Originally Posted by SayAlt

You were responding to FirstClass, but it feels like this is at least partly aimed at me. So allow me to retort...

The was no luck involved in my life choices. The path was clearly defined then, the same as it is today. Broadly speaking, go to college and get a degree in a MEANINGFUL major that will lead to solid, a high-paying job (ie. finance, engineering, etc). Work your butt off...STARTING IN HIGH SCHOOL...to distinguish yourself from your competition.

Luck = preparation + opportunity

If you aren't prepared when the opportunity comes along (either to recognize it or take advantage of it when it does), then you won't have any "luck".

In my case, then as now, a finance degree followed by going to Wall St. is a time-tested, well-worn, and well-known path to financial independence.

The REAL issue was, then as now, most kids don't want to work. Same for adults. And today, they expect to be rewarded for not doing a dam thing and are even now demanding that their college education be provided for free by taxpayers.

I'm sick and tired from hearing from the UNDER-ACHIEVERS who claim that anyone's success (other than a trust fund baby) was "luck". Bullcaca. And even then, a guy like Donald Trump WORKS HIS BUTT OFF. Say what you want to about Trump, but he works his tail off everyday.

The fact of the matter is, if you CHOSE not to go to college, if you CHOSE to fly for a living vs. getting a real job to start out, if you CAN'T afford a pay cut, if you are living paycheck to paycheck, and if you are NOT financially independent....it's because YOU CHOSE THAT PATH.

People need to balls up and take responsibility for their choices in life, especially the poor choices. And stop claiming others who made wiser choices than you were "lucky". Stop with the whiny, victimy bullcaca.

ANY natural-born US pilot flying 121 today could have gone to college, gotten a solid degree, and earned financial independence PRIOR to becoming a professional pilot. You don't get to look down upon those who did and call it "luck". You haven't earned the right to do that.