500 minimum negative cash flow before factoring in maintenance costs and vacancy rates. Hopefully you have a fixed rate loan since you can’t refi without plopping down significant cash. You can’t get a loan mod because you’re not distressed, and a short sale will hurt your credit eliminating the option to buy another house without a co-signor, at least for a few years. Basically, you are stuck with your townhouse and will have to carry this burden going forward.

Second, having kids starting in a few years will put a severe dent in your cashflow, and continue to do so until they are out of college. If you both continue to work, you will have to pay for childcare, or if you stay home, you lose your income. I don’t know how you can afford a 600K home assuming you put down most of your money in the townhouse. To save 120K liquid in 3 years is possible, if your combined income exceeds 130K while living an extremely frugal lifestyle. However, you should have 170K cash on hand, 120K for downpayment and 50K in reserves.

Based on the limited information provided, my recommendation is not to purchase another home unless you can dump your 4s townhouse relatively unscathed. If you are able to sell the townhouse, buy a SFH, not another townhouse. Condo/townhouse appreciation are parasitic in nature riding on the coattails of adjacent prime SFH property.

Regarding the double dip in prices, I don’t see it happening in good SD locations, especially at this price point and location. Don’t worry about rates either. They won’t be allowed to increase until consumer confidence is nearly reestablished in the housing market. When that happens, the rest of the sideline money will come out further fueling demand/greed and countering any effects from incremental rate increases. That’s why home prices can sometimes increase with increasing rates.

[cabal]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=flu]I went through this right now with a my bosses, former bosses, 2 colleagues, 2 neighbors, and 1 friend.

Conclusion?

Most of them moved to an area with a better school district, because they couldn’t afford 12 years of private school for 2 kids (and these are double income, higher income families)…The remaining ones were very well off families: didn’t blink about shelling out $20-30k/year per kid, and aren’t thinking about trying to save $100-200k on a home purchase.

Disclaimer: I’m not a subscriber to this “overeducation” mentality…[/quote]

Crazy, crazy, crazy . . . these people must have money to burn . . . this is utterly ridiculous.[/quote]

A few comments on LJCDS. In the 90s, the tuition for kindergarten at LJCDS versus a top Montessori was approximately 8K and 6k, respectively, not a huge difference. Moreover, for an additional $400 at LJCDS, your child can stay until 5pm for the entire school year. Tuition at 20K-25K today would be hard to swallow. I enrolled my son at LJCDS by chance because we could not get him into a decent Montessori/preschool. Apparently, you needed to sign up for the waiting list 2 yrs ahead of time.

The quality and attention at LJCDS is unmatched. As I recall, the kindergarten class had 10? kids, with two full time, degreed teachers. The curriculum was challenging, while the teachers were overly supportive providing one-to-one attention. Overall, the classroom presented a great environment to build self esteem. The enrichment programs were outstanding. For example, science at other preschools may consist of reading basic books. At LJCDS, Sally Ride would come into the classroom and lecture the kids on the experience of flying on the shuttle into space.

Bearishgurl – Rich people use their money wisely, which is why they stay rich and keep getting richer. In addition to the outstanding educational experience, the tuition at a place like LJCDS buys access. These kids live primarily in RSF, Del Mar, La Jolla, etc. There were a few from Poway, Escondido, East and South County, maybe even Santee, but very few. The parents were typically CEOs, upper management, Doctors, Lawyers, etc. and all very well connected. Kids want to play with each other, which means parents meet each other socially. It’s very easy to develop networks and build that invaluable asset called “Social Capital”. Ask any CEO what is their most prized possession and they will immediately point to their rolodex. So, is 25K a year tuition worth it? It is if you can turn your lousy 150k/yr job into 500K/yr.

[cabal]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=flu]I went through this right now with a my bosses, former bosses, 2 colleagues, 2 neighbors, and 1 friend.

Conclusion?

Most of them moved to an area with a better school district, because they couldn’t afford 12 years of private school for 2 kids (and these are double income, higher income families)…The remaining ones were very well off families: didn’t blink about shelling out $20-30k/year per kid, and aren’t thinking about trying to save $100-200k on a home purchase.

