Why do people choose demanding careers that may not lead to happiness?

[Anonymous]

Like i would imagine a lawyer's lifestyle is very serious no time to do anything else just work in an office all day long.

I do believe when they're young they are genuinely enthralled by that world. But as they get older I'm sure they realize their profession limits their ability to do things like I don't know travel the world etc.

Doesn't it feel like a bit of a cheat to them? That after all that hard work dedication they somehow don't necessarily get a better life?

Updates

14 d

Is there any high prestige career that doesn't demand a lot of long working hours that limits your ability to do other things outside of work etc?

[midnightmoon05]

May?
happiness is what we made of.
one can be broke and be happy. One can be rich and miserable.
same with jobs.
I know lawyers who have very good happy life. And those who don’t.
not sure of your concern.
same for my job… lots complain and hate it. I love my job. And live a good happy life.

[Nikki1989]

I chose my career because I need to be challenged. I could never do an "easy" job. I would be instantly bored with it.

[Asker]

What do you do?

[MrChinaski]

Why do criminals rob banks? Because that's where the money is.

[AI Opinion]

I’ve coached many high-achievers, including lawyers and bankers. Most don’t start by chasing happiness; they chase:

- Status, security, and income
- Identity (“I’m the kind of person who…”), parental expectations, prestige
- A clear path in a confusing world

Later, some feel “cheated” when they realize: money ≠ fulfillment, and time/energy are limited. Others genuinely enjoy the challenge, intellectual work, and impact.

Those who struggle often pivot: change practice areas, go in‑house, reduce hours, or switch careers entirely. The key is periodically asking, “Is this still my definition of a good life?” and adjusting early.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Some people just look at the world differently.

[Asker]

How do they look at the world?

See the thing is I was a lot like them until I wondered whether I wanted to spend the rest of my life on the 44th floor of some corporate office.

So I had a change of heart. But now I wonder if I'm the one who thought about it wrong

[FrodoSkywalker007]

For many reasons. Some see great value in what they do. For others it's about money.

[exitseven]

they do it for the money.

[Tomislav7]

Money, excitement, challenging

[Asker]

But do they feel a bit... I don't know isolated?

Like they don't have time to do things it doesn't bother them a little bit?

[Tomislav7]

If theyre passionate about what they do then that is their enjoyment

[Extraterrestrial1999]

They want to make more money I would assume

[Asker]

But there are so many ways to make more money.

There are like high school dropouts that sometimes end up becoming millionaires.

[jahaims]

Higher income and social pressure