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<p>If you hated your wife and kids (or lived alone), you might argue with that mentality. </p>
<p>What it comes down to is that different people value different things differently. For some people family comes first. For some it’s money. For others it’s power. And for others it’s fame. (and there are many more that I could mention)</p>
<p>Saying that one career path is inherently better than another is problematic because each career path sacrifices one thing for another, which is something every person will value differently. If there was one universally better career, everyone would pursue it.</p>
<p>i meant grunt in the least offensive way possible. for some, that does not bother them at all, and that is fine. an engineer will do quite well financially, have time for a family, and all that other stuff. it is quite a nice life, and i have a feeling the avg engineer is MUCH happier than the avg wall st i-banker. </p>
<p>but if the OP is somewhat of a sociopath who wants to accumulate vast amounts of money and power, it is better to go for general prestige. </p>
<p>assuming there is no financial hit in the northwestern vs purdue discussion, the normal engineering track would still be open from northwestern, while the “power track” (banker or whatever) would not be open from purdue.</p>
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<p>Wealth accumulating is dependent on many factors beyond the school you graduate from and your annual income. For example, if you are married to someone who also makes good money, you have much more capability to accumulate wealth.</p>
<p>What you do with your paycheck every two weeks has a lot to do with your wealth accumulate. Wise investment in the stock market, putting away money for your retirement early, and not spending it will lead to wealth accumulation. Those who live visibily expensive lives often accumulate less wealth than those who live visibly inexpensive lives (drive old cars, etc.)</p>
<p>Sure, there are execptions out there and people who have dumb luck. Of course, there are people who win the lottery, too. We can’t control dumb luck, but we can control what we do with our paycheck each month.</p>