It is believed that money can help people improve their standard of living. Over the last several decades a job that would assure a high salary has become a must. Exotic holidays and a well-equipped flat are symbols of status. Poorer people are sympathised with as those whose lives are unhappy. Is it really so?
For ordinary people, a fortune is a result of hard work. Ambitious people often spend long hours in their offices, hoping to be promoted and given a pay rise. By the end of the day they are so tired that they fall asleep with the remote in their hands. This kind of routine is far from quality life. A luxurious holiday does not seem to compensate for the stress and unhealthy diet during the whole year.
In contrast, poorer people do not usually have demanding jobs so they have time to meet their friends, go for a walk with the dog, etc. These activities in the long run may give them more energy and satisfaction from life than thousands saved on bank accounts. What is more, instead of grabbing a hamburger between business meetings, they cook healthier meals at home.
To sum up, it is impossible to kill two birds with one stone. Very often rich people cannot enjoy life as much as it seems. Not having time to do things which make them happy and live a healthy lifestyle, they are often more miserable than those who can enjoy small things in life.
Słownictwo:
to improve - ulepszyć, poprawić
to assure - zapewnić
a must - konieczność
to sympathise - współczuć
miserable - nędzny, smutny, zabiedzony
ordinary - zwykły, przeciętny
a pay rise - podwyżka wynagrodzenia
a remote - pilot do telewizora
luxurious - luksusowy
demanding - wymagający
a bank account - konto bankowe
to grab - złapać, chwycić
Wyrażenia:
what is more - co więcej
to sum up - podsumowując
to compensate for something - zrekompensować coś
to be able to afford something - móc pozwolić sobie na coś
to fall asleep - zasnąć
in the long run - na dłuższą metę
to kill two birds with one stone - upiec dwie pieczenie przy jednym ogniu