Thanks for the input people, a lot of interesting, thought-provoking, and varying opinions.
Of all the repilies to date, it seems that only a couple of you have indicated an actual
dollar figure (which, from memory, was about $100k p.a.) - indicating that the intrinsic values are a more important consideration for Australians.
Lifestyle will be different things foe different people, depending upon whether you`re single or married or, (as in
Chimbu Chuck`s case) a single parent), an outdoorsy type person who enjoys the beach or the bush, or the indoors type who is content sitting in front of the computer for hours (or also enjoying some bush
). However, "Lifestyle", in my opinion, is also those activities that you can enjoy during the few hours you have AFTER and BEFORE work - the time with the kids, a quick swim, jog, or potter around the garden.
Expat living (esp. in Asia) often does not offer the same opportunities available to you, (when) living in your own house in Oz, with "retail therapy" being the main outlet for many Asians.
So would you be happy "sacrificing" your "prime years" for a (financially) reasonably comfortable future, IF you can crack that pot of gold position? As
Back Seat Driver mentioned, we're here "
for a good time, and not for a long time" - there is, after all, NO guarantee of how long any of us will be around...."
don't complain about old age, a lot of people are never given that opportunity!"