Wow. I have read this thread with interst.
Capt Aaron, Tempest, Sailor Wench, and many others have given some incredible advice. I respect what they did and have done. In fact, I almost made Capt Aaron's thread on how he survives in Key West a sticky. What a great story! I respect how you, and pretty much everyone else on here has made your way. I hope you and everyone else will show me the same respect as I hesitatly show the OP (or anyone interested) mine...
I could not do it how you folks did. No interest. I am not disparaging your methods, but that would not work for me.
Me... well, I was not born with a silver spoon either. I never went hungry growing up, but had my share of episodes that changed me. By 18, I was convinced that there were things in my life I wanted, and I was going to make it happen. I went to Baylor University, and as I recall, I was the only one with a double in Biology, CHemistry, and Premed (a totally different course structure than non-premed). I enjoy science, but also planned my career around what I saw as marketable in the future (physician). I am not a physician now, thank goodness, but after graduation followed my strengths and ambitions to further my goal of getting what I wanted. I will leave it at that.
THe difference I see bewteen me and many others is that I set my standards very high. I have owned many Lexus, houses, and boats. I have bought all my boats new. I bought my first boat in 1995ish (A C250) at the age of 25/26. I paid roughly 26,000 for it. I bought my next boat a few months later (new). It was a C320. I think it pushed close to 100k. I bought my next boat to go cruising on a few year after that. I think I was 29. It was a Catalina 380. I think I paid circa 160 for it. Kept it, lived aboard on it, raised my kiddo on it for some time, and sold it and not long after bought my last boat, a C400. I paid circa 225,000 for it and have put a LOT more into it. Lived aboard her, cruised her, and now (just sold my car... yeah!!) taking off to do it again but this time long distance with both boys. I bought this boat when I was 36 or 37 IIRC. In all of this, please excuse the years or exact prices as I don't keep track very closely.
Let me tell you what worked for me and how I did it: I saw what I wanted, then I made my mind up to get it and make it work. I worked the hours to make it work - nights or weekends. I found careers that made it capable to afford such a vessel or life(style). I always kept focusing on a career that would afford me my desires, not making my desires on what I could afford. I have no boundaries. I have no limits. I never see limits. I only see what I want and then focus my attention on what I need to do to get it.
You live in America, right? You have no boundaries or limits. None. THe only ones you have are self imposed... especially in your 20's. You want a Oyster 6x? THere is no reason you cannot have it, and in a reasonable time. ALl you have to do is figure out the means to the end. THe getting it is the easy part... the figuring out how to get there is the hard part. Others will tell you the opposite. THey see limits. I do not.
I could have a nicer, more expensive boat now. I could have a big house on the water. I could have another new Lexus or (insert item of choice). I simply have no interest in it. I like my boat and my life and am comfortable with what I have. THat makes me no different that Aaron or SW, or Tempest, or any of the other respondents here. My only difference is I have ZERO interst in making me fit into what I have now. I do not begrudge those who envy others for their possessions... as long as that envy is with a desire and understanding that they too can have it. I see what I want. If I want it (bad enough), I make it work to get there.
Incidentally, as I mentioned, I am taking off with my family yet again (41), 8 yo boy, 12 yo boy, wonderful wife, fat bulldog, to do this thing again in the next many days. I must be doing something right?? Everyone else is too that is enjoying this life... whether on a multimillion dollar yacht or a free trailer sailor. No matter the yacht, we all get the same view. But my path to passion was a completely different road than what I have read here. I did it. You can too.
Brian
PS - Bill Gates, Jobs, Buffet, etc... never saw limits. You want it? Go get it. Then look back on this thread as the motivation to change your life. Can't wait to see the pic of your Oyster.