Then maybe he could have afforded to take Ellie to paradise falls. I would highly doubt a balloon vendor is even pulling in as much as a minimum wage. Way to shoot for the stars their, Carl.
That's a dilemma. Should he get a better job he hates so he can afford the journey, or should he follow his dreams of becoming a balloon vendor, which may not be quite as good paid, but which makes him feel content and fulfilled?
Balloon vendor sounds like a side job. I'm sure there were numerous other jobs he might have liked. No reason he has to hate them. I'm sure taking Ellie to paradise falls would have had him feel more content and fulfilled. I don't even know how he could even afford to live in a house or anything.