[the_gastropod]

I agree! Making > $100k is an absolute privilege. I am privileged as all hell finding myself interested in and decent enough at computer programming at a point in time where it was a relatively lucrative field to be in. That's serious luck!

But if you're making < $100k and suggesting you need $200k in passive income to go to a farmer's market, cook pasta for dinner, read library books, grow some plants, and drink the occasional wine? That doesn't inspire confidence that you have a great understanding of the value of a dollar.

[pdimitar]

Good thing I don't do any of those things.

I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that you came here to be snarky and tear down a straw man... one that doesn't exist.

I'm not going to bore you with my life story. But it has been an extremely bumpy ride and it's still not going well. Make what that info what you like. You'll probably say it's all my fault and I deserve it.

[the_gastropod]

You said:

> The author frames it as if you can just semi-retire and still have $200K a year

I was just responding to that.

I am as bleeding heart a liberal as they come. I recognize most people have much harder lives than I've had. I made some assumptions based just on your $200k comment above, and the fact that—let's face it—most HNers are making ridiculously large sums of money, and there is no end to these similar "this is impossible!" style comments on this page.

Truly, I'm sorry to hear you've had to deal with so much strife. Nobody deserves that. If you'd like to share more, my email is in my profile.

[pdimitar]

If you are giving me your permission then I will reach out. It's been getting increasingly shitty lately and I am on the brink. Maybe talking about it with a stranger will help.

[the_gastropod]

Yea, absolutely. Please do.

I'm sorry for making assumptions about your position. Last thing I want is to pile on someone already going through a hard time. I hope your luck turns around.