Disclaimer: I’m not a subscriber to this “overeducation” mentality…[/quote]

Crazy, crazy, crazy . . . these people must have money to burn . . . this is utterly ridiculous.[/quote]

A few comments on LJCDS. In the 90s, the tuition for kindergarten at LJCDS versus a top Montessori was approximately 8K and 6k, respectively, not a huge difference. Moreover, for an additional $400 at LJCDS, your child can stay until 5pm for the entire school year. Tuition at 20K-25K today would be hard to swallow. I enrolled my son at LJCDS by chance because we could not get him into a decent Montessori/preschool. Apparently, you needed to sign up for the waiting list 2 yrs ahead of time.

The quality and attention at LJCDS is unmatched. As I recall, the kindergarten class had 10? kids, with two full time, degreed teachers. The curriculum was challenging, while the teachers were overly supportive providing one-to-one attention. Overall, the classroom presented a great environment to build self esteem. The enrichment programs were outstanding. For example, science at other preschools may consist of reading basic books. At LJCDS, Sally Ride would come into the classroom and lecture the kids on the experience of flying on the shuttle into space.

Bearishgurl – Rich people use their money wisely, which is why they stay rich and keep getting richer. In addition to the outstanding educational experience, the tuition at a place like LJCDS buys access. These kids live primarily in RSF, Del Mar, La Jolla, etc. There were a few from Poway, Escondido, East and South County, maybe even Santee, but very few. The parents were typically CEOs, upper management, Doctors, Lawyers, etc. and all very well connected. Kids want to play with each other, which means parents meet each other socially. It’s very easy to develop networks and build that invaluable asset called “Social Capital”. Ask any CEO what is their most prized possession and they will immediately point to their rolodex. So, is 25K a year tuition worth it? It is if you can turn your lousy 150k/yr job into 500K/yr.

[cabal]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=flu]I went through this right now with a my bosses, former bosses, 2 colleagues, 2 neighbors, and 1 friend.

Conclusion?

Most of them moved to an area with a better school district, because they couldn’t afford 12 years of private school for 2 kids (and these are double income, higher income families)…The remaining ones were very well off families: didn’t blink about shelling out $20-30k/year per kid, and aren’t thinking about trying to save $100-200k on a home purchase.

Disclaimer: I’m not a subscriber to this “overeducation” mentality…[/quote]

Crazy, crazy, crazy . . . these people must have money to burn . . . this is utterly ridiculous.[/quote]

A few comments on LJCDS. In the 90s, the tuition for kindergarten at LJCDS versus a top Montessori was approximately 8K and 6k, respectively, not a huge difference. Moreover, for an additional $400 at LJCDS, your child can stay until 5pm for the entire school year. Tuition at 20K-25K today would be hard to swallow. I enrolled my son at LJCDS by chance because we could not get him into a decent Montessori/preschool. Apparently, you needed to sign up for the waiting list 2 yrs ahead of time.

The quality and attention at LJCDS is unmatched. As I recall, the kindergarten class had 10? kids, with two full time, degreed teachers. The curriculum was challenging, while the teachers were overly supportive providing one-to-one attention. Overall, the classroom presented a great environment to build self esteem. The enrichment programs were outstanding. For example, science at other preschools may consist of reading basic books. At LJCDS, Sally Ride would come into the classroom and lecture the kids on the experience of flying on the shuttle into space.

Bearishgurl – Rich people use their money wisely, which is why they stay rich and keep getting richer. In addition to the outstanding educational experience, the tuition at a place like LJCDS buys access. These kids live primarily in RSF, Del Mar, La Jolla, etc. There were a few from Poway, Escondido, East and South County, maybe even Santee, but very few. The parents were typically CEOs, upper management, Doctors, Lawyers, etc. and all very well connected. Kids want to play with each other, which means parents meet each other socially. It’s very easy to develop networks and build that invaluable asset called “Social Capital”. Ask any CEO what is their most prized possession and they will immediately point to their rolodex. So, is 25K a year tuition worth it? It is if you can turn your lousy 150k/yr job into 500K/yr.

[cabal]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=flu]I went through this right now with a my bosses, former bosses, 2 colleagues, 2 neighbors, and 1 friend.

