Is it worth it??

     In today's society we are taught the harder you work the bigger the prize. I am wondering if it is really worth it. Success can be a wonderful thing but too much of it can also destroy you. Look especially at wall street you have individuals who are used to what some of us may call an extravagant life; Driving nice cars, living in a nice home, everything the lower classes dream about.
     Now I am sure they are being a little more cautious on how and what they do with their own money. When 9/11 happened Tina and I were approaching our 6 month anniversary and I was working 2nd shift at Kohler in the brass department. We were making a good amount of money with my paycheck and Tina's babysitting money we had no worries. One week after 9/11 I was fortunate enough to get laid off with no help from the company or the union I was paying for: just half of what I was making before in unemployment.
     I remember thinking to myself frustrated because we never saved a dime we loved to spend, spend and spend. I wonder if the same is going on with the rest of the U.S. in these troubling times. I would not wish what happened to us on my worst enemy but I am relieved the middle to lower classes do not seem to be affected by this as much as others. During this time I cannot help to think if the wall street traders are ready to trade in their degrees for a supervisor position at a local wal-mart or if they are trusting in a system that has helped them achieve their wildest dreams.
     I think that some people in the middle to lower class are smiling right now saying "You're turn." Do you think it is worth it? They money spent to achieve a title, the time invested and do not forget the individual sacrifices. My father was a semi driver for almost half of his life. He enjoyed being on the road, the money was good, and no matter what the NYSE said everyone always needed semi drivers. Sure the hours kind of sucked and it was a lonely profession but it was a secure job, and I think that is why so many people will be driving semi's, doing construction work and foundry jobs not because it is extravagant but it pays the bills no matter what.