Do People in Finance Focus too much on the trail, when they should be enjoying the scenery?

I spent about 4 years working in investment banking. At about the 3 year mark i realized that my life was completely shallow and unfulfilling, further more many of my friends were making as much or more money than I was, or could hope to make, in finance. And! their lifestyles were far superior.

If you enjoy finance, and are content with it dominating the focus of your life, then maybe consider it. But DO NOT persue it if you are motivated by any of the following -
- You will make more money than all your friends - this is simply not true, some pals of mine started companies with successful exits in their early 20s and are now basically retired with more money than I could hope to make in an entire career as an investment banker
- Women will love you - simply not true, they don't want to hear you talk about EBITDA and your recent private placement pitch (which is basically all you will have going on in your life with how committed you are to work)
- models and bottles - The reality is that maybe you will be able to do this occasionally, but the best places will cost you hundreds (provocateur in NYC sets the min at $500 a head) to go to, as an investment banker this lifestyle is simply out of reach
- You will live a glorified middle-class existence - You basically have the same kind of life as a school teacher, only you drive a BMW and work more hours, and they take bag lunches to work and get to travel in the summer (if you ask me the teacher gets a better deal).

Maybe this is just my jaded perspective, but consider it a warning. Pursuing finance may be a big mistake for you. Tread lightly.

fleeter