[pct-l] Long distance hikers and $

[shelly skye]

If you want flexibility in your life there are a few key things to remember.
First, is to keep yourself clear of debt and for most people that means
mortgages and credit cards not paid in full each month. Secondly, when you
do work, make sure you are paid the highest salary you can get. This way
your working time is supporting your hiking time with the least amount of
hours possible. If you apply these kinds of principles to your life you may
have to give up certain socially sanctioned things like home ownership and
lots of toys but what you gain in flexibility is priceless, imho. For myself
I worked part time for 23 years at a local community college... about 20
hours weekly for 8 months a year and just (as in last month) retired at age
60. My retirement is small, and I may want to do some work from time to time
but I won't *have to work* ever again, if I choose not to. So in a sense
I've been semi-retired for the last 23 years. It takes thinking differently
about your life to make it work for you.
-- 
Shelly