Define "smart"?

Is it "smart" to enter a field where the barrier to entry is high but your career half-life is only about 10 years? Where employment prospects are severely diminished after middle age?

Maybe if you were paid really well upfront --- like say a professional athlete. But STEM graduates aren't playing in this sort of league.

Quote from a guy who made billions farming potatoes:

   I may not be the smartest person but I can buy all the smart people I need.

https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/W/bo206855...