New job dashes plans for thru-hike.

[evyck da fleet]

Another vote for taking the job. The AT is there for you to section or thru in the future. The opportunity will present itself again but thru hiking may never take priority over what else you have going on with your life.

[Indigo Hawk]

I start my training in July. This job has summers off so section hiking for the win.

Honestly, taking this job has been a huge relief. Thank you again, everyone.

[GoldenBear]

Take that great job.
Save. Save. Save.
Invest. Invest. Invest.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle so you don't die or become disabled prematurely.
Keep in shape with hiking and exercise.
Then retire in your 50s. It can be done. It isn't easy, but it's do-able for most people with an average salary.
Do a thru-hike -- or a series of sections hikes -- AFTER you have plenty of money, AND have plenty of time & health.

This is a decision I made over twenty years ago, and I've never regretted it.

[gbolt]

There's a lot of truth to this. We just completed Davenport Gap to Damascus, VA and I was surprised at the following:

1. Hiking becomes a job
2. Setup/breakdown of camp becomes a job
3. Getting water becomes a job
4. Resupplies become a job
5. Taking care of your feet/legs become a job
6. Staying mentally focused becomes a job
7. Dealing with the environment/weather becomes a job
8. Dealing with boredom/loneliness becomes a job
9. Isolation from friends and family becomes a job.
10. Juggling finances/spending on the trail becomes s job.
11. Like any job it can be fun, enjoyable and rewarding. But like any job you can lose focus along the way and become disenfranchised.

I don't believe you escape from anything on the trail. You simply trade responsibilities.

I doubt any of this was helpful. Sry.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Maybe not helpful for him... But I loved it! I am losing my job (Retirement) so this is the exact job I want!

PS. I would not have gotten to retirement with as much joy if it weren't for the "Dream" of hiking the AT. Keep Dreaming until the time is right to turn the dream into a reality. Spend the time purchasing, testing, updating, trading and finalizing your gear to make the reality come true. That is what I have been doing to keep working. If I never set foot on the AT, the Dream has made life all the better.