Take it from someone who's been through it -> The money being the only thing that matters is what everyone who hasn't had the job before thinks.

When you're paying 20k a month but still having to rehire junior lawyers every 8 - 12 months, do you really think it's still just "all about the money" for those people? They got the salary, lived the life, and realised it wasn't worth it. For those that can stick it out, good for them.

But my point is, don't be so quick to call him an idiot. In many ways, it could have been the right choice. But he'll never know for sure because we can't live two lives.