tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post4161322900021588223..comments2023-11-18T01:21:55.631-05:00Comments on My Open Wallet: Take the Money and Run?Madame Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11536189690094235926noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-27547166103140447922008-06-25T15:40:00.000-04:002008-06-25T15:40:00.000-04:00I went to graduate school at Columbia. Of my clas...I went to graduate school at Columbia. Of my class, I was the only one to opt out of the corporate culture and go to work in a non-profit. Attending my 30year reunion was an eye-opener. Many of my classmates had retired. Many were working in entirely different fields. Hardly any could say, as I do often, that they loved their jobs and that they genuinely felt like they were making lives for others better. I envied them their money and their lifestyle. But to work for 30 years and get no job satisfaction? I don't think so.Grace.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03557395027685855901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-89951400826157068252008-06-25T12:55:00.000-04:002008-06-25T12:55:00.000-04:00I'm an Ivy grad, who has worked on the Street for ...I'm an Ivy grad, who has worked on the Street for about 20 years. Recently, at a college reunion, someone remarked to me (after learning my vocation), "Wow, I know a lot of classmates who went to the Street right after graduation, but I don't know many who are still in it." <BR/><BR/>At first, I took this remark negatively, as meaning "Gee, what's wrong with YOU that you haven't made enough of a killing to retire yet?" Then, later, I realized that what he actually meant was more along the lines of "Gee, most folks wash out after a few years, its unusual to find somebody who stuck it out."<BR/><BR/>I suppose I really, really enjoy what I do. Sure, it has its downsides, especially in terms of personal life. But, the fact is that when I get that emergency call on a Sunday about a deal that has to executed on Monday, I am thrilled. I would much rather be in the flow of major events, than be on the sidelines. You have to have that kind of motivation to stick it out.<BR/><BR/>A lot of kids coming out of college are just thinking about the money - so the field attracts the interest of many people who are not necessarily well-suited to it. They are not really aware of the pound of flesh they will have to sacrifice. The pressure, the hours, the stress, etc. will generally weed out anyone who is not insanely committed. If this stuff does not get your adrenaline going, it will be impossible to pretend to like it 24/7.<BR/><BR/>And so it is, that many people start these careers, not many stick it out once they realize what they've gotten themselves into. And that is sort of a good thing, after all, how many bankers, traders, consultants, etc. does society really need anyhow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-73414731197953008442008-06-24T21:26:00.000-04:002008-06-24T21:26:00.000-04:00I started out as a teacher, until I realized I cou...I started out as a teacher, until I realized I could not live a decent life on $30K/yr in Chicago. So I went into banking and now IT. Have done a lot better, and actually have felt more intellectually challenged in corporate than I did in education, but less stressed because if I screw up, young kids aren't impacted. I work more hours, but the pay is way better, and allows me to enjoy my personal life. Thankfully, I've been able to maintain a reasonable work/life balance for corporate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-48560668470890813142008-06-24T13:08:00.000-04:002008-06-24T13:08:00.000-04:00It's not the schools fault, it's society's. The s...It's not the schools fault, it's society's. The schools can't do anything about our society's obsession with money and the idea that money equals success.<BR/><BR/>Gordon Gecko wasn't hated, he became a cult hero.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-54642885029368567192008-06-24T10:40:00.000-04:002008-06-24T10:40:00.000-04:00I worked in the insurance industry throughout my t...I worked in the insurance industry throughout my twenties and early thirties. Yes, the money was very good, but I was treated like a slave that was dispensable at any time. I finally left and went to work at an independent school (non-profit) and I love it! <BR/><BR/>It sounds corny, but it's nice to feel like I am making a small, postive difference in the world. My school emphasizes honor and service, as well as academics. Many of our graduates do matriculate to Ivy League schools, and I hope they carry this attitude with them.<BR/><BR/>When I think back on my twenties, all I can remember are things that happened to me at work - because that was my entire life at the time. I feel more "rich" now that I can balance work and my personal life. The money isn't as good, and never will be, but I do not mind giving up some creature comforts and being more frugal in order to feel more fulfilled!Deannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17636207536833801012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-19733845035711110882008-06-24T10:12:00.000-04:002008-06-24T10:12:00.000-04:00I started out with a finance job, but felt like a ...I started out with a finance job, but felt like a glorified data entry clerk and left to work for a policy think tank non-profit. Besides a foray into the corporate law field, I prefer the non-profit work to the high octane offices of corporate law and finance. However, there are certain aspects (management skills) that would be great to transfer from corporate to non-profit.<BR/><BR/>I definitely took a pay cut under the auspicious of "i'm young, i can handle being poor" That said, I'm not so young anymore but have thankfully found that non-profits can pay, and do pay, for experienced professionals. It isn't finance money, but it isn't poverty inducing either.<BR/><BR/>Full disclosure, I went to a jesuit university that emphasized serviam: Men and Women for Others.delilahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14124995881660249838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-22992166502959607122008-06-24T09:51:00.000-04:002008-06-24T09:51:00.000-04:00I went to an Ivy League school and sought a career...I went to an Ivy League school and sought a career in consulting. I wanted this before I knew it paid well, and was actually disappointed when I found out that it was considered a lucrative career. I wanted to do consulting because I thought it sounded interesting and fun, and knew that having a big salary would just attract lots of people who weren't that interested in it but just wanted to get rich.<BR/><BR/>Fortunately, I beat those people out for the job, and am loving my career :) But don't assume that just because someone is in banking or consulting it's because they sold out - maybe that's what they were genuinely interested in doing.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17100746061554733157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-14497373762267310932008-06-24T09:41:00.000-04:002008-06-24T09:41:00.000-04:00Maybe if we lived in a wonderful socialist country...Maybe if we lived in a wonderful socialist country where college was paid for by the gov. But we don't...and most people graduate with student loans. It's all well and good to encourage people to take lower pay for social good, but when you graduate at the starting line with thousands of dollars of debt already, reality hits.<BR/><BR/>I sugest he take this up with the voters and congresspeople where it might actually do some good.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com