In Jack Finney’s short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pockets” Tom Benecke has high professional aspirations. While his wife goes out to enjoy a movie, he stays home to work on a project he wants to present to his boss. Tom worked for months collecting information, which he feels will be revolutionary in the grocery business. Is he required to do this? No, he chooses to complete the extra work in an effort to increase his earnings and professional standing. He tells his wife to go without him so he can complete the project.
She nodded, accepting this. Then, glancing at the desk across the living room, she said, "You work too much, though, Tom--and too hard."
He smiled. "You won't mind though, will you, when the money comes rolling in and I'm known as the Boy Wizard of Wholesale Groceries?"
Unfortunately, he obsession with upward mobility leaves his life unbalanced. It takes a life or death incident to influence his decision making. After his ordeal, he realizes how skewed his thinking is and rushes out to join his wife at the movies.
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