Every one asks and every journal contains an entry explaining why people want to hike the trail. Everyone says things about personal discovery and taking some time out of their lives to do some thinking and needing a change. I agree completely. You might as well do it while you have the chance and I currently have the chance. I need the time to make some decisions and seems like an appropriate place and activity to do some reflecting on the past and look into the future. Plus I just love backpacking and it beats the hell out of a job.