Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "The main purpose for people who have jobs is for money rather than social status." Use specific reasons and any relevant examples and details from your knowledge or experience to support your answer.

OWL Example Writing
By Jeenn Lee Hsieh
谢振礼原创猫头鹰议论文

Money is good; social status is better. It is true that money may be the most important motivational factor that people work, but the ultimate purpose must be social standing. Since being rich is one thing and being respected is another, the two ought to be distinguished--by the virtue of honesty in society.

Contrary to the spirit of capitalism, social recognition can be more rewarding than monetary income whose origin is sometimes worthy of doubt. To illustrate, a drug lord or a criminal may have a lot of cash, but it may not amount to a high social status. However, a learned professor or a well-known surgeon is highly regarded in society. This means that an honest job well done can lead to richness along with fame, while attempting to have the deep pockets, by hook or crook, can probably be associated with wealth along with infamy. In this case, having high social standing has little to do with economic gain because fame, or holding a prestigious and influential position, counts for far more than how much cash one has in the bank.

The difference of working for monetary reward and social status is also obvious in ordinary cases that are independent of the policy of honesty . For example, a bond dealer may earn a great deal more than bureaucrats, politicians, academics, artists, media folk, etc., but everybody knows who can hold considerably more power and influence in society. From this point of view, the main purpose for people who have jobs goes beyond the factor of income. Many honest people make great efforts to become rich; nevertheless, money alone is certainly not the only goal. There is no secret that all people with admirable success are happier in being praised for their achievements than any other thing. Even though money may be considered a symbol of social standing, you may ask yourself this: who has higher status, a prime-time TV commentator or a hedge fund investor?

It is gratifying that huge money and social status are rewarded to people who work for either or both aims. Yet, when honesty is a burden, then society has failed. It is up to you to work for the balancing act between money and praise.
(Essay created by Jeenn Lee Hsieh)