Suddenly You're Rich, Now What?

Curiosity may have killed the cat....but it keeps me thinking! Being fascinated with humans is a lifelong hobby of mine. Of late, I have begun posing questions on "Live QnA" for obvious curiosity and amusement.

Recently asking the question: If you no longer had to work to survive what would you do with your free time and why?
Suppose you just won the lottery or inherited a large sum of money from a deceased relative. You no longer HAVE to work to survive. Would you: Quit your job? Go to school? Start your own business? Travel? Volunteer? Donate to Charity? etc...

Below is a summary of the answers I received. Some statements are actual quotes from responders.

Ange- responded that they would travel around the world helping others. This way they could see the world while still doing good. "It would be a win-win situation."

Thug-Angel - replied that they would like to start their own business. Probably in real estate or possibly open a hotel. "This industry is always in demand and booming and the demand for houses and land will never end. It would also help in creating jobs for others."

Poetry4mydac - replied she would like to get into making clay jewelry and crafts. Maybe open up a jewelry shop. Move to a nice little house near the ocean to cure insomnia and volunteer a couple of days a week.

InsideouT - didn't answer the question. Rather this person decided to ask ME questions: why are we here, why do we work, etc. It got a little more prolific so I won't bore you as I was. Geesh, it was for fun after all!

morning40oz - replied they would be alot like Larry Stewart, recently deceased ie.. Secret Santa. Random acts of kindness anonymously. Going all over and helping many. This one surprised the heck of out of me and won the winner vote.

dad - replied that he would go back to school for the rest of his natural life with a quote I thought was a treasure. "The more I learn - the less I know" Socrates.

Cindy - was very EMPHATIC with her answer. She would clean out every drawer and closet in her home. Also volunteer more at her local homeless shelter. Plus learn the violin, take classes and spend more time with family.

Skinorthsouth - replied that his work and vacations were already more exotic than most. He wouldn't quit his job even if he made more than a hill of beans. "The idea is to find what you love and get paid for it."

ski - said he would go back to coaching baseball and basketball at the CYO and teener league levels. "And in the off season there is always golf and fishing."

ninigurl - yes I answered my own question. First I would quit my job. I live manic and it is extremely tough to work for others. Bosses, Schedules and STRESS by the boatload. The only reason I do it now is: A. To survive (uh, yeah) and B. The health insurance. Why else?

I would give each of my relatives a sizeable chunk of money to do what they wanted. Whether they paid their bills, invested, took a vacation, bought something they always wanted, whatever. It would be up to each of them to decide. No questions asked - no loans! The friends that have stuck with me through the past 25 - 30 years would also get their chunk of cash just like family. Again, no questions asked - no loans.

Next I would pay off all my bills. Buy a newer model car and NO nothing fancy. Maybe a little sportscar but no Mercedes or Lexus for this kid. That's only advertising you have money and begging to get carjacked! I would put a sizeable down payment on a 5-bedroom house and pay up the mortgage for at least 1-2 years. This way my Mom could rent out the condo and my daughter could move back home with us. Plus I would finally have an office to work in. To write, do my arts & crafts, maybe even start a business. Plus we'd have a guest bedroom for everyone to visit .

After that I would donate a sizeable amount to charity - distributed to many organizations so that plenty of folks could feel the love. Next I would go to Target and buy out the store for clothes, shoes, toys and baby items. Load up a huge truck and drive to the poorest neighborhoods to give it all away. After that I would go to Costco or Sam's Club load up another huge truck with every non-perishable food item I could buy and head to several food bank's and pantries to deliver at least a few days food to help ease the burden in many neighborhoods.

Of course having to provide for the future I would invest in both going back to school so that I could work for myself eventually. And find sensible investments to park my money in for high yield returns. Then if after all of the above I have described - there was any money left I would travel to Lake Como, Italy for several weeks. Buona Sera! Ciao'

So now after sharing several dreams from several points of view, I would love to hear your's. Sit back, let your mind wander and picture yourself an overnight millionaire. Open up, and be honest since there is no right or wrong answer to a dream. What would you do?