[mhurron]

The US you describe doesn't exist. Military is acceptable work, peace corps, that's only something rich people who don't need to do real work do. Your coasts are pretty small too because outside of a few major cities, the highest calling you can answer in the US is killing brown people for your country, yes, even in New England.

Hell, I'm looked down at by my in-laws because IT isn't 'real work.'

Choose to try to learn how to play an instrument, or some other artistic endeavor and the first thing everyone will ask you is 'how do you plan to make money with that?' You'll get a lot of 'that's nice dear, but how do you intend to live.' You will be met with nothing but condescension because you are not perusing work. Stick with not working and you'll be 'that weirdo down the street.'

> ready to settle down

And work like an adult because you're not an adult and worthy of being treated like one until you work.