This is another good reason to live with a group of friends, even if you don't have kids. It takes just a little bit longer to cook for ten people than it takes to cook for one or two. If seven friends share the cooking, each person only has to cook dinner once a week. Without living in groups, it is difficult for families to live cheaply enough to be able to work less. Forget everything you learned in high school.
High school sucks.
The best they could do is train you to be a good worker. Be on time. Do what you're told. Don't talk back. Teachers act like bosses and you learn to be a robot - obedient and dull.