Yes, living well. Happy mostly. Embodying values and dreams - as much as possible since some dreams would have needed to be started years ago to be realized - like my vineyard and my orchard. Mostly it was reinventing myself every five or seven years to follow the lucre (in software development world look for the bright and shiny new thing).
I was self employed for most of the time, and I can recommend that for those who have a pretty good work ethic. Having a goal in high school was also a key factor, since it led to a useful degree. I was also doing constant internal evaluation - like the feeling where you’re going over your desired job description for a job interview - via a journal or a self help program like “The Red Bucket Strategy”. So, in answer to how did this happen question: it was pretty methodical in using the steering gear you have to make course corrections all the time.
I’m very happy and living as well as anyone could hope for.
There was probably a lot of luck involved. Including having a good upbringing, supportive parents, decent education. But I also worked very hard to improve the things in my life I was unhappy with. Then I think the last bit is just gratitude for what I do have. I could spend months focusing on how I don’t have a yacht or private jet, or whatever, and be unhappy. But it’s so much better to appreciate what you do have. A good partner, a nice home, great food, a healthy body, an inquisitive mind. Access to the internet with all the good it has to offer.
I recommend focusing on and appreciating what you already have.
I’m doing great! Honestly I’ve never been happier with the way my life is going and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Strikes and gutters, ups and downs. This year’s been the drizzling shits, and it’s tough to keep my chin up but I’m getting by.
Hope you’re doing great OP
Sort of? I went to school after having my first two kids and have mostly been able to do work I like ok for companies I don’t consider evil. So that’s been good. Had lots of kids, I enjoyed that overall and they seem to be growing into good adults. Left my ex eventually when he got physically abusive (he was a chill stoner for 15 years who got unemployed then radicalized on the internet). In a good relationship now and we both have good jobs.
Honestly I think luck plays a large part in anybody’s results but the things I think helped me were:
Waiting until I was older to finish school so I knew better what I might like as a job.
Having children (obviously this is a YMMV thing but for me it’s been way more good than bad).
Trying not to overwork, but work at a sustainable pace that doesn’t burn me out. Keeping boundaries, taking PTO, not worrying about moving up some ladder, want good work and good pay and that’s all.
