I heard people try to take advantage of you when you become rich... (accountant, status)

[avant-garde]

Then why is it that so many youngsters (like me) aim for a career that will get them the maximum amount of money rather than something that makes one passionate (and has production/knowledge value), like science/engineering?

Most of the friends I know aim to be surgeons, investment bankers, or lawyers. When asked who wants to be a scientist, or even engineer, there is a look of disgust on their faces.

Maybe it is just at this period in our lives that young adults tend to value more what they can "show off" to others than adults do. Thus, of course having flashy cars, big house, and luxurious lifestyle seems worth way more striving than perhaps, than some career they find more meaningful.

What are your thoughts about money and the enjoyability of life... this is from a male perspective, so it seems that the issue of status really does play a role. Sometimes I wish I were born a woman, since they say that (most) women tend to pick careers based on personal meaningfulness and don't really care as much (and aren't judged as much, obviously) by how much they can bank from their jobs.

I know it is right to pursue a job that one finds more meaningful, but unfortunately it seems that the issue of status (as a male) brings me down to reality... being a scientist sure isn't considered a "sexy", enviable, or high-status career (in terms of wealth). I know there are some out there, but I doubt that many women would choose a scientist over a banker, doctor, or lawyer. I also know the thing about sour grapes and was hoping that wouldn't happen to me one day either. So confused Any advice or words of wisdom?

[avant-garde]

My grandfather told me about the three orders of Power in this universe.
He said the first, and the lowest, is fist/weapon/brawn.
For the second, he said was money.
The third, and highest, he claimed was Knowledge.

And he encouraged my dad to become a scientist all his life (which never happened).
Did my dad see reality more clearly than my grandfather? I agree with my grandfather's sentiment completely, but there is obviously a reality factor that plays into life as well.

[NYCAnalyst]

Life is a game, money is how we keep score. I work on Wall Street and this is no exception. There are many people, like myself, that are pushed to do well in school when they were younger, but have no passion, so they go for the money. Many people go for the money, but usually, it is only the academic elite that can achieve such a status. It's not always about showing off. Many bankers / doctors / lawyers live modest lifestyles.

Nobody can give you specific advice if you don't know what you want to do with your life (other than get the maximum amount of money). If that's the case, Wall Street is your best bet, but if you do not have connections, you better have stellar grades. And don't become a CPA or an accountant (I've read your previous posts and know that you are thinking about it).

[peptea]

avant-garde
you should do what you like. and what you like to do (scientist or engineer, from what i can see) is NOT considered "uncool". maybe your stupid homies may think so right now, but they will change their minds when you guys graduate from college. heh, trust me on that one. do not choose a profession simply because it has a cool image. i did that, and i am paying a very big price for it now.

think of it this way. can you shovel piles of horse **** 12 hours a day, every day, for many years from sheer force? probably not. this is what it's going to be like if you choose a profession for the wrong reasons.

[user_id]

Originally Posted by avant-garde

Then why is it that so many youngsters (like me) aim for a career that will get them the maximum amount of money rather than something that makes one passionate (and has production/knowledge value), like science/engineering?

Because you are seeking status and this society values money rather than intellect or even being happy.

Originally Posted by avant-garde

What are your thoughts about money and the enjoyability of life...

Having a lot of money has nothing to do with how much you'll enjoy your life. Of course, this does not stop the vast majority from seeking status...its built into our genes.

Originally Posted by avant-garde

I know there are some out there, but I doubt that many women would choose a scientist over a banker, doctor, or lawyer.

Are you under the impression that most scientists are single? There are a lot of status seeking women out there, but there is always someone out there that makes more and these are the sort of women that will leave you for the something better if it happens to come along. Do you seriously believe you'll be happy with some gold-digging ding-bat?

This is not to mention that many scientists make more than a banker, doctor or lawyer. Its just that the latter careers more often allow the slow-witted to achieve a decent income than the former.

[Randomdude]

Originally Posted by avant-garde

Maybe it is just at this period in our lives that young adults tend to value more what they can "show off" to others than adults do. Thus, of course having flashy cars, big house, and luxurious lifestyle seems worth way more striving than perhaps, than some career they find more meaningful.

What are your thoughts about money and the enjoyability of life... this is from a male perspective, so it seems that the issue of status really does play a role. Sometimes I wish I were born a woman, since they say that (most) women tend to pick careers based on personal meaningfulness and don't really care as much (and aren't judged as much, obviously) by how much they can bank from their jobs.

I know it is right to pursue a job that one finds more meaningful, but unfortunately it seems that the issue of status (as a male) brings me down to reality... being a scientist sure isn't considered a "sexy", enviable, or high-status career (in terms of wealth). I know there are some out there, but I doubt that many women would choose a scientist over a banker, doctor, or lawyer. I also know the thing about sour grapes and was hoping that wouldn't happen to me one day either. So confused Any advice or words of wisdom?

What is all this business about "status"? Screw status. Bottom line, it takes money to live a decent life. Unless you are cool living in a house with wheels, having roommates when you are 45, and never being able to retire, satisfying jobs are largely not logical to work.

Its not even about having a BMW and a 6 bedroom house. Its more about survival. You arent going to survive with any decent quality of life on the 20k-40k you will make in most "satisfying" jobs.

As for women, maybe the women you are trying to get wouldnt choose a scientist over a banker, but then again, only idiots pursue the gold digging trophy wife any how. The woman Im with turned down an NFL star in her past, but is now engaged to a broke ass accountant, which is probably somewhere around "garbage man" in level of "sexiness".

[brightdoglover]

I don't think anyone considered "rich" gets there by having a job, even a highly placed professional job.
And there's a word for women who choose men by the size of their... wallets... and it isn't "lover."
For what it's worth, when it comes to men, I just wanna break even.

[joey2000]

ag, sounds like you're pretty young yet and have time, plus you sound pretty thoughtful about it for your age, which will serve you well, so I think as you get older, you'll figure it out and these questions and answers will become clear.

Re. Money, prestige, job satisfaction....these and other things all have varying importance to all of us and there IS no "right" answer....other than try to go with what works best for you and not do something because someone ELSE says you should or this is "the" way to go.

eg I chose a career which offered both good employment opportunities and more money over one with less of that and more job satisfaction. Some days I wish I had done the opposite, some days glad I did what I did. And if I HAD done the opposite, I'd still have both kinds of days.

PS: re. women, it's understandable a woman would want to hook up with a guy who is at least financially independent, but beyond that, any woman who places so much importance on how "sexy" your job is or whether or not you have a fat paycheck... guess what, it's not you she really cares about. This is someone you want to spend your life with? Don't walk or jog but sprint in the opposite direction.

g/l

[Dub D]

Well, I'm 24 working a job I HATE. I hate my job with a passion. However, it pays pretty well. One of everyone my age, I only have one friend that is making more than me. He is a prison guard and they get a ton of OT. I sure do enjoy my paycheck but I would gladly work elsewhere where I enjoyed my work for 15% less pay. I spend 8 hours a day hating my job. Considering how much time you spend, you want to do something that hits a happy medium between income and enjoyment. It's not all about money.

Your friends becoming surgeons sure are thinking long time. Considering how much medical school cost, they will not make profit on their education until their early 30's hence why people are becoming nurses instead of doctors.

Investment banking is a total sales job now. If you are good at it, then you will make quality money but if you suck, you will be fired. I thought about doing this but you will probably start at a bank on the front lines cold calling people to get experience.

Lawyers...well, that depends on which area of business you want to get into.

[Lakewooder]

If you want to 'show off' you'll never be rich - you'll probably always be broke, no matter how much you make.