Instant Regret
"I think I made a huge mistake." Not the text I expect at 1AM on a random weeknight. It was from a client.
A few months prior to that random late-night text, my client had a big decision to make. The husband had just received an offer for a job that would pay $21,000 MORE than his current job, a jump that would take him from $82,000/year to $103,000/year. That's real money! This seemed like a no-brainer decision to both him and his wife. After all, this new opportunity would equate to approximately $1,300 more in their monthly take-home budget. This was big time for them!
I had my doubts, and I'll share why. His current job, the lower-paying one, filled his tank. He found tremendous meaning in this job, and he had deep connections with his co-workers. In short, he loved what he was doing. This new job, though, meant more money for his family. This new opportunity also fell into his field of expertise, but he was 50/50 on whether this specific role was the best use of his gifts and passions. But the money!!!
They thanked me for my insights and decided to sleep on it for a few nights. Ultimately, the new opportunity (and the financial rewards that came with it) were too attractive to turn down. They excitedly accepted the job, and a new chapter began.
"I think I made a huge mistake." I immediately texted back, inquiring what had happened......though deep down, I already knew. Though the bigger paychecks were awesome, he was miserable in this new role. His community was gone, the role wasn't as fulfilling, and his new boss was a jerk. This was the worst-case scenario for him. What did his wife think of the whole thing? While she was glad to have more money coming in, she wasn't a huge fan of him coming home grumpy at night, watching him struggle, and him always being tired. To put it bluntly, this wasn't the man she knew.
When I asked about how the new financial situation has impacted their life, the wife responded, "It feels like blood money. I'd give it all up if we could just go back to the way things were."
Things rarely go well when we make decisions based on dollars and cents. Yes, money has to play a role. But when we put money over meaning, we usually lose. Fortunately, this couple quickly learned this lesson and are seeking ways to navigate a different journey. I pray they do, and I'll do anything I can to help them. But their story is a cautionary tale for us all. More money is always appealing, but not at the expense of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
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