An Even Worse Outcome
You know what's worse than not finding meaning in our work? Yeah, there's something even more destructive to our psyche than that. It becomes worse when we don't find meaning in our work AND we don't harness the financial resources earned from said crappy work to progress our financial lives.
I recently met with a 28-year-old who is struggling mentally with his job. He typically dreads it. He gets the Sunday Scaries. He can't wait for Fridays. When I asked him why he stays, his answer was clear and simple: "The money is good."
"How much financial progress have you been able to make with this job?" I asked. He just stared at me for a bit, then asked me to clarify the question. "If the money is good and that's the reason you stay, how have you been able to harness the income to get you into a better financial spot?" Again, he stared blankly.
As the conversation progressed, he told me that, yes, the money has been great, but no, he hasn't been productive with it at all. In short, he just blows it on wants. No saving, no debt payoffs, no investing, just materialistic wants.
"If you're not willing to harness this good income to make your life better, how will your life ever be better? You're just going to be perpetually stuck in a job you hate?"
Again, the stare! He admitted that nobody has asked him these types of questions, thus the unprepared look on his face. In his mind, he's just living "a normal life." Yes, he's right about that. This sort of behavior is, in fact, normal. On the flip side, I suggested that he seek a very non-normal life:
Pursue work that matters.
In the meantime, keep working hard at his current job.
While working hard at his current job, harness the good income to pay off debts, save for the future, and invest.
As he makes financial progress this season, he'll open new doors and create newfound freedoms that will benefit his future self.
Spending less on wants doesn't mean less meaning or enjoyment, but a redefinition of what meaning and enjoyment actually mean. Disconnecting standard of living and quality of life.
Don't rush from one season to the next. Allow every season to be what it is, then excitedly and purposefully step into the next.
No, life shouldn't be all about money. Regular readers know that's a hill I'll die on. However, we ought to harness a portion of our income to move the needle in our financial lives.....especially if we're in a season of sub-optimal work. Don't let all your good work be in vain; use it to bless your future self.
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