Uh, I'd go the I enjoy my programming job route. Sure, I could be a surgeon and make lots of money, but if I make a mistake I get sued, if someone dies during an operation I'd be asking myself what I could have done to prevent it. Too much stress, and not enough interest for me. At my job, sure there's plenty of stress, but it is tempered by the fact that I really do enjoy what I do. And so what if I don't live in the rich part of town and throw away money on a whim--I make plenty of money to get the things I really want, and my work gives me a sense of fulfillment. The more you put into something, the more you get back (as a general rule): if you put all your effort into your school work in collage, you'll get a better GPA and be better prepared for your career; if you put all your effort into your job, you'll advance in it. You'll soon get tired of expending the effort if you don't enjoy your job. Others will pass you in reputation and position. A surgeon can't really afford a reputation of being so-so.