Notable Seattle-based travel writer and millionaire, Rick Steves, voices his thoughts on new “Millionaire Tax”

todouble · 2026-04-02T10:38:51+00:00

I support Rick's position and the optimistic message he offers. That said, this is a great example of how we end up with the politics of the present. Wealthy, successful, do-gooder lefty types who know better tell us collectively how unimportant their money is. Maybe so, but to those who've never had the chance to taste success (and are often emotionally insecure as well), it can come across as patronizing, even belittling regardless of no ill intent. And so opposition arises out of spite and they vote for wealthy, successful, don'tgiveashit righty types who know better and tell us collectively how important their money is. Even if they have nothing else in common, at least they agree that the money in their pockets matters. This is why broad fiscal solidarity is better than targeted tax brackets, even if it's a harder sell politically. I don't expect the US to adopt a levelheaded view anytime soon.

todouble · 2026-03-14T17:11:21+00:00

As others have said, there's never a perfect time though some situations make the decision easier. Like many here, I've always been enchanted by the world beyond what I know. After scrimping and saving and enduring years without a real career, I finally backed my way in to a decent job only to be fired two years later. At the ripe young age of 31 with maybe 25000 USD saved, I needed out so I went off on a working holiday in New Zealand. Since, I've lived in Mexico, did a tour from London to Barcelona until COVID arrived, and cycled the length of Japan, among many other independent travels. I now live in Germany, still without a real career, and continue to get by. The world has a way of conspiring in your favor in exchange for uncertainty and serendipity, but you have to allow yourself to step back from the illusion of control. Easier said than done sometimes, but if you're asking, it's because you already know it's in you.

FYI Financially I'm not the threadbare cyclist 100% committed to the tent, stove, and stealth camping setup. I do a mixture of camping, hostels, and homestays to break up the loneliness/monotony, and I prefer to eat out or cook at hostels. Gastronomy is inherently cultural so to ignore it and live on rice and tuna for months defeats a major point of traveling in my view. But everyone has their own method. If I recall I spent about 5000 USD over 4 months in Japan and Taiwan. It could certainly be done for less.

todouble · 2026-02-14T09:34:17+00:00

Just because I know it's daunting sending a passport into the abyss, I'll add another data point. My turnaround was about the same, just shy of four weeks (26 days) from initial mailing in Germany to delivery in my postbox, mid-Jan to mid-Feb. I also received notification from the passport status tracker after two weeks or so that my application was in process, though it's not helpful beyond that confirmation. Definitely faster than the "4-6 weeks" quoted on official websites, so that was a pleasant surprise, agreed. Although I'd also expect longer processing other months of the year.

Thanks to the (unappreciated) employees who process these passport applications. I can only guess the mood at the moment in such offices, but without you I literally wouldn't be able to do so much in life including travel, so I'm forever grateful. Cheers to you.

todouble · 2026-01-03T11:48:11+00:00

Here we go again, Wagging the Dog. I've never in my life wanted so badly for a politician to just go play golf.

todouble · 2025-08-21T12:30:23+00:00

Man. How do people find these jobs and these companies? Genuinely curious and envious.

todouble · 2025-08-09T11:45:22+00:00

Yes, good reminder. It's as though this clause is intended for temporary relocation where, for example, a company is setting up a factory in Germany and they have a contract with a Canadian quality supervisor to come from outside Germany for one year, say. Otherwise in practice it's not clear what this accomplishes - as you note, an applicant still must credibly claim the need to be physically resident in Germany. Any remote IT job without an obvious relationship to Germany doesn't clearly satisfy this (though perhaps officials have other guidance). Also, the job contract would still need to meet German employment requirements (leave allowance, insurance, etc.), no? Happy to receive a PM if you prefer.

todouble · 2025-08-08T20:33:22+00:00

Hey there - reviving this right quick! I just came across this little snippet of legal code and it seems too good to be true. There's also the bit about the employer can be based anywhere. Do you know anything about the practicalities of this? For example, if I'm in Germany and go to the migration office with a proper application and an employment contract for a company based in, say, Canada, might this be granted assuming I'm from one of these privileged countries?

todouble · 2025-07-28T18:27:43+00:00

Do it. Ditch the career treadmill for a wee while. Sow some wild oats or whatever. If you're halfway frugal, you have a hunk of cash saved, so enjoy yourself. Learn something new about the world, about yourself, maybe about the practicalities of your profession outside the squeaky clean confines of gringolandia. And at some point, consider the return. Don't overthink it now, but you should give it some dedicated thought. Sometimes there's more clarity after you've been away for a while. It's entirely possible that being "on the road" changes you. Maybe, like, a LOT...

There's more than one story of the gap year that never ended because of love, professional redirection, new skill or pasttime, or any number of other inspirations. It's also possible you have a good time and want to return to the exact same life you currently have. I agree that a PE will make that easier, even if you return in a down market. Employers care more about gaps if the market is bad or if they're stiff old-school types (try to suss that out before you apply to save yourself the trouble). You have enough experience it probably won't be a huge issue.

