Many of us are guilty of focusing a little too much on income. Granted, income is important. We have to have money to cover bills, needs and desires and offer life security for ourselves and families. No one is denying that security is very important to our overall wellbeing.
Still, though, there’s a point where the trade-off between money and happiness tips in a clear direction. Whether you’re an owner are an employee, it’s very possible that you or someone you work with hates their job. They do it and they may do it well, but the daily grind of work is the most dreaded, hated thing in their lives.
We spend a lot of our waking hours and lives as a whole working. So shouldn’t job satisfaction be a priority?
5 Reasons to Put Job Satisfaction Before Wealth
Being content with your work lasts longer.
Monetary gain can be satisfying, but the high is fairly short-lived. Much of our money goes to bills and expenses and neither go away — remember, death and taxes are the only guarantees in life. Even amassing large amounts of wealth won’t necessarily bring happiness after a certain degree of security is achieved. The monetary incentive of an otherwise detested job only lasts for so long before we start aching for something more. Feeling satisfied in our jobs — whether it’s unleashing a creative spirit, doing good or following a long-held passion — lasts a lot longer than the thrill of a big paycheck.
Money can be fleeting.
There’s an issue with depending too much on money. Namely, it can vanish. Jobs can be lost. Careers can change. Income is ultimately temporal — is it worth slogging through a hated career for something that you’ll always be chasing? When you feel good and personally fulfilled by your work, it doesn’t feel like a waste no matter what happens. If money is the sole motivator behind your business strategies, you won’t find a lot of personal satisfaction in the end.
Your loved ones will thank you.
We’ve all heard the story of the businessman who, at his funeral, is remembered only for his achievements in the workplace and for his money — and an ultimately empty life. While we all need to see that our families are taken care of, neglecting our personal relationships for income can be damaging. Beware of trading time with friends and family for the sake of work.
A job you hate can crush you mentally and emotionally.
While not having the income that you want or need can be stressful, spending 8 hours a day, 5 days away in a profession you hate takes a high toll. Over time, the stress and strain can leave workers depressed and unfocused. Boredom is the least of your worries. Job security isn’t always worth the steep health consequences.
Chasing money is a vicious cycle.
Chasing money doesn’t really ever end for the people who see it as their number one career goal. Those who have achieved high incomes don’t usually take the time to enjoy it — they just work more. They keep going, because that money is the reason for doing.
There Must Be Balance
We’re not saying ditch job security for a career that will leave you or your family unstable. There’s always a balance to achieve between security and fulfillment. Ultimately, though, finding happiness in our given professions, by and large, has a better long-term impact on our lives than monetary benefits. In difficult economic times, sometimes we have to make those trade-offs, at least temporarily.
Remember that there are other ways to make money and find financial freedom. Passive income from real estate investment is just one of many alternatives that can ultimately free you from a draining, stressful job.
Where do you think the balance is between income and happiness? Let us know in the comments.
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