EscapeArtist, your hopeful perspective is very much like how I (highly unrealistic though) see myself in 5 years or so. I fantasize about finding this little outsider group that believe in simple living. Dumpster-divers, freegans, whatever they're called. Millions of people have tried the middle class type of life, and we pretty much know what to expect of it (I know I'm simplifying, but I can't be bothered right know). I don't really feel I need to try it out aswell, and I'll probably fail at if anyway. So yeah... in 5 years, living a simple life with like-minded people. Hopefully I have a bachelor degree.