One day my boss rolled up in a fancy new car, I had grown up in a family that did better than middle class and still I had never seen such luxury. I was reminded of how I was promised the world, and given scraps, never to enjoy the same level of financial freedom as my grandparents.

But then my boss put his hand on my shoulder, he saw the pain in my eyes, and he reassured me

"Listen, if you work hard, apply yourself, put the company's needs before your own wants..."

My heart sang, could this be the secret to my salvation? "I'll finally get that raise"

My boss laughed. "No, I can get a nicer car by the next fiscal year."