Stories and Quotes from those who are doing what they love...

Jerry, 60
Thanks for your sound advice. I have no interest in "retiring," whatever that means, but I do want to do what I want/love for a change. Taking three months off for a little travel before I start the new job. Haven't taken more than two weeks togehter for years and, of course, we weren't allowed to carry vacation over, so I'm screwed out of that. But it's all behind me now, and I'm looking forward to the travel - even with $4 gas.
Posted on: August 9 2008

Heather, 43
My husband's not happy with my decision. He liked to help spend the money we made when we both pulled in big salaries. But for me it was do it or die - probably literally, as I was working 60 hour weeks and somehow it was never enough. Since I was one of two on our team, down from one of four before the "bottom line" became the only consideration, I'm not surprised. Sure, i'm taking a 30% cut, but I'll also be living like a human being instead of a robot. I might even start cooking him dinner.
Posted on: August 9 2008

Carl, 55
I'm one of the lucky who got a buyout, so I'm okay for a while. I've been accepted for a fast-track alternate teacher's certification at a nearby high school, so after Labor Day, I plunge into the world of teenage hormones. The upside is I no longer have to deal with outsize egos and ruthless bosses and worry about the next downsizing in the corporate world. We're okay with the reduced income, thanks to the buyout, but we had already figured out how to do it before I knew I was going to get it. Amazing how little we actually need to live on - thanks for your wisdom in your chapters on finances!
Posted on: August 9 2008

Celia, 21
I might be the youngest person ever to read your book, but wanted you to know that it's not just for mid-life career changers. I'm a little disappointed by my money-hungry classmates who think an education is only about getting the most pay. I don't want to be one of those people who wind up in a career that they hate, but that they get trapped in because they can't give up the money. Not that I'm going to make a lot as an English major anyway, but maybe I can make a difference in the world, even if it's just a little difference.
Posted on: April 4 2008