In this episode, Cole and Sam tackle a listener question that opens up a much larger conversation about career choices, money, and fatherhood. A listener working in public transportation faces a decision: accept a 50% pay increase that would require unpredictable schedules and being on-call for the next 10 years, or maintain his current stable schedule but stay at his current income level. His own father worked night shifts and felt like "a stranger" to him growing up.

Cole and Sam explore the broader themes this question raises: How do fathers balance career ambitions with being present for their kids? Is the American obsession with constantly increasing income actually serving families? What does real wealth look like when you factor in time with your children?

Topics covered:

• The illusion of "stable" careers in modern America
• House rich vs. house poor: avoiding the mortgage trap
• The hidden costs of hustle culture and "grinding" for your family
• Generational wealth: building it without ruining your kids
• Creative solutions for non-traditional career paths
• Why your purpose changed the moment you became a father

Whether you're considering a career change, struggling with work-life balance, or wondering if you can "afford" another child, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom about success and reminds fathers what truly matters.