Conclusion?

Most of them moved to an area with a better school district, because they couldn’t afford 12 years of private school for 2 kids (and these are double income, higher income families)…The remaining ones were very well off families: didn’t blink about shelling out $20-30k/year per kid, and aren’t thinking about trying to save $100-200k on a home purchase.

Disclaimer: I’m not a subscriber to this “overeducation” mentality…[/quote]

Crazy, crazy, crazy . . . these people must have money to burn . . . this is utterly ridiculous.[/quote]

A few comments on LJCDS. In the 90s, the tuition for kindergarten at LJCDS versus a top Montessori was approximately 8K and 6k, respectively, not a huge difference. Moreover, for an additional $400 at LJCDS, your child can stay until 5pm for the entire school year. Tuition at 20K-25K today would be hard to swallow. I enrolled my son at LJCDS by chance because we could not get him into a decent Montessori/preschool. Apparently, you needed to sign up for the waiting list 2 yrs ahead of time.

The quality and attention at LJCDS is unmatched. As I recall, the kindergarten class had 10? kids, with two full time, degreed teachers. The curriculum was challenging, while the teachers were overly supportive providing one-to-one attention. Overall, the classroom presented a great environment to build self esteem. The enrichment programs were outstanding. For example, science at other preschools may consist of reading basic books. At LJCDS, Sally Ride would come into the classroom and lecture the kids on the experience of flying on the shuttle into space.

Bearishgurl – Rich people use their money wisely, which is why they stay rich and keep getting richer. In addition to the outstanding educational experience, the tuition at a place like LJCDS buys access. These kids live primarily in RSF, Del Mar, La Jolla, etc. There were a few from Poway, Escondido, East and South County, maybe even Santee, but very few. The parents were typically CEOs, upper management, Doctors, Lawyers, etc. and all very well connected. Kids want to play with each other, which means parents meet each other socially. It’s very easy to develop networks and build that invaluable asset called “Social Capital”. Ask any CEO what is their most prized possession and they will immediately point to their rolodex. So, is 25K a year tuition worth it? It is if you can turn your lousy 150k/yr job into 500K/yr.

[cabal]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=flu]I went through this right now with a my bosses, former bosses, 2 colleagues, 2 neighbors, and 1 friend.

Conclusion?

Most of them moved to an area with a better school district, because they couldn’t afford 12 years of private school for 2 kids (and these are double income, higher income families)…The remaining ones were very well off families: didn’t blink about shelling out $20-30k/year per kid, and aren’t thinking about trying to save $100-200k on a home purchase.

Disclaimer: I’m not a subscriber to this “overeducation” mentality…[/quote]

Crazy, crazy, crazy . . . these people must have money to burn . . . this is utterly ridiculous.[/quote]

A few comments on LJCDS. In the 90s, the tuition for kindergarten at LJCDS versus a top Montessori was approximately 8K and 6k, respectively, not a huge difference. Moreover, for an additional $400 at LJCDS, your child can stay until 5pm for the entire school year. Tuition at 20K-25K today would be hard to swallow. I enrolled my son at LJCDS by chance because we could not get him into a decent Montessori/preschool. Apparently, you needed to sign up for the waiting list 2 yrs ahead of time.

The quality and attention at LJCDS is unmatched. As I recall, the kindergarten class had 10? kids, with two full time, degreed teachers. The curriculum was challenging, while the teachers were overly supportive providing one-to-one attention. Overall, the classroom presented a great environment to build self esteem. The enrichment programs were outstanding. For example, science at other preschools may consist of reading basic books. At LJCDS, Sally Ride would come into the classroom and lecture the kids on the experience of flying on the shuttle into space.

Bearishgurl – Rich people use their money wisely, which is why they stay rich and keep getting richer. In addition to the outstanding educational experience, the tuition at a place like LJCDS buys access. These kids live primarily in RSF, Del Mar, La Jolla, etc. There were a few from Poway, Escondido, East and South County, maybe even Santee, but very few. The parents were typically CEOs, upper management, Doctors, Lawyers, etc. and all very well connected. Kids want to play with each other, which means parents meet each other socially. It’s very easy to develop networks and build that invaluable asset called “Social Capital”. Ask any CEO what is their most prized possession and they will immediately point to their rolodex. So, is 25K a year tuition worth it? It is if you can turn your lousy 150k/yr job into 500K/yr.

