As someone who worked a traditional job from the age of 18 until 46 —the one thing that I always ask myself after escaping the traditional work-world is, How the hell did I get everything done when I worked a day job?" I had 3-4 hours (tops) of quality time during the week and Saturday and Sunday to—run errands, go to appointments, have a social life, write. Those years went by in a blink because I was always looking forward to promotions, days off, the weekend, etc. instead of totally embracing the moment.

It may sound like an exaggeration but after escaping this life it's not to difficult to equate my former life to a form of modern day slavery or at the very least indentured servitude. Consumerism and debt are the mechanisms that trap people into this life. Our entire society is built to deter the average person from attaining this kind of freedom. Most people know that but it's easy for amnesia to slip in.

I don't know what I'd do if I had to go back to that life. I hope I never have to find out.

I'll never take my freedom for granted now. It's so freaking awesome to be able to do things in the middle of the day like you've described above. Or to be able to go on a trip without worrying about the number of vacation days I have or if I can get the time-off approved by a manager.

Do you ever find yourself getting lonely? I do. Even in my fifties so few of my friends have escaped that there aren't many who have the same kinds of freedoms.

It makes me smile that you have such a head start in life and you also realize it and appreciate it. : )