There's more to the equation than money. I repeatedly watch people allow money to be the winning factor in the equation, only to feel guilt, regret, and resentment. More money isn't a bad thing, but it can be the worst thing if it comes at the expense of a meaningful life.

If I were to put a checkmark in the "con" category of pursuing work that matters, one might be this: Every day feels the same.

All we have is the present. We can't go back and redo what's already happened, and we can't yet influence the future. Today is what we have to work with, so we might as well honor it by following our calling.

Perspective matters, and in the case of our work, we need to realize that our mindset and attitude impact our experience. If we're not actually living, there's no amount of job changes that will make us feel meaning in our work.

Then, I changed the subject: "Tell me about your work." His eyes instantly lit up, and a huge smile landed on his face as if there was an awakening inside him.

This has led him to the point, like so many others, of glorifying retirement in the pursuit of far more sugar and much less flour.

"I think I made a huge mistake." Not the text I expect at 1AM on a random weeknight. It was from a client.