I'm a mathematician because that's what interests me. My richness is not measured in dollars. As I age, I grow more concerned for my future, but I still have no regrets.
Lots of financial firms love to hire mathematicians (see Renaissance Technologies for a famous example). So you could probably secure your financial future relatively easily if you wanted to.
I'm well aware of the option. Sacrifice my happiness for how many years in the process?
Making money has never been a primary goal of mine. I'm lucky that my interests are moderately lucrative. I know that "very lucrative" is just around the corner. But so is the liquor store, and I don't drink.
