302-Q&A: I Make $200k/yr. and I'm 30 Years Old and Single. And I'm Miserable. Please Help!

Today on the show we answer this question:

"Hey Joshua,"I'm a fairly new listener and have been going through some of your older podcasts to absorb as much info as possible. I think you could potentially provide some good advice that I'd love to hear answered in an upcoming podcast if possible..."Since discovering your podcast I've completely changed my thoughts on savings and consumption. I've always lived pretty frugally (I thought) but it turns out I was making poor decisions all along. I bought a house last year thinking that was a fool proof way to hang on to my money. I only just ran the numbers this month since I've discovered your podcasts on homeownership, and I've discovered I would have been much better off renting. I've also cut my cell phone bill in half (still $70/month though) and cut back on my weekend golf habit which I was spending about $200/month on. In place of that I've decided to train for a triathlon which is free since I already have a decent road bike. So thank you for all those tips on saving! I'm continuing to find ways to save."My situation that I'd like your advice on is my current job. I'm an engineer making just south of $200,000/year. I'm working at a nuclear power plant in the middle of no where in Georgia. The closest town is Augusta which is still a 50+ minute commute each way (I'm single, 30 years old, and living in a trailer in the woods near the plant wouldn't going to help that situation). I'm working 50 hours/week plus the commute and 30 minute unpaid lunch break. My entire week is consumed by work and travel to work. This is a paperwork heavy desk job which brings me zero fulfillment. I would love to quit and chase short term seasonal outage work but my dividend/investment income isn't nearly enough to live off and I can't justify turning down this kind of steady income stream. I'm miserable but well paid. I'm afraid that if I quit, my experience level isn't enough to land me the highly sought after seasonal work I'd be trying to get. I believe you were likely in a similar pay scale when you quit your job and since your situation was similar to mine is I'd like your advice as to how to get more enjoyment out of life and work."Love the podcast!"

Enjoy the show!

Joshua

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