[Dalewyn]

I think you should try a hand at running your own business, being your own boss. You seem to have enough money and the industry experience to take a shot at it.

I am inclined to agree with your parents/friends, you still have a lot of human capital (read: your youth) to build financial capital with today so you can have an even more fulfilling life tomorrow when you no longer have all that human capital (read: old age).

This isn't to say you shouldn't life your life now, of course. I wrote in another comment here that living today and not tomorrow is imperative[1]. But to refuse to make money during your prime money making years is also folly, because that money today will save your time tomorrow.

[1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41757791

[ska]

It’s not folly if you have enough to manage your current and future needs. At some point doubling your wealth won’t even move the needle on fulfillment - for almost all people. The point is of course for everyone. And in the other direction deferring fulfillment later for money now absolutely is folly when done for too long, none of us know how long we have.