I was asked this question by one of the physicians on the interview panel for professional school. I told them the truth, that I wouldn’t be sitting in the interview, I probably be out fishing. Later, the physician chuckled and said he loved my honesty. In retrospect, I’m sure I’ve gotten more happiness from my work than I would have ever found only pursuing leisure. Even so, I’m reminded of the line, “Money may not bring you happiness, but it can buy you misery that you thoroughly enjoy.” 🙂
At 66, with a head of thick, snow-white hair, Porcaro said the deal “enables me to do whatever the hell I want to do now for the rest of my life,” including devoting himself to songwriting…
I haven’t responded to this because my answer is humdrum… quit my job, travel more, give more to charity.
I think the better question might be what would you NOT change. I’m pretty sure I would live in the same house, drive the same vehicle, and eat the same food. What about you guys?
Right on Matt. “I got everything I need and nothing that I don’t”. I think you ought to post your question on the forum, I bet it would be an interesting thread.
I would fund endowments for my church and alma mater to make sure disadvantaged people receive the chance to have a life like I’ve had. I would make sure my grandkids have enough money for college in case I don’t live long enough to do it in person. I would NOT set my kids and step-kids up for a life of leisure, but hopefully give them a chance to meet some of their dreams. I’d like to think it would make my life more enjoyable, but be concerned that there would be stress that I’m not currently considering.
The first thing that occurred to me about the “money is no object” proposition is that I would more willingly help out my 3 siblings, who have each come to me for money over the decades. We’re in an “ant and grasshopper” situation, with one ant (me) helping out 3 grasshoppers. I have helped them, and continue to do so, but grudgingly and not wholeheartedly, which damages the relationships. Once that rather self-concerned and narrow change is taken care of, I can think of many situations and orgs that could be greatly aided by monetary donations, so I like to think I would change into a full-time benefactress. (Have to say that my already very well-endowed alma mater would be last in line for that beneficence, though.)
I would completely restart my life. Just start totally fresh. 42 years old with a wonderful wife and kids, but it would be amazing to just press reset on our professions and where we live. I’d love to take them out of school for a year and just travel together. Learn to surf. Learn to cook. Do this without ever having to look at a work email.
To me it’s like buying the occasional lottery ticket. The thought experiment there goes as far as retire immediately, help relieve family of any immediate financial concerns but then pretty much do as I was planning just accelerated and maybe with comfier air travel and not sweating bookings for accommodation. In time maybe buy a couple of turn key appartments in nice places I might want to spend part of my year like Trento/Lombardy, Valais or the Roaring Fork Valley and a good condition original Fiat 4×4.
I understand the point of dreaming about having “unlimited money” to make changes in our hum-drum life. But it can lead to disappointment with what your life is and will be for the future. Appreciate what you have!
I’d be able to relieve J.Clements of his current major health concern. 7/23/24. Imagine the economic upheaval in healthcare if cancer was no longer a concern after 50 years. Makes me think, no doubt it makes you think also.
I assume I would have lived a hedonistic life if money was no object, so I didn’t have discipline to change my life in a better way at all; I was either depressed or dead already.
We have a coach (class A diesel pusher). I would buy lots in 2-3 different “RV Resorts”. The RV resorts have excessive fees to pay for all the amenities and upkeep…which makes them too expensive to justify right now. And I would travel more! As it is, I just close my eyes when we fill our 150 gallon tank!
Not much. My wife and I have learned to live happily on a modest income, and now, in our middle-late 70s, we’re financially content. We no longer need a budget because our spending patterns are stable. We don’t worry about money because our lifestyle is within our Social Security and pensions, so we use investment income for extras—travel, new gadgets, and gifts. If someone gave us one or more millions, we’d continue living like we do.
Buy more and better seats for live theatre, plus look for a part-time job. I’m not ready to retire completely, but I’d like a bit more free time and a bit less stress. More free time would let me fly to other cities to see more live theatre, too.
Pay off the little bit left on mortgage today. Pay for dental work for myself and my adult son. Have installed in my home a small European type heating stove so if electric goes out in winter can heat home. A newer car.
I have no major regrets, for my life and choices, other than staying in a job(s) and field that I grew to dislike. The job(s) offered great pay and benefits but little satisfaction and a tremendous amount of stress. In hindsight, I should have chosen to leave this profession earlier than I did. I retired early, but some of the job-related stress may have resulted in some PTSD trauma that I’m trying to slowly address.
I would quit my current job and spend those former work hours doing something that I actually love doing. Activities would include travel, cooking, taking classes and engaging in my creative hobbies, just to name a few. I would also volunteer to help others, perhaps in a memory care facility where I learned firsthand that I have a gift for dealing with dementia patients.
I’d probably move to areas and live in a really cool apartment for a couple of years at a time while eating at the finest establishments. I’m not that financially independent yet 🙂
Realistically, I’d probably tone down my ‘keeping up’ of financial markets and allow myself to enjoy travel and socializing more. I keep up with it all just to keep my skills sharp.
Interesting question. After a minute’s thought, I think I would seek first-hand opportunities to improve the existence of other sentient beings, including our planet. I would concentrate on those whose existence is threatened through no fault of their own. Suffice it to say, at seven or eight billion, and growing, humans wouldn’t be at the top of the list.
I was asked this question by one of the physicians on the interview panel for professional school. I told them the truth, that I wouldn’t be sitting in the interview, I probably be out fishing. Later, the physician chuckled and said he loved my honesty. In retrospect, I’m sure I’ve gotten more happiness from my work than I would have ever found only pursuing leisure. Even so, I’m reminded of the line, “Money may not bring you happiness, but it can buy you misery that you thoroughly enjoy.” 🙂
Thought of this forum thread when reading this story today: “He Wrote Michael Jackson’s ‘Human Nature’ and Has 2 More in the Vault”
Even celebrities look for bigger paydays so they can do what they really want.
