One particular thing resonated with me as I read this:
The notion that your everyday life should not be something you want to escape from and stay away from as much or for as long as possible. That one belongs in the chapter "life is too short"
That said, I could imagine an exception to that rule of thumb. If you are doing something for a limited time with a specific exit state or time, i.e. with a goal in mind, then I think that is ok too.
My thoughts exactly...when working a job/doing a task/living somewhere that isn't a contender for the long term (to achieve a goal) to get where we want in the big picture, the temporary concessions are worth the long-term gains
In my experience as the "last generation" where middle class parents could afford "state schools" for their kids, I had the blessing of a paid for college education, all the while being reminded that once the "cap and gown" were returned, "you WILL work, stand on your own two feet and see EXACTLY how the real world operates". Part of that "real world operation" meant - and still does - going where the work/jobs is/are. Regardless of what we might have to temporarily forego while building our career, emergency fund and retirement portfolio.
IE, I was taught that life is not "fair" and that (unless you are independently wealthy) every choice is a trade off. Someone may not like a particular locale, BUT that is where the jobs are for their degrees/skills/experience and one moves there to make their start professionally.
You -as a writer- and myself - as an elementary school teacher - have more location flexibility than many others. I have recently made the decision to return to a previous school in a very restrictive locale (being the teacher of Embassy/Military dependents has it's advantages). so that in 4 years I can do what you and your wife are doing....most likely it will be in SE Asia...but who knows?
One particular thing resonated with me as I read this:
The notion that your everyday life should not be something you want to escape from and stay away from as much or for as long as possible. That one belongs in the chapter "life is too short"
That said, I could imagine an exception to that rule of thumb. If you are doing something for a limited time with a specific exit state or time, i.e. with a goal in mind, then I think that is ok too.
My thoughts exactly...when working a job/doing a task/living somewhere that isn't a contender for the long term (to achieve a goal) to get where we want in the big picture, the temporary concessions are worth the long-term gains
Interesting points here.
The older I get, the less I agree. I think I might write about this.
I appreciate you guys bringing it up because it is an important distinction.
In my experience as the "last generation" where middle class parents could afford "state schools" for their kids, I had the blessing of a paid for college education, all the while being reminded that once the "cap and gown" were returned, "you WILL work, stand on your own two feet and see EXACTLY how the real world operates". Part of that "real world operation" meant - and still does - going where the work/jobs is/are. Regardless of what we might have to temporarily forego while building our career, emergency fund and retirement portfolio.
IE, I was taught that life is not "fair" and that (unless you are independently wealthy) every choice is a trade off. Someone may not like a particular locale, BUT that is where the jobs are for their degrees/skills/experience and one moves there to make their start professionally.
You -as a writer- and myself - as an elementary school teacher - have more location flexibility than many others. I have recently made the decision to return to a previous school in a very restrictive locale (being the teacher of Embassy/Military dependents has it's advantages). so that in 4 years I can do what you and your wife are doing....most likely it will be in SE Asia...but who knows?
Happy Half Way to Friday