It is what the money represents, the freedom to do what you want. I work around scientists that have big egos, but I know how to invest and grow money, they don't (for the most part) After I retire, they will still be plugging in at work until 65, some living paycheck to paycheck, performing the same boring tasks over and over.
Ellen can do whatever she wants. She can afford 10 lifetimes of fun = winning.
Many scientists who have advanced degrees just love their job. There are many full-time tenured professors at Harvard who make 200K who are 60+. Are we going to assume they are living pay check to pay check?
Maybe they just love doing research and teaching. My mentor is 67, married to a wealthy women and still works full time. Believe it or not, some people just love their job.
As for doing what you want with money, well, that only matters if youre emotionally and physically healthy. But, tell that to Chester Bennington, Robin William, Kurt Cobain, etc. Money + Physical Health + Emotional Health = Happiness. And since we do not know about Ellens physical or emotional health, its almost impossible to say she is happier than the next person. Though, with money, she still will be able to do what she wants, but that wont matter much if you're emotionally and physically a mess (e.g., Robin Williams). And, for what it's worth, I am not saying that money does not make people happy. Of course it does, as long as other aspects of your life are in order.
As for myself, I do not see myself ever retiring. As long as I am physically and emotionally stable, I will always work, in some way or another.
