I'm sort of that story - however my high-school class mates are generally nice people and are more curious than condescending. I'm glad I chose to start my own small business as they share their woes of collage debt, office-politics, and dead end jobs that seemingly suck the joy out of life.

I would say that for some, a family centered life and a humble trade could be better than chasing after what I perceive* to be vanity.

* I'm probably mistaken in motivation, but life does present us with choices that are seemingly easy yet are full of hidden costs.