Is the American Dream Impossible to Achieve in California? (Los Angeles: middle-class, 2013)

[Curmudgeon]

The difficult sometimes takes awhile to achieve. The impossible simply takes longer.

[eccotecc]

Today's generation wants cheese with their whine.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by eccotecc

. Hard work never killed anyone.

I respectfully disagree. Hard work certainly has always killed lots of people. By the droves, even. Furthermore, IMO, Hard work is vastly overrated. And the Christian work ethic is a farce that mostly benefits those who have other people working hard FOR them.

That said, I loved my work for nearly 50 years in the same trade. I put in plenty of hours more than a 40 hour week, many years self-employed, because I seriously enjoyed what I did. I didn't find it "hard" at all.

There's your ticket. That and knowing and accepting your limitations. And keeping your dreams within those bounds.

[caliguy92832]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

I think you need to define what your view of 'The American Dream' is and from what generation, based on what objectives/goals, etc...?

I agree with others that the definition is relative to one's own dreams. For most I think it represents what makes up quality of life for them. And that definition varies wildly per individual. For example it could mean living in a shack near the beach and watching the sunset over the ocean daily. I have a friend who lives near the poverty line near the coast in SoCal for example. But he's livin' the (his) dream. While for another it might mean living in suburbia in a cookie cutter home with 2.2 kids, a dog, A/C and a big screen TV. And a million other variations.

Relative to one's dreams and abilities to achieve them they can realize those in California, or not. I think much of the frustration on these forums is derived from folks' inability to achieve 'their' dreams here and potentially somewhere else. So concessions are made. For example if one burns daily with the desire for a nice big house and cannot afford one where they want to live in CA they move to TX, MT, NV, AZ, <fill in the blank>. They will put up with other less desirables like poorer weather, lack of interesting geography, scenery, cultural activities, poorer food choices, long way to ocean with nice beaches, more narrow minded possibly, etc... Or maybe that home in the Midwest or South is Heaven for them and so that is where they belong.

Derek

Or in the case of my family and relatives...they moved to TN, GA, KY.

[dexter14]

Of course its possible, as long as you are making around $250k+ a year

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by mbell75

Of course its possible, as long as you are making around $250k+ a year

I never made more than about 20% of that - aside from investing, which money I have never used to live on. Been happy as a clam at high tide here for near 50 years. Like I said, depends on your dream.

[eccotecc]

Tulemutt,

Can you cite an example where hard work has been the cause of someone's demise?

[dexter14]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

I never made more than about 20% of that - aside from investing, which money I have never used to live on. Been happy as a clam at high tide here for near 50 years. Like I said, depends on your dream.

Yea, the "American Dream" is definitely not living on some tiny 200 sqft. boat LOL

[Count David]

Originally Posted by mbell75

Yea, the "American Dream" is definitely not living on some tiny 200 sqft. boat LOL

It can be if that's what your dream is.

[dexter14]

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

It can be if that's what your dream is.

Then this thread should have been titled can you live YOUR dream. Everyone knows what the AMERICAN DREAM is considered...and its not living on a dingy