My Date Thought Investing Was a Painfully Slow Way to Make Money

Went on a casual date (first in a long time) and the person I had drinks with said she thought investing was a painfully slow way to make money. When told that the S&P 500 historically averages about 10% a year in gains and that you could double your money in 7.2 years, she said: “That’s it?” At first, I thought, that’s statistically better than 90% of fund managers out there, who underperform the S&P and 10% a year isn’t terrible (it sure beats bonds!). FWIW, I CAGR much higher, but still think it’s okay for someone making passive income and growing wealth long-term. Then, on my drive back home, I thought about what she said and yeah….it does seem kinda pathetic in some ways. I can see why college kids or just anyone looking to make a decent chunk of money would want to gamble instead (maybe w/ options or go into momentum meme stocks w/ leverage). Investing is most satisfying for those who already have a decent amount of money ($100,000+). And, even then, it’d take you 1 full year - on average - to make just $10,000 in $VOO. I know what people will say: investing is for growing wealth and passive income (not a main source of it). Get a good job, live below your means, and invest. Then, 25+ years later, you’ll have a lot of money. This hospital nurse I was having dinner/drinks with said she’d rather go to Vegas and take a few thousand dollars to gamble and try to double her money that SAME weekend than wait a full YEAR to make $200. LOL. I guess this was the first time I realized how non-investors sometimes view investing. It seems pathetic and too slow-paced for them.