I sent he same amount to everyone. Its funny because those with no money, really appreciate it but they dont want to be a burden. They really couldn't come without it. I know it and I dont want money to be the reason and I dont want them to have to acknowledge it at all.
Those with money are surprised. " I know Ben needs some help, but you really didn't need to get mine too?". In someways I think it blessed one who is well off ( maybe makes $175k ). He said he couldn't remember the last time someone paid for something above $100 for him. He was genuinely touched.
I have done a few different versions of this trip. I also went deep sea fishing and to Yellowstone national park of which I paid for those as well.
The only potentially weird dynamic is that I get emails from time to time from that group suggesting our "next big adventure" and usually it's implied I am paying, but it hasn't been that weird really.
I believe I've done 6 trips. I always pay for the lodging and have paid for the flights a few times and maybe half the food.
For me, If Im going to work hard and sometimes alone on projects that are hard to feel the sense of purpose in a practical way, I like the idea that once a year I do a family vacation and once a year I try to do a good friend trip. I put usually one picture in my room next to my computer as a reminder of how what I'm doing makes a practical difference.
My friends absolutely love it. Most adults ( myself included) have such little time weekly for relationships. Its just much more important that we tell ourselves. You think friends aren't important, until something bad happens. That's when you realize work isn't the most important thing.
hope the story helps.
invest in your friends -- be a giver in a world of takers.
Those with money are surprised. " I know Ben needs some help, but you really didn't need to get mine too?". In someways I think it blessed one who is well off ( maybe makes $175k ). He said he couldn't remember the last time someone paid for something above $100 for him. He was genuinely touched.
I have done a few different versions of this trip. I also went deep sea fishing and to Yellowstone national park of which I paid for those as well.
The only potentially weird dynamic is that I get emails from time to time from that group suggesting our "next big adventure" and usually it's implied I am paying, but it hasn't been that weird really.
I believe I've done 6 trips. I always pay for the lodging and have paid for the flights a few times and maybe half the food.
For me, If Im going to work hard and sometimes alone on projects that are hard to feel the sense of purpose in a practical way, I like the idea that once a year I do a family vacation and once a year I try to do a good friend trip. I put usually one picture in my room next to my computer as a reminder of how what I'm doing makes a practical difference.
My friends absolutely love it. Most adults ( myself included) have such little time weekly for relationships. Its just much more important that we tell ourselves. You think friends aren't important, until something bad happens. That's when you realize work isn't the most important thing.
hope the story helps.
invest in your friends -- be a giver in a world of takers.
ultimately you will be glad you did.