Comments on: Work-Life-Outdoors Balance

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 19:43:30 +0000

In reply to Heather. Indeed. I am hoping the IT field offers more flexibility, but we'll see. Retirement is only 25 yrs away. ;)

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 19:42:48 +0000

In reply to Another Kevin.

I come from a conservative upbringing myself. If not for backpacking, I’d still be in Rhode Island and would have have known a different life.

Being so close to retirement, I am envious of you!!! 🙂

By: Another Kevin

Another Kevin — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 01:02:01 +0000

I hear ya!

At this point in my life, I can make it out for only a few weekends a year, which perforce must be short-mileage because I don’t hike enough to stay in trail shape. But I cherish those trips, and try to stay prepared so that I can grab them when I can.

Maybe once I retire I’ll get out more. All my life I’ve had too much responsibility to do much hiking. (I grew up in a rather regimented household, and never took a long break in school or between school and work – my parents were full of “school or work, you have to earn a living.”

Oh well, I’m to the point in life where I can count the years until retirement without taking my boots off.

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 00:20:16 +0000

I got laid off for the last time 2 years ago, and started a freelance career. Great, I thought — more time to go hiking. I’ll work at night, on weekends, etc. Well, that isn’t exactly how it panned out, as it turns out I do need to spend a significant amount of time working on my freelance gigs. I moved to live on a mountain so I stroll every day, but only hike when I can shove all my other tasks into their cubby holes. Seems like other than a lottery win, it’s going to have to be a juggling act. But being organized and prepared does help. thanks for a nice post.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:35:10 +0000

In reply to Jeremy.

Indeed. It is an ongoing issue for me…ever since my first thru-hike. Some day I’ll update this doc:
https://pmags.com/after-the-trail-%E2%80%93-post-trail-re-adjustment

In the mean time, Adrianna calls it my “mid-life crisis”. As I mentioned, at least it does not involve a sports car. 😉

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:01:04 +0000

Good advice and the article is motivating me to get my escape pack in order. You are correct about the cycle of work, save, quit, hike, and repeat. It does get old after awhile always starting over. The life balance and taking other people opinions into consideration is important.