>People who say things like "you're putting your life on hold" have no discipline.
Imagine trying to extrapolate moral superiority from having had the luck of finding a high paid job.
>I set out on this path at 17. I'm 36 now.
Yes, I too had dreams at 17. I even had an entire notebook with journaling about those dreams. None of them came to life. NONE. I guess I wasn't worthy or disciplined enough like the morally superior: the rich.
People who say things like "you're putting your life on hold" have no discipline.
I set out on this path at 17. I'm 36 now. I have a wife, kids, have traveled a lot, lived in better houses than most of my peers, ate out plenty, etc.
Much living was had.
I left salary work at age 34 (FIRE).
What do I do now? Work harder than ever and play the long game, and of course continue to live a rich life.
To anyone considering saving and building wealth starting at an early age: yes, it's worth it. No, you don't have to "pause your life."
You will need discipline.