Advice from the old lady:
There is a great deal of merit in this thread. And I say that as a chick who has the high powered income (which affords a nice life, let's be honest) but really stuff is just stuff at the end of the day, and stuff is unimportant.
I have enjoyed a career that actually contributes to better outcomes in healthcare, but I work remote (have for 25 years), I value my relationships with my man, friends & family, and although I'm outstanding in my professional field, the high income was always a means to establish passive income to exit the rat race. I do not like rush hour, I do not like crowded airports, I despise office politics.
Career for me has always been a means to an end. My priorities are relationships, (husband, followed by children & friends), and quality of life. I was accepted to a prestigious medical school in my 20s. I chose NOT to go. Best. Decision. Ever. Most physicians now are owned/controlled by the practice or hospital network they work for; patients = money to the facility so doctors are pushed to see as many as possible to create revenue, and in many instances quality of care suffers. Mostly bygone are the days when physicians could become wealthy as small business people (with the exeception of owning a day surgery facility), and have work life balance.
Healthcare is now largely corporate and corporations care first and foremost about money. Donate to St. Judes if you want to make a real difference.
Ok. Rant over. I suppose I was lucky. I got disillusioned very early working with new doctors in the 1990s who weren't even done training and many were like WTF, what have I done! That was eye opening.
The other thing about these people who try and make meaningful life out of career only is that the rest of their lives are empty and they are actually pretty boring.
But I get it. The good life takes means. For me that meant finding a path that gave me max freedom (remote work in a well paid role) and max ability to have both quality of life while working double time on building wealth. That meant many sacrifices for many years, like 20. Few people have that kind of discipline. But its worth it on the other side.
I think many people have to arrive at the realization that its an unforgiving grind, and that is a process on an individual level. I realized it at about 22, which is early.
Right now I'm sitting here having coffee on a Thursday at home. Laptop is open. Working some, then exercise, work some, run errands, work some, spend time with daughter, work some, go to dinner with husband & friends. Enjoy evening at home & go to bed. Peace. Balance.
Sometimes it takes people a while to get their priorities correct. And creating the freedom & lifestyle I have now took years of delayed gratification and focus on what is best for my family and I.
Just some ramblings from the old lady...