$alary Question$

People work for many reasons. For most, it's a way to get money to do things one wants or needs. This would be the utilitarian point of view. The approach may include an ever-present need to increase one's salary in an effort to be able to do more. This is not a bad thing. Adults have responsibilities and obligations that are pressing and real. Add a few children into the mix, and you get very serious commitments of time and resources, in addition to the myriad joys and blessings of raising a family. Incidentally, I've heard it said before that one of the primary reasons why family sizes are smaller of late (as compared with our agrarian roots) is that children were viewed as extra helpers out on the farm, whereas now they're typically viewed as a financial liability. I think this may be a bit cynical and too-much focused on the fiscal aspects of the relationship, but there is a rational basis to that reasoning. Also, some adults simply don't wish to shoulder those kinds of responsibilities. I've also learned that there is a correlation between family size and the education level of the mother - that is, that women with higher levels of education tend to have fewer children. I'm not sure if there's a corresponding relationship with fathers and children.

But I digress. :)

I feel very fortunate, in my profession, that I am able to both provide for my family in meaningful and substantial ways and to really enjoy what I do. People my age or older look back at their lives and sometimes wish they'd done something different. That they'd chosen a more fulfilling career path, and now they feel trapped by life and circumstance. Or they actually do begin to pursue a different career/education. This is commendable. But I feel very lucky to be somewhere that I feel I can use my talents and abilities in a very satisfying and fulfilling way. It's great fun, and I love it.