Liv(ing Vicariously Through) Work

Like MTV's "Cribs," but the in-real-life, non-filmed version, lived by the hangers on.

Rooftop pool deck, with ocean views. Each of the buildings in the complex had its own. And these were in addition to the complex's communal pool, by the restaurant, and the luxury gym.

A significant consideration in switching out of BigLaw and into BigBanking was the promise of a better work/life balance. It FEELS like I made the right choice and am headed in the right direction, though there still doesn't seem to be enough time, and in some ways it feels like there is even less time - things fell to the wayside over the pandemic, and I have yet to manage to pick them up.

Terrace off the guest apartment. Envy-worthy outdoor space. Puts the Jardin to shame.

One of the aspects that's helped work feel less like work is the breaks in the day routine. There are more meetings (now I understand the office worker backlash against excessive, overscheduled meetings; that was NOT a thing in law). It's less conducive to productivity, but it does give the brain some rest time. Not having to bill helps, too. And there are more professional excursions - an offsite retreat, an out of state conference, travel to a client meeting. Ok, so each one of those has been to Florida, which, really, hasn't been all bad (crazy politics aside). Mini-vacations, in many ways.

Different view of the rooftop, toward the building clubhouse, and gym.

And the thing about advising really wealthy people is that one gets a peek into their lives, both the good and bad. As a toddler refugee whose family used to receive public assistance, it can get a little heady - billionaires find my advice valuable. I've seen, and lived, the full range of wealth; I've observed; I understand the allure, the power, the potential, but also its limitations.

Wetlands kayaking heaven.

But, yeah. It can buy lovely things. The rich believe in trickle down because when you are in their orbit, some of the bounty does trickle down.  Exhibit A being business travel. Back in January, we went to see a client who is a developer - of luxury housing. And he had us stay in one of the units he reserves for family. Not gonna lie: It was quite nice. And in the middle of a New York winter, Florida is a fine respite.

Morning walk and exploration led to this walkway. A little scary and deserted early in the morning? A little. But curiosity triumphed. Where does it lead?

The units were huge, by New York City standards. And maintenance was less than what I pay for my rinky dink little pad.

Kayaks!!!

The complex is waterside. It's Florida, so there are wetlands. Which is pretty perfect for kayaking. And by the ocean, no worries about toxic algae blooms (that stymied my dream to buy a lake house).

Gazebo over the water.

Though they're not immune from climate change. Recent hurricanes left the landscaping in ruins.

Um, what are those tracks? Florida, wetlands... gator?

But oh what a life I could have. Spacious abode. Come home, go kayak.

Sure looks like gator habitat.

All I can do up here is to try to replicate that on weekends by signing the family up for a neighborhood association with a dock and kayak racks. With all the mandatory licensing exams behind me, THIS is the year to see whether that vision of balance comes to fruition. To balance!

"It wasn't me!"

[Edited to completion March 17, 2023.]