I actually think there's something in the luxury to choose a profession for reasons other than maximum earning potential that speaks to being upper class.

But if it's a luxury, doesn't that imply that you don't have to work for a living because you're already rich?

But if it's a luxury, doesn't that imply that you don't have to work for a living because you're already rich?

Not really. I have a useless liberal arts degree and make half of what my friends do because I work in nonprofits. I don't think my income makes me lower class than them, in the same way I don't think my one friend's "practical" degree makes her lower class.

Edit: my point being something about the two things balancing out or some shit. And me not being rich, but feeling I can afford this "luxury."

I can't work out how some of my family members are so flush. As I learn more about money, I wonder if they can really be earning that much, or have some credit arrangement magic I don't yet understand.

My immediate family fakes high class pretty well. Despite not having indoor plumbing as a kid, my dad was born to it, and rose to it.

. A liberal arts degree is "higher class" than an engineering degree, because it's so impractical.

It all depends on where you sit. My paternal grandfather was the first person in his family to go to college. All his life, his brothers and parents thought he was crazy, because they made a hell of a lot more money on the railroad than he ever made teaching high school.

Wait, I think I've got it -- I think I'm higher-class than my income would say. At least in NYC. For the country, my income is still pretty high.

It all depends on where you sit. My paternal grandfather was the first person in his family to go to college. All his life, his brothers and parents thought he was crazy, because they made a hell of a lot more money on the railroad than he ever made teaching high school.

I'm talking about why I don't think that income = class.

I think I've posted this before, but I'm surprised at how little class consciousness there was where I grew up. I knew there were a few kids whos parents were poor, as they got reduced prices for school hot lunches. And our doctor drove a Cadillac. Beyond that, everyone seemed the same (classwise) to me.

I can't work out how some of my family members are so flush.

There is one couple in my family that absolutely mystifies me. He is a youth pastor and she is a photography assistant for her mom's studio. They just built a house that's more than twice as expensive as our house and they show up to family events in a Lexus LX470 SUV. I don't mind them having more money (everyone in my family does), I just can't figure out where it comes from.

Edit: Also about 8 years ago they asked me for money so he could pursue his calling in the church.

I just can't figure out where it comes from.

Drugs.

There is one couple in my family that absolutely mystifies me. He is a youth pastor

He sells drugs? LSD in the communion wafers?

xpost....