Originally Posted by
mdilthey
If you want something and you're truly passionate about it, my experience is people tend to make it work. My girlfriend Kelley and I are way into touring, and we're going down career paths that facilitate long stretches of time off for big tours. At least for this decade...
That's true.
Some people also put off the career thing. When I was younger I wanted adventure so bad it was all I focused on. I worked in hostels, climbing stores, as a bicycle courier, backpacking guide, drove taxi, worked for a rafting company and a hundred other manual labour type jobs so I would not be tied to a desk. I didn't own a car until I was 27 and then it was a 1973 VW beetle! Looking back I don't regret a second of it. I'm as happy and healthy now as any of my friends that pursued traditional career pathways, maybe just with a bit less stuff though I have enough; but definitely as well liked and respected for who I am.
It's not bad to hit 1/2 a C and realize you're happy, have enough and have good friends... You don't take any of that stuff or titles with you!