We have all heard the famous saying, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”. No wonder it is repeated time and time again because this statement cannot be truer. When you focus your attention on pursuing a path that you genuinely enjoy, your quality of life will increase unequivocally.
The first and foremost reason that it is crucial to chase your dreams rather than a paycheck is because money can come and go in an instant. You could get into a lawsuit overnight which drains your bank account, experience an unexpected layoff or be robbed while you are on vacation. If your happiness is attached to how much money you have in the bank, you are doomed to begin with. Happiness is something that can be enhanced by external factors, however, true and lasting contentment must be sourced from within. A paycheque can deliver short-term happiness, however, fulfillment in your work, social and home life is the key to sustained contentment.
Think back to a time in school. How many times did you slack on an assignment because the subject put you to sleep? When you truly love what you do, you will perform better in multiple arenas of your life. You will have more to give to your family. You will excel at work and therefore, generate more sales or finally receive the promotion you hoped for. Your love for your chosen path will create value for both internal and external stakeholders. Others will be able to rely on you because your passion will speak for itself in the breadth of your work. Your social life will no longer be an escape from your dark and dreary work schedule. Your everyday life will be given a brand new meaning.
Money may buy exotic cars, profitable real estate and Chanel handbags but it cannot buy back time. Time is an invaluable asset because it is finite. We never know what tomorrow holds hence it is vital that we let our hearts lead the way when our heads become clouded. If you wake up one day to the epiphany that you are going to be happier as a truck driver than working your current corporate 9-5, go for it. Who is stopping you? Money will inevitably flow your way when you allocate enough of your time and energy to a specific undertaking.
Lastly and most significantly, you will live a more fulfilled and happy life. You will wake up with a greater sense of purpose each day when you partake in something that sets your soul aflame. Do what you love and the money will follow. If you do not know what you want, experiment with different jobs to uncover what it is that you like and dislike.
Money symbolizes different things for different people — hard work, greed, superficiality, freedom and nothingness (among other interpretations). In a world with money at the center of it, it is easy to become entwined with the illusion that capital will transform us into enchanting and formidable creatures worthy of love and respect. While money can foster unimaginable opportunities for some, it can be the cause of immense suffering for those who abuse it. Money ebbs and flows, but experiences last a lifetime.