Ok. the message on DU is clear. Be glad with what you might get, serf!

[Nuclear Unicorn]

20. I'm not sure who "the rest of us" is supposed to mean.

My father never got to go to college. He started working in a union as an apprentice carpenter until he became a General Contractor and started his own business. My brother never got to go to college, he went to work in the restaurant business and moved up into management. My husband never went to college. He entered the Army as a Medic right after high school and after leaving the Army he went to work servicing diesel machinery in the field.

Of my closest relatives my FIL has an MBA and he works like an animal. My MIL (now passed) had a degree in Education but chose to be a homemaker. My step-mother is a CPA, now retired.

My dad helped subsidize my college but I did take out some loans. Life's circumstances came along and while my husband is willing to pay for me to return to college and finish my 4-year degree I cannot justify the expense in my heart. I would LOVE to be a professional writer but at this point in time family obligations -- which I joyfully accept -- aren't leaving an opportunity for that pursuit. My first job during my college years was as an Administrative Assistant, not for my creative talents but because I could properly format a business letter. During the 2009 recession most of my co-workers were laid off but I remained because my boss thought I had a little moxie on the ball so he groomed me to be his assistant Project Manager. I actually appreciate the twists and turns.

I fully understand this all just anecdotal. I don't feel cheated and I certainly don't begrudge anyone who can pursue their passions (in fact my husband and my brother keep toying with the idea of opening a restaurant together because my husband is such a good cook) but the fact remains: if someone gets to pursue their passions they are indulging in a luxury that most do not get to enjoy. There's no harm in that; God bless 'em if they get to live their dream. Find your dream and chase it with all your heart and soul and be the best at it. But if people ever mistake luxury for entitlement they will only disappoint themselves and probably piss off everyone else who isn't as fortunate.