Sorry, didn't read all the responses.
Doesn't matter. I can only speak for myself and my thoughts anyway.
I hike cause it's fun. The only thing I "worry" about regarding the finish, is how to make enough money to start again in the spring.
If you're not having fun out there, why keep going?
(anyway, that was always my philosophy. now that I have a kid, it's all a different game of course)