I didn't get that implication, but I did get the implication that it was a lesser priority. Granted, it is very hard to get inflection from text, and this strikes me as one of those emotional appeals where inflection matters, but his saying that he just wants a stable until retirement job suggests that he is willing to kick enjoyability (and possibly a number of other things) to the curb for the sake of that. He wants it, but he's willing to accept that he can't always have it. It is here that I think he goes horribly wrong. As you mention in another comment, it is worthwhile to pursue more desirable situations and not get stuck in a local maximum. Accepting and/or work just to work, without enjoyment or fulfillment, is one of those places where I think your advice is worth following.