My problem is that I'm more in love with the idea of running than actually doing it. So whenever I start a workout plan, I have lots of fun and go overboard picking up gear. Oh- I'm gonna want new running shoes, maybe some good quality workout clothes, some lights for running in the dark, a stopwatch, a training app…

I heard an interview with a VP at facebook. She said they have posters on the wall which say "Done is better than perfect." I really like that attitude- the whole point is to finish a project on time.

That's what sick days are for :)

Billability targets are supposed to factor in your standard vacation time and holidays. If you were being held to impossible targets your management was incompetent.

Sleep is one of the few things I really do right. I get about 8 hours a night. Sometimes a little less. More on the weekends.

Unsolicited advice from a former engineering student. You're on a path towards burning out if you're not making time for rest (and a little bit of fun). Organize your life. Try to treat your schoolwork like a full time job and establish a routine and take advantage of all of the help you can get.

Giving up a social beer really isn't very difficult- I wouldn't stress about it. I mean, all you need is to say "I'm taking a break from beer- for my health." Most adults leave it at that. The rest is just willpower.

Give up coffee or tea for water and tell me what it is like, then I'll take some interest.

Yep- don't get it. Coffee is reasonably healthy. The only somewhat bad component is caffeine, which is fine in moderation.

You've got it! Manageable finance is simple but not necessarily easy. If you can make the tough choices to ensure that your biggest expenses (especially HOUSING) are well within your means, the rest just falls into place!

I disagree about the multiple income streams.

It depends where you live.

Hey man- it's not a frugal contest.

Or, get a job that will offer you funding to do it part-time. It takes forever, and it's difficult, but in the end I will have a degree from a prestigious school without borrowing a dime 80% paid for by my company.

I don't understand what point you're trying to make. The argument isn't whether or not home buying has advantages (obviously it does), or is better financially than renting (in many cases it is). The argument is whether or not you can feasibly realize any market-adjusted gains from buying a house you live in, and…

Yep. That's exactly right. Now we've come full circle.

you would have made money over the past ten years AND you would have had a place to live AND home equity.

This post was surreal. I liked it a lot.

I really like the cafe idea...

I don't feel like I really have much wisdom to offer at the age of 26...but I would like offer you my perspective on things and how it's changed since I started work at 22.