Dirtbags vs. The Corporate World, and all that other BS

Andy P. wrote: GM, interesting post - please bookmark this and reply again in 5 years and let us know how it turned out!

The end of year four was in early December, so this is it. No regrets. Could I have done some thing differently? Of course. Could I have done things faster? For sure. But things are where they are, and I wouldn't go back in spite of the difficulties and challenges I've faced along the way.

I tend to agree with the OP. But, I want certain things out of life. I want to own a home. I want to own a decent car. I want to be able to afford all those awesome national and international climbing trips. I want to own (some) nice material things. I want to take my girlfriend out to a nice restaurant and order whatever the fuck I want. And if I go to the Red, I'm sleeping in a goddamn cabin and staying the hell away from Miguel's.

So, I'm a lawyer. I got a government job with decent pay, very reasonable hours and great, Euro-style vacation time. I'm content with that.

As an aside, extended road trip vacationing isn't synonymous with "dirtbagging." For example, rolling around the country in your tricked-out VW Euro-van, while you're between jobs, with money in the bank for your re-integration into the working world, is NOT dirtbagging it. Even if you're living frugally. Hitch-hiking to the crags with the pack on your back, near-broke and eating mayonnaise sandwiches for a month (or worse) is what I think of when I hear "dirtbagging." I'm all for the extended road trip.

BS Luther, I have been full time climbing for the last 6 months. Can confirm, it is hard to stay strong on the road. I did pretty good until I got a lady friend, then all the fitness went out the window :).

All you others out there.... Anything is possible, I find it only reasonable to climb 4 to 5 days a week, this means there are plenty of other possibilities available to do things like "jobs" (not sure what that word means....)

When I got into rock-climbing it was a different means of enjoying the outdoors. I enjoy clear and clean water. I also enjoy the rich foliage in the spring time. Their are many people out their packing and planning their summer. Some want to hike the AT, others may choose the excitement of being on the edge and scared to death. Another may work a garden all summer long along side a comfy retreat cabin built with his own hands. How many nights must one gaze upon the stars wondering what it must feel like freefalling at terminal velocity before he is recognized as an astronomer. Does the American bald eagle sit atop a mountain side and ponder, or does he soar with wings spread vast as the universe. Let the tradesman's hands be callous. May freedom ring. The lifestyle of an outdoorsman is a quest to carry the legacy that our forefathers has laid their before us. When I was just a young boy the pledge of allegiance was to the flag of the United States of America. My grand father worked on the railroad. My father was a fisherman and a carpenter. I in turn worked and saved money enough to Travel. I crafted my climbing skills on the southern Dixie sandstone of the Cumberland plateau but not until after I first learned to rappel from an oak tree in my mothers back yard. Mother earth is the host, and we are its guest. The wind is her music, lightning her anger, and thunder her roar. Fear not the weary for the earths bosom is fortified for your presence. The willing will be carried by the wings of an angel to soar amongst the screaming eagles. The leery will be awarded the gift of jade. Becoming a rebel is being so absolutely free that ones own existence is an act of rebellion. Free yourself. Live to love.

step away from the bong young grasshoppa!

Charles Kinbote wrote:So, I'm a lawyer. I got a government job with decent pay, very reasonable hours and great, Euro-style vacation time.

What's the job and who do you work for? Feel free to PM me if you prefer. I am curious because I am in the legal field. Euro-style vacation time sounds great!

People that think they are productive because they holds jobs have been lied to. People that think dirtbagging is the answer have also been lied to. People that think they can balance being in a state of self emposed slavery and escapism have been lied to. The average adult is spiritually stunted and hasn't even the slightest clue about life.

MC Poopypants wrote: The average adult is spiritually stunted and hasn't even the slightest clue about life.

Fortunately, most of us have seen sufficient spiritual growth that we know accusing "average adults" of being spiritually stunted is pretty immature.

YMMV

MC Poopypants wrote:People that think they are productive because they holds jobs have been lied to. People that think dirtbagging is the answer have also been lied to. People that think they can balance being in a state of self emposed slavery and escapism have been lied to. The average adult is spiritually stunted and hasn't even the slightest clue about life.

Yo Shitsinpants, that is so fucking deep bro.......really deep. Can I hire you as my life coach??

camhead wrote: El Cap has been freed by 40/hr week 9-5ers.

Furthermore, 12's and 13's on it have been done a-vue by 8-6'ers.

MC Poopypants wrote: The average adult is spiritually stunted and hasn't even the slightest clue about life.

So tell us, what is the secret to YOUR success?
Just curious.

youtube.com/watch?v=PKGX9td…

dunno who to laugh at more the one throwing out "pearls of wisdom" or the ones taking the time to try to demean said pearl-tosser.

I think we're all just going for laughs, so laugh at all of us.

5.samadhi wrote:dunno who to laugh at more the one throwing out "pearls of wisdom" or the ones taking the time to try to demean said pearl-tosser.

Feel free to laugh or to paint what I did as an intent to demean someone, if that helps. But it might get a laugh over how you are 'laughing' at us and publicly criticizing our posts.
Which I believe is somewhat... demeaning?

Information superhighway = autobahn of bullshit = home of instant irony.
Can I get a "ha ha?"

Charles Vernon wrote: What's the job and who do you work for? Feel free to PM me if you prefer. I am curious because I am in the legal field. Euro-style vacation time sounds great!

youd have to give me dirtbag-style vacation time to live in NYC no matter the job