I leased an expensive car because I wanted people to think I had money.

I purchased clothing I couldn’t afford because I wanted to belong in wealthy circles.

I avoided ordinary work because I thought admitting financial limitations would make me less impressive.

Now I lived in a mansion.

Had access to beautiful things.

Attended important events.

And spent much of my day examining numbers that told us whether those things were sustainable.

The glamour hadn’t disappeared.

It had acquired responsibilities.

That was a trade I hadn’t expected to enjoy.