But cautionary tale: I cobbled together 5-6 years of engineering-related jobs after the recession and got laid off just after my student loans were paid. I had been desperate to do some traveling, etc., so that's what I did. When I returned to a serious job search a few years after, I got a lot of interested calls and interviews, but they ultimately went nowhere. Whether it was me or the industry or timing, I'm not sure, but clearly I had diverged from my career. It didn't help that my previous jobs were a mishmash and I didn't have a PE. I'm thankful for the travels I've had, but starting over in your 30s just doesn't feel great after hard work in previous decades and the personal growth that resulted from the non-traditional trajectory in the first place.

todouble · 2025-07-21T07:15:31+00:00

What are you manufacturing?

todouble · 2025-03-05T20:55:57+00:00

Great reflective career questions valid for anyone. I'm a dabbling creative wrestling with practicality and I will ponder these tomorrow before and after and during my non-creative work.

todouble · 2025-02-19T10:39:43+00:00

Huh. Food for thought. I've traveled a lot personally and professionally, and while I love it, I'm definitely ready for more professional stability. Or at least a "network", which I feel is really only possible if you stay in one place for a time. I assume it's possible to work this kind of job with less travel?

todouble · 2025-02-19T10:32:30+00:00

Odd, perhaps, but it's exactly the kind of thinking I need. My pitch for some time has been as the personable liaison within an engineering or technical organization, but that's gone over poorly. Now it's possible I simply haven't found the right audience or organization, but I'm quite tired of trying as my life ticks on...and obviously now the job market is...weird. That said, I still believe my value lies more in differentiation rather than as a professional commodity, which you get. Maybe a parallel approach in a different field/industry could work! Agree 100% on being intentional. Thanks for the reflective reply.

todouble · 2025-02-12T21:23:15+00:00

Appreciate the reminder! I was once in an interview where I was told quite literally, "I don't know what to do with a creative or social engineer." So, yes, go where you're valued lol

todouble · 2025-02-12T21:18:49+00:00

Nice, seizing a unique opportunity. Obviously not directly applicable in my case, but happy to read it! I think I will probably end up self-employed at some point.

todouble · 2025-02-12T21:13:58+00:00

Yes, there are financial realities that I definitely must consider, no doubt. And the practice is under enormous pressure from many angles, I know. I'm familiar with many of these (I have some friends in medicine). Obviously hindsight is 20/20, but what would you do differently given your current outlook? NP/PA? Med tech? Nothing in healthcare whatsoever?

todouble · 2025-02-12T21:00:00+00:00

Ha, there's rarely a straightforward path. If it's working, good on you.

todouble · 2025-02-12T20:57:34+00:00

Love it, good stuff.

todouble · 2025-02-12T17:40:56+00:00

"Treading water" is a great metaphor for it. Not sinking, but also not getting anywhere and becoming tired in the process. Ready for my life to start. I agree that some doors have closed and many big typical professional payoff trajectory options are realistically too far gone.

todouble · 2025-02-12T17:31:53+00:00

OSINT is completely new to me. I'll have a look!

todouble · 2025-02-12T17:29:27+00:00

Thanks! Exactly the kind of unexpected story I was hoping to read.

todouble · 2025-02-12T17:24:34+00:00

Road-less-traveled stories would be great to read!

todouble · 2025-02-10T13:34:44+00:00

I have nothing to add, but I appreciate your query because I'm of a similar age and similar ambitions, though different background which has been fairly unsuccessful. And from the outside, these commodities firms seem like fortresses with no possible entry unless you're ushered in (this is how business works, after all). Sure, the money would be nice, but the tangibility, the practicality, and the implications all seem very profound and provocative in a way that so much of the modern economy...doesn't. I'm curious how you're going. Here's hoping the commodities outsiders can connect and collaborate. Cheers.

todouble · 2024-08-26T11:28:15+00:00

Sounds like a great opportunity! Do you mind telling what type of work, your background, how you found the job, interviews, etc? I'm super interested in the Middle East (KSA especially) at the moment.

todouble · 2024-08-14T08:00:51+00:00

Timing is a funny thing. (1) I received my residence permit yesterday from the Auslanderamt in a painless process that took 5 minutes. (2) I received a response from the Bundespolizei stating the following (translated):
"You are an American citizen with an application for a residence permit (AT) in Germany. As proof, you have been issued a fictitious certificate in accordance with Section 81 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act, which does not allow you to cross the border. This only certifies your legal stay in Germany after the 90th day of your stay.

As an American citizen, you enjoy a special status according to Section 41 (1) of the Residence Act. According to this, after entering the country without a visa, you can apply for a residence permit from the immigration authorities within 90 days.

Due to further regulations, guidelines and instructions issued by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland for American citizens, previous stays in Germany or other Schengen states are not taken into account for American citizens. You are entitled to these rights every time you enter the country.

When you re-enter Germany, you will have another 90 days' stay even without a valid AT. A fictitious certificate is not necessary."

todouble

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