[cabal]

Another day, a much better state of mind. After reading the OP, I am now somewhat embarrassed for spewing my “Good Will Hunting” moment all over a public blog. Anyways, I want to thank everyone for all the thoughtful comments. I read each one carefully. Obviously I won’t address every post individually, so I’ll simply respond in general terms.

Point taken on the blatant disparity of problem scope in relation to the underclass and third world folks. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the ironic nature of increased achievement being inversely proportional to declining future contentment, at least in my case. Perhaps it’s a personality disorder. Regarding the suggestions of forced relaxation, hanging out with friends over a few drinks, living the simple life and the like, I don’t feel it’s a solution for me. I’ve been doing that to some extent and it only seems to serve as pleasant temporary distractions, not a permanent solution.

I’m going to really take some time to carefully decide what my goals and projects will be for the next ten years. No idea what will be involved, but I’m motivated to do something. All I know is that it won’t have anything to do with wealth accumulation, career, travel, or hobbies.

You folks read too much into my brief religion comment as I’m definitely on the other end of the spectrum from the bible thumping crowd. However as previously stated, I truly envy those able to be touched by spirituality. Some may say this is simply manipulation of weak minds, but I believe it can be real on a personal level and facilitate a healthy state of well being. It has always eluded me no matter how hard I’ve tried. I’ll expend effort in this area.

Short Term Plan:
-Schedule a full physical.
-Start running on a regular basis. The damn dog is going to love it.
-I will read up on Pema Chodrons views on meditation.
– I bought a memory stick and started a personal journal to my children. I’ll give it to them before I kick the bucket.
-My employer once paid for one of these expensive week long seminars on leadership effectiveness. I recalled how much it influenced and motivated me. Lots of great information including a whole section on life balance. I will find it and reread it.

Long Term Plan: TBD

Misc info asked: Late forties, married 22 yrs, 1 kid left in nest rest in college.

I sincerely hope the collective advice provided on this thread finds its way to those undergoing similar experiences. Thanks again to all.

[cabal]

Another day, a much better state of mind. After reading the OP, I am now somewhat embarrassed for spewing my “Good Will Hunting” moment all over a public blog. Anyways, I want to thank everyone for all the thoughtful comments. I read each one carefully. Obviously I won’t address every post individually, so I’ll simply respond in general terms.

Point taken on the blatant disparity of problem scope in relation to the underclass and third world folks. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the ironic nature of increased achievement being inversely proportional to declining future contentment, at least in my case. Perhaps it’s a personality disorder. Regarding the suggestions of forced relaxation, hanging out with friends over a few drinks, living the simple life and the like, I don’t feel it’s a solution for me. I’ve been doing that to some extent and it only seems to serve as pleasant temporary distractions, not a permanent solution.

I’m going to really take some time to carefully decide what my goals and projects will be for the next ten years. No idea what will be involved, but I’m motivated to do something. All I know is that it won’t have anything to do with wealth accumulation, career, travel, or hobbies.

You folks read too much into my brief religion comment as I’m definitely on the other end of the spectrum from the bible thumping crowd. However as previously stated, I truly envy those able to be touched by spirituality. Some may say this is simply manipulation of weak minds, but I believe it can be real on a personal level and facilitate a healthy state of well being. It has always eluded me no matter how hard I’ve tried. I’ll expend effort in this area.

Short Term Plan:
-Schedule a full physical.
-Start running on a regular basis. The damn dog is going to love it.
-I will read up on Pema Chodrons views on meditation.
– I bought a memory stick and started a personal journal to my children. I’ll give it to them before I kick the bucket.
-My employer once paid for one of these expensive week long seminars on leadership effectiveness. I recalled how much it influenced and motivated me. Lots of great information including a whole section on life balance. I will find it and reread it.

Long Term Plan: TBD

Misc info asked: Late forties, married 22 yrs, 1 kid left in nest rest in college.

