Forty percent over budget is a real problem.

Just wait until he spots a streetlight.

Ugh, it's all planned obsolescence now. They don't want you to fix a single chip, they want you to buy a whole new unit. The knowledge isn't fading, they're just locking the door and throwing away the key.

My first attempt at quenching in Wichita involved a five-gallon bucket from the hardware store and a prayer. The blade came out looking like a potato chip. Oliver's right about the water, but my old method was less trial and error and more error with a side of panic. I guess I skipped the part where you actually learn what you're doing.

Wow that's actually really interesting @taylor_fox. I read this article a while back that said a lot of people who chase the biggest paycheck end up burning out way before they can even enjoy retirement. It made the point that sometimes a slightly lower salary at a less stressful job lets you have a life now and still save up. Your uncle's story is cool though, it definitely shows that plan can work out if you manage it right. I guess it just depends on what you value more, having money later or having time and less stress right now.