How do people make so many bad life decisions?
I think I am lf's age. I have 1.5 million in assets (1.2 in pure cash investments). And one of those life decisions is to work for 2 more years to try to bank 1.5 million without the (paid off) house.
It was not that difficult, although it was hard. I learned my craft (IT), learned how to communicate well and became respected in my field and well-compensated. What, lf's "craft" is barrista? The opportunities are BOUNTIFUL. Vheck the paper or Monster.com. EVERYBODY is hiring skilled people. Emphasis on "skilled."
I am 100% sure than most of my boomer contemporaries here are in similar circumstances as I, give or take few bucks.
Life decisions. Make bad ones and become a liberal. Make good ones and become a Conservative.