<p>That’s a cutesie quote, but I don’t agree with it. The hours and lifestyle can indeed be horrible, but many features of the jobs themselves can in fact be quite challenging and intrinsically rewarding.</p>
<p>There is plenty to like in many Wall Street jobs. Intellectual challenge; work on important ,visible projects, work that impacts the financial health and even at times the very existence of major companies. Business-related travel to many parts of the nation and the globe. Having to come up with better ideas than your competitors, who may be some of the smartest people around, and then convince hiring clients of this, requires utilization of more brain and personality cells than many people get to use in their jobs. The intensity. The work environment filled with the most brilliant collection of people I’ve ever seen together.</p>
<p>Above-average compensation is certainly warranted, due to the personal sacrifices the business requires, and the huge financial significance to their clients of the matters at hand. And the cost of living where those businesses are located; which may be more cause than effect, but these have become intertwined.</p>
<p>I am far removed from that world now, and will never be back. But my work in that field was certainly the most challenging, and most significant, work I’ve ever done. Which has nothing to do with money.</p>