So very true. There was a time I traded all my time for money (having a son was the cause). In less than ten years I burnt out badly working 60-75 hours a week while I got little support from his mother. I finally cracked, calculated how much I would really need to make to equal what I was keeping after taxes, gas, eating on the run, daycare and quit my jobs and went self employed. Within two years of that I began home schooling him and in the process I developed a bond with him most men will never enjoy having with their son.

I understand the necessity of needing to sacrifice (getting ready to do so again) but one should always have goals with the exit plan. Great write up (again).