The American Dream

Published on June 11, 2006 By MasonM In Blogging

I've been reasonably well off and I've been, and am currently, poor. Which is really the better way to live?

I'll admit having a substantial income has it's advantages but is it really the "end all" of life today? I've owned nice homes on large pieces of property (kinda like a flea claiming to own pieces of the dog), and lots of cool toys like cars, bikes, and entertainment equipment. I've also slept beneath underpasses, in patches of woods, and in tents out in the forests while scrounging for food. I spent 1.5 years hitch-hiking around the country finding work and meals where I could and surviving as best I could just for the adventure.

Now I am somewhere in between those two extremes of Western life. I'm not destitute, but I'm far from wealthy. I'm happy in my current life. I live alone in a 22ft travel trailer when I'm not on the road (75% of my time is on the road) living in a truck. It's really not such a bad life.

I make on average about a grand a week or so, not exactly "big money" in this country, but not starvation wages either. I have purposely kept my monthly expenses low and have a good amount of discretionary cash at my disposal every month (some of which I spend on wine, women, and song...the rest I waste).

What's really the American Dream? To make lots of money, have a big home, and a big bank account? Or is it to live how you want to live, not being dependent upon anyone else, and being able to say that you can take care of yourself without having to screw someone else over in the process?

While I wouldn't mind doing without many of my scars, I wouldn't trade my life with anyone. A sandwich isn't bad either.

Comments

Texas Wahine

on Jun 11, 2006

48K/yr all to yourself is poor?

Give me some of that!

ParaTed2k

on Jun 11, 2006

You're livin' the dream, Mason!

The American Dream can only be defined by the dreamer. The ability to see what you want in life, and the freedom to pursue it. That is the dream.

I'm glad you have found happiness in both.

-----

on Jun 11, 2006

48K a year! Dang, so...when can I...*sees the look on his face*...oh, ok...never mind.

Seriously though, I would have to go with the former choice. You see, I never have lived "well off," my mother or step-fathers had always been strapped. Despite the fact that my mum had a college education. (Can't say the same 'bout the step fathers...) My basic...premise (rw?) is, "To prosper." I personally don't need loads of cash, or a big house. Hell, I'd be content with a 2 bedroom apartment. I just want my family to be well off, that includes my mum, sister, nieces, brother, etc.... If that means making a load of money, and sending some to them or such, then ok.

Also, glad yer happy.

~Lucas

MasonM

on Jun 11, 2006

#1 by Texas Wahine
Sun, June 11, 2006 00:49 AM

[Texas Wahine]
48K/yr all to yourself is poor?

Give me some of that!

Everything is relative. What I make now is less than half what I was making 10-12 years ago. And in this country if you make less than 100k/yr yeah, you're poor. Besides, I'm still playing catch up and getting back on my feet (literally) after more than a year of being laid up from the wreck.

Not to mention the nearly half million in medical bills from that.

MasonM

on Jun 11, 2006

#2 by ParaTed2k
Sun, June 11, 2006 00:50 AM

Thanks Ted. Like everyone else, I muddle through.

MasonM

on Jun 11, 2006

#3 by ElindelWolf
Sun, June 11, 2006 02:46 AM

Sure, we all want to be comfortable. But for many people that isn't enough. They are driven to gain as much in the way of material things they can and see it as the American Dream. Sadly, many of them forget to actually live it in the process.

Dr Guy

on Jun 11, 2006

The American dream is to make enough to be comfortable. And for some, that means being rich. For others it is enough to have enough money to get what you want. Seems you have achieved the American dream. Not all dreams are of Bill Gates.

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