David, ever the composed and kind-hearted man, simply smiled and shrugged. “I love what I do,” he replied calmly. “Teaching gives me a sense of purpose that money can’t buy.”

My parents exchanged worried glances, clearly distressed by the harsh words. My mom attempted to change the subject. “So, Tom, how’s work been treating you lately?”

Tom wasn’t done yet. “Oh, it’s been fantastic,” he boasted. “Just closed another big deal last week. The bonus alone could buy two of these Ferraris.”