Worst Nightmare or Dream Come True
A question was posed at my table: "What would you do if you suddenly had enough money to live and no longer had to worry about finances?"
The answers were nearly unanimous. "I'd quit my job." "I'd quit my job." "I'd quit my job." "I'd quit my job." Then, it was my turn to answer....except I didn't have an answer. I froze. Even with the benefit of now having weeks to think about it, I can't think of a single action I'd take if I suddenly had enough resources to no longer worry about finances. I certainly wouldn't quit my job, and that feedback caused quite the stir at my table.
Let's modify the original question. "What would you do if you suddenly had enough money to live and no longer had to worry about finances?.....with one catch: You MUST quit work."
For most, this is the most no-brainer question of all time. In fact, it's a double win! Security AND retirement.
Curious about how some people might respond to this question, I saved it for a client meeting. I knew I would be meeting with a husband and wife who both love their jobs. They are living their true calling. They ooze with passion. Therefore, this was a perfect opportunity to ambush them with this question. For additional context, they are NOT wealthy. They live a very middle-class lifestyle and absolutely don't have financial security.
"What would you do if you suddenly had enough money to live and no longer had to worry about finances?.....with one catch: You MUST quit work."
Husband: "I don't think I could accept that offer. It sounds terrible."
Wife: "No way I'd do that. My work means too much to me."
Husband: "I know you wouldn't do it, Travis. This sounds like your worst nightmare!"
He knows me too well! They gave me the exact answers I thought they would, and, in fact, this scenario is my worst nightmare. The thought of having all the resources I've ever needed but not doing what I do for work would be like living in a horror movie.
I've shared this with several people and have received two polar opposite responses. 90% of the people shook their heads like I'm a raging lunatic. The other 10% of people nodded their heads with me and told me it's like I'm reading their minds.
I have empathy for people on both sides of this equation. I'm not here to tell people how they should feel, but I'll share how I'd feel if I were in the 90% camp that would eagerly jump for that theoretical opportunity. For me, it would be a sign that I need to do something different. I want to do something so valuable to me that no amount of money could get me to quit it. That's a tell for me. I've been on both sides of this equation, and I'll do almost anything to stay on this side.....including turning down life-altering money.
____
Did someone forward you this post? We're glad you're here! If you'd like to subscribe to The Daily Meaning to receive these posts directly in your inbox (for free!), just CLICK THIS LINK. It only takes 10 seconds.