Is money the most important thing when you get older?

Question

I'm going to be a Junior in high school this year. Everyone around me keeps asking me what I'm going to do with my life. Actually, they tell me more than ask. I feel all this pressure to pursue a career that's going to make me a lot of money. Everyone keeps telling me that when you're young, you think about what you want to do, but when you get older, it's all about money. My brother says that a job is a job. You're suppose to pick a job that pays good and you can do whatever you want in your free time. Is this true?

Answer 1

When you get older it is not always about money. It is about life.  You want to pick a career that you will be happy with.  Being in a job that you hate could be the worst thing.  What are things you are interested in?  You have 2 to 5 years (depending on college) to plan what you want to be.  I would suggest interning while you are in college then you can really find out what you want to do.

Answer 2

It really is about the money.  Life requires money, eating, rent, getting to your place of employment, heat, water, it costs money.

So, to achieve those basics, money becomes the point of survival.  So yes, it is about the money.

Answer 3

It depends on your scale of values.  I think those who spend their lives helping others are the happiest in their old age, and the money is usually adaquate.  I am thinking of teaching, nursing, medical professionals, social workers, lawyers, government workers, religious services, police,  etc.

Answer 4

Being well compensated for your work is everyones goal.  Having the ability and resources to meet all your financial needs does make life easier.  

Answer 5

Actually, it's not about money... it's about being tired.. at about 45 you start to wish that you had saved enough money to retire now, and quit working.....

At that point, you are no longer interested in more money... you are tired of working  your life away... you want to fish or do volunteer work or whatever.....

smart people know this.. and try to set up their finances so that at 45-50 they can change jobs and do what they want....or at least work less...