I'm 29 and have 500k saved up (live in Santa Monica which is quite expensive), but yes I think I will quit my next stock vest which is Friday.

And idk. My best friend from high school moved out here with me and he's a waiter making 40k a year and seems totally happy. Works like 30 hours a week, no mental stress, able to work out and work on himself. I think money is highly overrated.

Making 40K a year is only sustainable while you're in good health and don't have a family to support. I remember my carefree twenties as well, but things can change as you get older. There is no retirement plan on that kind of income other than waiting tables till you die. At least you should recognize that your relationship to money is very different than theirs. Having half a mil in savings is a completely different ballgame.

I think both situations are unsustainable. I'm not financially stable because I hate my job and might quit at any time and he doesn't make enough money.

But I think my main point is both of us have a way of becoming sustainable so you might as well do what makes you happy instead of working a job you hate for 8 years. Being a waiter making 40k isn't enough long term, but working your way into a higher end establishment or management is. A girl I dated started out as barista, became a store manager, and is now the regional manager and makes ~125k a year and more importantly she is a perfect fit for the job and enjoyed it the entire time.

All I'm trying to say is there are a lot of paths to a sustainable life even when following your natural inclinations.

But anyway OP responded his son's not super interested in college anyway so his plan sounds good to me anyway.

I was happy with a low income until I had a kid. Then the calculus shifts. Same with physical disability or taking on caregiving responsibilities.

how do you have that much saved up at 29 ? faang salary / vest schedules ?