If you can change what you want (downshift) then you can gain freedom (from the almighty $). I actually do not want a car (and I am not just telling myself that), I do not want to live in a nicer apartment (well, maybe a little). What I do want is to do what I want, I have made many major decisions based on that principal, unfortunately neglecting other factors. I learned programming because I had an idea that I thought would allow me to be my own boss, I went to grad school because it allowed more freedom than work, I learned another language b/c I thought I could move to that country and retire earlier, etc. etc. If I could go back in time I'd probably not do any of that shit, at least not the way I did. Sometimes I wish I were better at conforming, or at least wonder if I would be happier.