[RabidRat]

Just saying, the conductor thing sounds super fun. Sounds like a hell of an adventure, and a reason to stay in shape.

Btw, a caveat to my opinion on what defines a "high value" person: I also think we have to be realistic about what we can afford to give of ourselves.

If we're maintaining a sprint just to give others everything we got, eventually we collapse, and then we're providing no value at all. I suppose life is a marathon, and we have to take care of ourselves in order to keep taking care of others.

It sounds to me like you've inadvertently dug of yourself so deeply to help your family's desire for a payoff, that you're just kind of sunk right now. I hope you consider the compromise option to move back into a more affordable place til you're back on your feet. Btw - short of that - can you rent out your basement or anything? Or heck, even a room or two to student(s)?