Reply #8: probably wouldn't have to work full-time again

[amazona]

...but I live a way cheap lifestyle so I won't bore the forum with that again.


Here is a link to a lady who started with way less than you and was ten years older when her husband dumped her -- she started traveling around the world and hasn't quit:

http://www.ritagoldengelman.com/

I read her book, and it was pretty good. There are still a lot of countries where $10,000 a year goes a long way, mainly in Asia, though.

I don't see any point to the graduate school. You just use up your money, and then who will hire you when you graduate in your 40s? But that might be only a problem in the U.S. where over-40s are undesirables because they might have to use the company health plan. Maybe it would be OK if you stayed in Canada where this is not a concern.

Many volunteering opportunities actually charge a pretty penny for people to volunteer in exotic areas. I think I would just float, enjoy, and take life as it comes.

However, since you are a man, and have already announced to the world that you are about to come into six figures in cash, not to be cynical, but my magic 8 ball says that you are a VERY high risk of marrying again despite how you feel about it now. Actually, the gold-diggers that have preyed on my family members were men, preying on older women, but it's the same principle. I would keep quiet about getting a settlement. It might seem small to you but there are lots of people who would be happy to romance you for every penny.

Good luck.