Is it worth it?

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Is it worth it?

I have a friend who would certainly be considered successful by most. He's a partner in an international business, travels all over the world pitching product, and makes a lot of money. His kids are in private schools, they have a very large house, and his wife thinks nothing of multi-thousand dollar shopping trips.

That's the good side. On the other hand, he's morbidly obese, has had part of his colon removed, and admits to not feeling well most of the time. He's away on business many week days, and when he is home, he's often exhausted and spends whole weekends sleeping or just lying in bed.

Is that successful? I've suggested to him that he needs to give that up and do something less stressful. He replies that he needs the money - you know, the house, the cars, the kids..

Sound like anyone you know? If he dies young, which unfortunately seems like a good bet, what was the point? Are his kids going to be happy that their father effectively killed himself so that they could attend the best schools and have expensive clothes? Will his wife's overflowing closets and generous life insurance payments make up for a dead husband?

Success is more than money. Yes, money is important, but it is not the only goal in life.