Thursday, March 7, 2013

TIME TO DECIDE


First of all, a huge AMEN to Bill Cosby.

That man is hilarious, fashionable (I mean, how many people have a type of sweater named after them?), and just so insightful.

Anyway, this quote (and such a lovely design from such an inspiring site) really resonated with me this week.

I'm facing a major life decision right now and have all but fully committed to taking the leap, but am struggling with the fear.

I know I'm being vague, but it all boils down to this:

happiness vs. financial success

At what point is financial reward not worth the sacrifices in quality of life, free time, self-worth, and overall happiness?

I know I'm not alone in trying to strike the right balance.  I have several close friends going through the same soul-searching process.

In either extreme, the "right" choice is obvious:

Would I bring physical/mental/emotional harm to another human being to be set for life?  No.

If I was truly happy sitting around all day earning zero income would that be a good idea?  No.

But most of us are somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.

I myself have been in this same situation before - not all that happy with my career, but lured in (or trapped in) by financial stability.  If I were to do what I truly love (whatever that may be), I'd probably take a huge pay cut.

I do believe that, in the long run, if you do what you love, then the money (or, I should say, the success) will follow.  Notice how I qualified that statement by saying in the long run?  My concern isn't five years from now.  Goodness knows I'm not now where I thought I'd be five years ago.  My concern is next month's rent.  And the month after that.  And, well, you get the point.

How did I start this rant?

Oh, right.  I'm "all but fully committed" to taking the leap.  I'm this close.

So stick with me, folks.  It's going to be quite a journey, and I'll be right here to share it with you.

What do you want?  What's holding you back?  I'd love to hear from you!!



4 comments:

  1. I think it's always best to follow your heart and not your bank. Obviously I wouldn't be going into social work if I didn't believe that :) I say take the leap! At the end of the day when we die money means close to nothing, and our experiences mean everything. I look forward to hearing what you decide!!

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    1. Love you and all your support. SO proud of you for being strong enough to do what you love, and I can't WAIT to join the ranks in the year(s?) to come :)

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  2. Hands down, happiness is more important. I'm so with you - sometimes financial security can be so alluring, but in the long run it's not what's important. If you can wake up every day and be happy with things, and not just what money can buy, then you're far better off. :)
    Isn’t That Charming.

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    1. Amen!! I know our generation gets a lot of flack for wanting to be HAPPY, but I think it's admirable. Our parents and their parents didn't work so hard for us to be miserable. Thank you for your support :)

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