If I got good grades in school I would be making 10x LESS money now

Just on the title alone, I will confirm this assertion. Growing up in mid-century America, the almighty standard of "getting good grades" or suffer severe punishment crippled me for life. I was kept on the books and got soft and weak in the process. By the time I was in college, the physical and psychological damage was done. The lack of masculine edge locked me out of countless social opportunities that would normally enable men to make their mark in the world. Going hard in the gym later in life could not hide the weakness in energy that I acquired from being in a strict academics-oriented home. Being in a very demanding position in the Navy didn't help, either.

Yeah, I'm financially comfortable now, am respected in my field, retirement is in sight with no worries, and I enjoy life now. But, I am a man with no past. To win by being locked out of the game is a weak victory.