<p>My grandmother always said it is just as easy to marry a rich man as a poor man. Dang…it didn’t work for me! My rich friends are down to earth and annoyed by those who are “showy.” They drive nice, but not over the top, cars. They live in nice houses in great locations… But not too fancy.</p>
<p>Over the years, I have learned that the majority of the people with " showy" cars are mostly interested in making an impression. Try not to get sucked into the lifestyle that is about “show”…you’ll find better friends and be happier.</p>
<p>Yeah, I don’t know if taking on risks is always the answer. It may be for some people who had a great idea and went for it. But generically taking on risks can be the formula for bankruptcy. Depends, I guess.</p>
<p>Carefully calculated and leveraged risks can pay off IF you know what you’re doing and can afford to live with the results if things tank. </p>
<p>Most of us seem to know folks that work hard and live under their incomes. That seems easier to attain than hoping to win a lottery or become the next .com millionaire. I think the odds are heavily in your favor at least to be able to live a comfortable life in this manner–much longer odds of marrying an extraordinarily wealthy spouse, a fab invention or some other golden parachute floating your way.</p>
<p>I suspect the OP may be all of the above of your list. :)</p>
<p>Turbo93, the virtues you quoted do work, but so has being a good corporate politician who can avoid offending people and taking credit for successes (often others) while shedding responsibility for failures. This works at some companies but fewer in my experience than in re old days. But I see a couple of my clients whose upper level is filled with that kind of mediocrity. It will be tougher for doctors (and a lot of lawyers) to make the same kinds of income in the future as they have done in the past. The US will restructure the health care system over time and one of the big differences between our system’s cost and Germany’s is what we pay providers. Folks in the medical business tell me that as much work as possible will be shifted over time from expensive docs to less expensive nurse practitioners. Law has just become more competitive and really seems to be converging to a bifurcated market, with the high end relatively small. I do agree with you at times – somehow I’m still surprised when I run into spectacularly unimpressive highly paid execs. But as Senator Roman Hruska said about Harold carswell’s Supreme Court nomination, “Even if he were mediocre, there are a lot of mediocre judges and people and lawyers. They are entitled to a little representation, aren’t they, and a little chance? We can’t have all Brandeises, Frankfurters and Cardozos.”</p>
<p>In my last neighborhood of starter executive homes ( 3500-4000 sq ft), ironically, most of the top earners were sales people. Nothing makes your day more than finding out that a regional sales manager for a roofing shingle company makes similar money to a radiologist…</p>
<p>WRONG. The above mentioned friends all went to college, majored in petroleum engineering or land management or energy commerce or related degree. Admittedly, none of them went to tippy top colleges, simply a big state university (not flagship).</p>
<p>They have worked very very hard. They have seen lean times as well. They have all worked simultaneously on being good, kind people, loving spouses, and engaged parents. They are enjoying the American Dream, but it was never just handed to them.</p>
<p>I agree the OP can’t be serious. But it’s Saturday morning and I’ve got time. :)</p>
<p>“I agree the OP can’t be serious. But it’s Saturday morning and I’ve got time”</p>
<p>Serious topic, though the OP is messing around. And this thread just bumped mine on credit cards, as a Featured Discussion, so it must have some merit to it!</p>
<p>Finance, petro-chemical, and pharmaceutical industries all pay people more than equivalent industries with equally intelligent, educated and hardworking people. You may have to sell your soul to Exxon or Hallilburton to get that BMW though. Worth it? You decide.</p>
<p>Ohhh, Turbo is correct about sales people. I’ve had clients earn half mil/yr selling rv’s (before the crash). Pharmacy reps earn very good incomes too, but that’s also a sales job. I’m no rain maker. It’s a gift I wish I had :)</p>
<p>Life in the pharma industry is super stressful from all reports of my pharma friends. I also think having the ability to be a great salesperson is an invaluable talent, especially if you’re knowledgeable and personable, as excellent salespeople generally have to be.</p>
<p>I never knew that industries that provide banking, modern drugs & energy to support your high standard of living were allied w Satan. I’ve seen how the masses live in parts of the world that don’t have these things-- u won’t want to live there…</p>
<p>Our S had a BMW that we sent him–it was barely 3 years younger than him and lasted about three years and two rear enders. It was very sturdy and ran ok until the last accident. It kept him safe, thankfully.</p>
<p>We acquired that BMW when it was already about 10+ years old, but still a very nice car.</p>
<p>Yes. But you forgot to mention those who actually work hard, earn a lot of money, and live within their means who were NOT born into rich families nor married into them.</p>
3500-4000 sq ft), ironically, most of the top earners were sales people. Nothing makes your day more than finding out that a regional sales manager for a roofing shingle company makes similar money to a radiologist…</p>