You could also donate to a young guy in Toronto, Canada!!

j/k

I think a trip would be nice, I would also say safely invest as much as possible and in the meantime find something your passionate about - and turn that into a business.
Yes - easier said then done, but finding that will open your perspective and eyes a bit more and hopefully give you a second breath of air???

 

It sounds like you are in need of some sort of spiritual soul searching expedition. Honestly I would take about 50-100k and travel the world. Hopefully that will give you some sort of direction. I know it would clear my head.

That is what I would do:

Everest Basecamp, Nepal

machu picchu, Peru

torres del paine, Chile

Tokyo

Bora Bora

Paris

Italy

London

NY

San Francisco

and thats just the start...

also I would definitely get tour guides for each location that are native to the area and english speaking, more like an Anthony Bourdain No reservations type approach.

 

I'd finish college and get a degree first because that $500,000 will not last a lifetime.

 

I would take just enough money to start a little business in Belize, and I would invest the rest. Even in very low risk investments it will return about $30k a year.

 

Honestly, I haven't really read any of the 'Belize' responses fro two reasons:

1. I'm lazy.
2. I'm always wary about property in 3rd worldish countries (relative to usa)*

Real life experience: I was in similliar situation as your in. I purchased one of my homes in San Diego when the market was near it's peak. Suffice it to say, I'm pissed with the current market. I foreclosed my San Diego home (Keep in mind, this is hard on your credit). Of course the bank tried to sell it for ridiculously cheap compared to what I purchased it for 2.5 years ago. They wouldn't let me buy it back, but they did let my cousin buy it back. Under his guise, I bought my own house back for $250,000 less. Of course it's in his name, so you have to find someone trustworthy, but you can technically get you current house for much cheaper if you're will to exercise some ca-hones.

* - I'm only wary because I'm too lazy to research anything what so ever about them so take my advice with a grain of salt.

 

who needs all that drama women bring?

he just shot a black bear in his front yard. the carcass is still warm and he can eat it after hes done..........uhm....yeah.

 

if I had $500k, I'd stay here in SA where the weather is pretty good, and the cost of living is pretty low. I'd pay off my debts and buy a modest house (3 bedroom/2 baths around here go for $150k easy). keep most of the money in the bank, take up a job delivering pizza's for steady income, and focus more on my writing.

 

For everyone in this thread wanting $500,000, I know you will be surprised to read from me, but please consider this as a request from a family in
dire need of assistance. First, I must introduce myself, I am Mr.Peter Eneli from South Africa. I am the first son and only son of the Dr. Stephen Eneli
I am presently residing in Abidjan Cote D'Ivoire In West
Africa with my sick mother whom the doctors have confirmed that whe will die before few months.

In fact, my father said in his will and I quote: "My
beloved son, I wish to bring to your notice, that i have
deposit the sum of Five Million,
United States Dollars (US$5M) which I deposited in one trunk
box with a Security Company in Abidjan Cote D'Ivoire In
West Africa. During the crisis and detention time, I was
very dedicated and committed to winning the war against the
rebels that are looking for my father because i escaped with
my mother until we arrived here in Abidjan.

So, if you all will just forward me $10,000, we'll pave the way to you getting $500,000.

 

scams are cool

 

My thinking is along the same lines as "iwantyourcar"'s. Sounds like you just need a short sabbatical.

Leave the corporate world behind. Get out and see the "real world." Maybe backpack across Europe. Visit one or more Asian countries. See the pyramids, the Roman colosseum, the barrier reef.

You don't have to take 10 years off, or even 1 year. Maybe just a couple of months. 6 months, at most. This will help you remember why you work. You work so that you can live, not the other way around. Then, once you've done that, remember to take a trip or see something interesting and exciting at least once a year.