I am now in my mid-40’s and fully successful by any measure: good career, six-figure income, home, family, money in the bank, etc., etc. But for some reason it just isn’t as satisfying as I thought it would be. I work out on my nice gym equipment in my basement, come upstairs and stare out the window of my beautiful home while enjoying a cup of premium coffee, and I somehow long for the days when I was a poor college student, or a newly-employed twenty-something. I had friends to hang out with (we were all poor), I drove a junker car, we made budget trips to the cheapest ski mountains and ate 50-cents tacos on “Taco Tuesdays” at the dive bars. Cheap beer flowed and incriminating pictures were taken. All along I wished for the success I now have. What happened? Why is it so dull here?

There is certainly every reason to strive for that big-bucks job at a major airline, holding a very senior line and enjoying success, but maybe there are different levels of “success.” Is being an average Joe so bad? Having it all seems to come at some price to the soul. I am not suggesting that being a modestly-paid regional-pilot-for-life is the right path, but sometimes I wonder if there isn’t something inherently true in the less-is-more mentality.

Maybe I’m an idiot, and need a slap in the face.
Anyone else experiencing this?

 

Rotator,
Like many of us, you enjoyed the journey more than the destination. On reaching a mountaintop, enjoy the view for a while, then help someone else make the climb, and look for other mountains.

 

Great OP! Lots of people find the "destination" less satisfying than the "journey." It's common and I've shared that feeling, too.

I don't have any definitive answers but agree with tomgoodman that perhaps you now need additional challenges. Maybe you are someone who thrives at being challenged!

So - start a business, go back to school or learn a new skill, go on a volunteer trip, train for a marathon, climb a mountain, find meaningful ways to give back to your community (take a less privileged kid mountain climbing), teach flying or give back to aviation in another way, volunteer for your union.

Remember - not everyone is where you are right now in life. Are you gonna pull up the ladder or reach down to lend a hand? Your choice. (Of course, you don't HAVE to do anything...but it'll make ya feel great if you do and could make a real difference to others. Hell, I still remember the few people that gave me encouraging words back when I knew nothing about aviation.)

 

I have a solution! Give me your money and return to your broke college student roots!


Or take up motorcycle racing, and you'll never have enough money again.

 

pete2800 - I'll send you a check!

Others - Yes, I think what I miss is the struggle. Making it to a comfortable lifestyle is satisfying at first, but quickly becomes boring. I especially like the advice about reaching out and helping others. This is something I am going to look into. Many thanks to all of you for the good ideas and perspectives.

 

What are your hobbies and activities outside of work?

 

Man, this is pretty heavy stuff. I guess I should slow down and try to enjoy it when I can. Like you said the "journey" will probably be the most exciting part of the process.

 

I have a solution for your woes. Send me all that excess money that's leaving you feeling so empty. (Note: I'm a little older than you and enjoy much the same quality of life so it's not like I'm just trying to get more money). Ha ha!
Pretty much a common theme. You work your but off to get somewhere and when you get there, you're a bit disappointed. I've reached a point where I could care less about acquiring more. Some good suggestions here and I would add, do some (meaningful) volunteer work. But not for how it looks on a resume, but just to help someone who could use it. Maybe that would fill the void.

 

Money is about security. What brings you happiness can't be bought.
It is always more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes though.

Material things can bring comfort, but happiness has to be your design. One size does not fit all, one man's hell may be another's heaven. Money gives you more options to find the time needed to chase what will make you happy.

 

The first six words of the first paragraph build a duesy. If you ever figure that one out, please let me know.