[CamB]

I feel compelled to respond to this. I don't want to, but like like watching a train wreck I feel I have to...

I was most taken by two statements in this whole shebang. The first is NYCs "You are paid what you're worth". I work for an investment bank (a big, proper global one, not boutique, not local) and I can let you all in on a little secret:

We get paid too much. We aren't THAT smart. We just charge a lot because we can (1% of $500m seems like a reasonable fee, right?). We get paid a lot because the firms earn a lot and it is a crappy lifestyle unless you are the sort of individual who gets off on working ridiculous hours, excessive travel, and being a bastard to your competitors and juniors.

Fortunately, for me, I'm finishing up tomorrow!!! Over summer (southern hemisphere) I'm gonna think about what I want to do. I suspect I'll end up back in a similar job because I like the money and, more importantly, the security it offers.

NYC - what is quality of life to you? It may surprise you to learn that other people define it differently. It may further suprise you to learn that other people can be happy without excessive amounts of money.

They are not inferior or less developed because of this. Arguably, they are in fact smarter than you if they are happy. Can you look at your life and assess yourself as happy? If so - how much of your income could drop away and you remain happy? What are the ramifications of this assessment - ie there are 250m+ people in the US and they can't all be New York living, CEO-Professors.

Which brings me to Jim's "I'm not impressed with our get-what-you-can-and-keep-it mentality". Dude - couldn't agree more right now. I've read that book.

Maximising ones own happiness is a lofty and understandable goal for life. But my own happiness is a function of those around me and the two are inseparable.

Lastly, I love Chuck's statement:

Nobody would embarass themselves publicly like this with sincerity.

I have to remember that...