[GreeniFi]

It’s off-topic, but such a great question you asked. My view is that its “horses for courses”as they say in the UK. Some people will optimize for high income because that’s what makes them happy - and may be helped by a predisposition for high focus. Other people will optimize for a life in which they cultivate many interests because that makes them happier than staying focused and earning a lot of money.

For what it’s worth, I started out in a high focus, high income career (law) but quickly realized the level of focus required left me feeling a little bored with life. So I reworked things, did a masters in environmental economics and now have what I’d call a portfolio career in which I can do a variety of things, allows me to travel a little and satisfies the curiosity itch. Which if unscratched - I realise - makes me feel unhappy. However, this does give rise to an inner tension. I live in a culture which associates money with status. I’m not rich like my old law school friends, and I feel lower status for that. Because I am (probably like most people) not unaware of status, I get some negative cognitive feedback from my choices, but on balance feel it’s better for me that I pursue a diverse livelihood than get rich and bored.

[ggambetta]

I like the concept of a "portfolio career". For better or worse, however, one of the things I want to achieve is to be financially independent... and that seems to be somewhat at odds with this kind of varied profile.

[GreeniFi]

That’s what I mean: horses for courses. But it also depends on what you mean by “financial independence”. It seems obvious to say that I’ve found that outgoings are as bigger a determinant of independence as income. Oh, and I married a partner who sees status as a function of freedom more than money. And that helps a lot.

[GreeniFi]

To add to that, an old friend married someone who’s main priority in life is to own a brownstone in Brooklyn. And their expectation engenders a fairly high degree of marital tension. The partner comes from a background in which, I’d guess, you show status by owning expensive property. And that’s a high barrier to happiness because earning that sort of money is not easy unless you’re willing to trade off a lot of your time.

[jamiek88]

Glad you said that.

It’s so important and requires modesty to acknowledge ‘negative cognitive feedback’ or doubts to put it more directly.

Doesn’t mean you are on the wrong path but don’t silence that little voice. Let it have its say.