Hello from Southern California

[SoCalERE]

Hi there,

I live in the Los Angeles area with my wife and 3 kids. Early 40s.

I first read ERE about 10 years ago and have read it multiple times since. What keeps bringing me back is the focus on reducing waste and building skills/other forms of capital.

I currently work as a data analyst designing reports. I have a computer science background and have spent most of my working years doing something related to programming. My wife has been a stay at home mom since our first child was born 10 years ago. We have paid off our house, and maintain a high savings rate for quite a while.

Outside of my work, my skill set is pretty weak. In the graph from the ERE book, I earn all my income from "bolt tightening" while everything else is an expense. My focus for joining the forums is to focus on building skills and eventually diversifying my potential for income. While I like the type of work that I do, I want to spend some time on other projects. I plan on opening a journal page to set goals and document progress.

Hobbies: My main hobby at the moment is Jiu Jitsu, I have been doing that for about 2.5 years. That's something that myself and all 3 kids do. I read quite a bit. I also complain a lot, that's a hobby I'm looking to drop this year.

Looking forward to exploring the forums

[NewBlood]

I also complain a lot, that's a hobby I'm looking to drop this year.

Love this. Welcome!
Hope you're safe from the fires.

[delay]

My focus for joining the forums is to focus on building skills and eventually diversifying my potential for income.

Welcome to the forums! Doing IT work pays well and, as I understand it, requires a complacent attitude. Other jobs often demand opposite characteristics, like standing up for your own interest, sharp negotiating, dealing with unhappy customers, sourcing materials, and so on. Looking forward to read how your diversification journey develops!