Prestige and recognition have never motivated me. Those aspects of a job are nice, but they are not essential for a successful teaching career. Of course, one wants to provide for his family, but money should also not be a motivating factor for a teacher. Instead the personal satisfaction, the intrinsic rewards, should be the motivating force. I learned from a young age that money will give you a sense of pride, and money will ultimately not provide happiness.
Happiness comes from the inside.
The thrill of teaching should be the motivating factor for a teacher, or any one else. That, coupled with the joy of the individuality of each student, are the things that make teaching worthwhile. I view teaching as a calling, if you will. Not everyone has the ability or the desire to teach. Teaching requires dedication, perseverance, and the ability to deal with failure.