The ability to lead a much more relaxed lifestyle that has people saying I look 12 years younger than people my age for one thing. I still work very hard (because I enjoy what I do) but I set my own hours and can basically do whatever I want to do.
By the way I was in a non-tech grind it out type business. I didn't "hit the lottery". I built a traditional business and sold it. It is still operating today and the person who purchased it has operated it for longer than I did.
Interesting. In Japan, all around me are people who try to burn the wick at both ends hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel.. And they most definitely do not resemble the description you just gave of yourself..
My parents (old timers) are like that. I know exactly what that is and it's not what I'm talking about.
My comments were related to the OP attitude (from memory now) of working hard for what seemed certainly less than 2 years. It takes more than that. I'm not saying "work for 30 years and then come up for air". While I would not put a specific time on it (each situation will vary) it is definitely less than 20 and more than 2! (Of course if things don't work out by 20 years you've got some explaining to do..)