I haven’t responded to this because my answer is humdrum… quit my job, travel more, give more to charity.
I think the better question might be what would you NOT change. I’m pretty sure I would live in the same house, drive the same vehicle, and eat the same food. What about you guys?
Right on Matt. “I got everything I need and nothing that I don’t”. I think you ought to post your question on the forum, I bet it would be an interesting thread.
I would fund endowments for my church and alma mater to make sure disadvantaged people receive the chance to have a life like I’ve had. I would make sure my grandkids have enough money for college in case I don’t live long enough to do it in person. I would NOT set my kids and step-kids up for a life of leisure, but hopefully give them a chance to meet some of their dreams. I’d like to think it would make my life more enjoyable, but be concerned that there would be stress that I’m not currently considering.
The first thing that occurred to me about the “money is no object” proposition is that I would more willingly help out my 3 siblings, who have each come to me for money over the decades. We’re in an “ant and grasshopper” situation, with one ant (me) helping out 3 grasshoppers. I have helped them, and continue to do so, but grudgingly and not wholeheartedly, which damages the relationships. Once that rather self-concerned and narrow change is taken care of, I can think of many situations and orgs that could be greatly aided by monetary donations, so I like to think I would change into a full-time benefactress. (Have to say that my already very well-endowed alma mater would be last in line for that beneficence, though.)
I would completely restart my life. Just start totally fresh. 42 years old with a wonderful wife and kids, but it would be amazing to just press reset on our professions and where we live. I’d love to take them out of school for a year and just travel together. Learn to surf. Learn to cook. Do this without ever having to look at a work email.
To me it’s like buying the occasional lottery ticket. The thought experiment there goes as far as retire immediately, help relieve family of any immediate financial concerns but then pretty much do as I was planning just accelerated and maybe with comfier air travel and not sweating bookings for accommodation. In time maybe buy a couple of turn key appartments in nice places I might want to spend part of my year like Trento/Lombardy, Valais or the Roaring Fork Valley and a good condition original Fiat 4×4.
I understand the point of dreaming about having “unlimited money” to make changes in our hum-drum life. But it can lead to disappointment with what your life is and will be for the future. Appreciate what you have!
I’d be able to relieve J.Clements of his current major health concern. 7/23/24.
Imagine the economic upheaval in healthcare if cancer was no longer a concern after 50 years.
Makes me think, no doubt it makes you think also.
I would have picked an occupation that I enjoyed even it it didn’t make enough money for my family to survive on.
I would definitely never fly commercial again. After that I expect I’d be a little more extravagant when we travel.
I assume I would have lived a hedonistic life if money was no object, so I didn’t have discipline to change my life in a better way at all; I was either depressed or dead already.
Local philanthropy.
Where I live.
i went to denison university and high school in granville, ohio.
i would BUY THE ENTIRE TOWN AND ALL THE BUILDINGS THEREIN.
let the fun begin…
We have a coach (class A diesel pusher). I would buy lots in 2-3 different “RV Resorts”. The RV resorts have excessive fees to pay for all the amenities and upkeep…which makes them too expensive to justify right now. And I would travel more! As it is, I just close my eyes when we fill our 150 gallon tank!
Not much. My wife and I have learned to live happily on a modest income, and now, in our middle-late 70s, we’re financially content. We no longer need a budget because our spending patterns are stable. We don’t worry about money because our lifestyle is within our Social Security and pensions, so we use investment income for extras—travel, new gadgets, and gifts. If someone gave us one or more millions, we’d continue living like we do.
Buy more and better seats for live theatre, plus look for a part-time job. I’m not ready to retire completely, but I’d like a bit more free time and a bit less stress. More free time would let me fly to other cities to see more live theatre, too.
Pay off the little bit left on mortgage today. Pay for dental work for myself and my adult son. Have installed in my home a small European type heating stove so if electric goes out in winter can heat home. A newer car.
I’d hire excellent tradespeople to do all the deferred maintenance on my 100-year old house. I would definitely need money-is-no-object to do this.
I have no major regrets, for my life and choices, other than staying in a job(s) and field that I grew to dislike. The job(s) offered great pay and benefits but little satisfaction and a tremendous amount of stress. In hindsight, I should have chosen to leave this profession earlier than I did. I retired early, but some of the job-related stress may have resulted in some PTSD trauma that I’m trying to slowly address.
I would quit my current job and spend those former work hours doing something that I actually love doing. Activities would include travel, cooking, taking classes and engaging in my creative hobbies, just to name a few. I would also volunteer to help others, perhaps in a memory care facility where I learned firsthand that I have a gift for dealing with dementia patients.
I’d probably move to areas and live in a really cool apartment for a couple of years at a time while eating at the finest establishments. I’m not that financially independent yet 🙂
Realistically, I’d probably tone down my ‘keeping up’ of financial markets and allow myself to enjoy travel and socializing more. I keep up with it all just to keep my skills sharp.
If your health is good, give and value it next to a clear conscience for good health is a blessing money cannot buy. Marjorie K.
I Second it!!
Interesting question. After a minute’s thought, I think I would seek first-hand opportunities to improve the existence of other sentient beings, including our planet. I would concentrate on those whose existence is threatened through no fault of their own. Suffice it to say, at seven or eight billion, and growing, humans wouldn’t be at the top of the list.
I’d own a 100-acre ranch in Montana (where I’d spend my summers) and another 100-acre ranch in Texas (where I’d spend my winters).
What about Spring and Fall?
Why Texas? Yuck.
East Texas is much nicer with trees.