I sincerely hope the collective advice provided on this thread finds its way to those undergoing similar experiences. Thanks again to all.

[cabal]

Another day, a much better state of mind. After reading the OP, I am now somewhat embarrassed for spewing my “Good Will Hunting” moment all over a public blog. Anyways, I want to thank everyone for all the thoughtful comments. I read each one carefully. Obviously I won’t address every post individually, so I’ll simply respond in general terms.

Point taken on the blatant disparity of problem scope in relation to the underclass and third world folks. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the ironic nature of increased achievement being inversely proportional to declining future contentment, at least in my case. Perhaps it’s a personality disorder. Regarding the suggestions of forced relaxation, hanging out with friends over a few drinks, living the simple life and the like, I don’t feel it’s a solution for me. I’ve been doing that to some extent and it only seems to serve as pleasant temporary distractions, not a permanent solution.

I’m going to really take some time to carefully decide what my goals and projects will be for the next ten years. No idea what will be involved, but I’m motivated to do something. All I know is that it won’t have anything to do with wealth accumulation, career, travel, or hobbies.

You folks read too much into my brief religion comment as I’m definitely on the other end of the spectrum from the bible thumping crowd. However as previously stated, I truly envy those able to be touched by spirituality. Some may say this is simply manipulation of weak minds, but I believe it can be real on a personal level and facilitate a healthy state of well being. It has always eluded me no matter how hard I’ve tried. I’ll expend effort in this area.

Short Term Plan:
-Schedule a full physical.
-Start running on a regular basis. The damn dog is going to love it.
-I will read up on Pema Chodrons views on meditation.
– I bought a memory stick and started a personal journal to my children. I’ll give it to them before I kick the bucket.
-My employer once paid for one of these expensive week long seminars on leadership effectiveness. I recalled how much it influenced and motivated me. Lots of great information including a whole section on life balance. I will find it and reread it.

Long Term Plan: TBD

Misc info asked: Late forties, married 22 yrs, 1 kid left in nest rest in college.

I sincerely hope the collective advice provided on this thread finds its way to those undergoing similar experiences. Thanks again to all.

[cabal]

Another day, a much better state of mind. After reading the OP, I am now somewhat embarrassed for spewing my “Good Will Hunting” moment all over a public blog. Anyways, I want to thank everyone for all the thoughtful comments. I read each one carefully. Obviously I won’t address every post individually, so I’ll simply respond in general terms.

Point taken on the blatant disparity of problem scope in relation to the underclass and third world folks. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the ironic nature of increased achievement being inversely proportional to declining future contentment, at least in my case. Perhaps it’s a personality disorder. Regarding the suggestions of forced relaxation, hanging out with friends over a few drinks, living the simple life and the like, I don’t feel it’s a solution for me. I’ve been doing that to some extent and it only seems to serve as pleasant temporary distractions, not a permanent solution.

I’m going to really take some time to carefully decide what my goals and projects will be for the next ten years. No idea what will be involved, but I’m motivated to do something. All I know is that it won’t have anything to do with wealth accumulation, career, travel, or hobbies.

You folks read too much into my brief religion comment as I’m definitely on the other end of the spectrum from the bible thumping crowd. However as previously stated, I truly envy those able to be touched by spirituality. Some may say this is simply manipulation of weak minds, but I believe it can be real on a personal level and facilitate a healthy state of well being. It has always eluded me no matter how hard I’ve tried. I’ll expend effort in this area.

Short Term Plan:
-Schedule a full physical.
-Start running on a regular basis. The damn dog is going to love it.
-I will read up on Pema Chodrons views on meditation.
– I bought a memory stick and started a personal journal to my children. I’ll give it to them before I kick the bucket.
-My employer once paid for one of these expensive week long seminars on leadership effectiveness. I recalled how much it influenced and motivated me. Lots of great information including a whole section on life balance. I will find it and reread it.

Long Term Plan: TBD

Misc info asked: Late forties, married 22 yrs, 1 kid left in nest rest in college.

I sincerely hope the collective advice provided on this thread finds its way to those undergoing similar experiences. Thanks again to all.

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