Since we were kids, people have asked us what we want to be when we grow up. And as we grew up, the answer changed. For many of us, it went from unicorns and then to astronauts but, somewhere along the way, we felt the pressure to leave the world of rainbows where anything had been possible. With this “reality check”, our answers shifted to doctors and lawyers and software engineers. Somehow, our pursuit of happiness became a pursuit of wealth.
Price of a paycheck
In a society increasingly defined by instant gratification and consumerism, the allure of high-paying jobs often trumps the importance of personal satisfaction. Now, success equates to the size of the paycheck, leaving little room for considering what truly makes a person happy. For many, a career is simply about securing financial stability and societal approval. While this stability does have value, what happens when the excitement of a high salary fades into the reality of doing work that brings you misery?
At the core of one’s future career planning, there is a fundamental divide between those who are internally motivated and those who are externally motivated. The latter is driven by pressures from outside sources like money, recognition or approval. The idea of a lucrative salary and fancy job titles can overshadow what truly matters to these people. Meanwhile, internal motivation is driven by a passion and desire for personal growth. Ideally, we should aim to strike a balance between these two. We have to think about the realities of our future and support ourselves, but that shouldn’t mean we are giving up passion completely. Yet, it seems in recent years, people have collectively shifted towards focusing solely on external motivators.
Reality check
There are far too many situations where students suffer through years of university for a degree they don’t want and, once they graduate, realize that no matter how large the salary is, it doesn’t compensate for waking up every morning and heading to an office they hate.
With the cost of higher education skyrocketing, students are burdened with the fear of not being able to pay off student loans or secure a job that will allow them to afford a comfortable lifestyle. This fear can also be a big deciding factor for students making a career choice, as majoring in something that will lead to a high salary feels like it provides a safety net.
So, students are trapped in this cycle of trying to meet expectations, whether from parents or themselves, leading to the dreams and passions that they once had being drowned out by the weight of practicality.
Beyond the zeroes
This path, though practical, overlooks a fundamental truth. Happiness is not guaranteed by a paycheck. A high salary might allow for material comforts, but it cannot fill the void of a disconnected life. A fulfilling career is not just about what you make; it’s about what you do and how you feel about it. The pursuit for meaning, rather than wealth, should be what motivates us.
Of course, financial considerations matter, and they always will. But, a society that places too much emphasis on money risks creating a generation of workers who feel unfulfilled, trapped in careers they never truly wanted.
It’s easy to forget that success isn’t just about the deep pockets. The idea of doing work that aligns with one’s interests can seem almost naive. Yet those who dare to challenge that often find themselves leading better lives. When you invest your time and energy into something that speaks to you, the rewards are more than just financial. They’re personal.
Employees who find their work genuinely enjoyable are more likely to remain in their roles. And when responsibilities align with someone’s skills and interests they stay engaged and perform better. Not only that but career advancement is far easier for people that want to improve. Those who are only in it for the money will find themselves stuck in the same position for the majority of their careers. Commiting to a career you love will do more than any amount someone will be able to pay you.
Happiness should not be measured by how many zeroes are on your paycheck; it should be about contributing to something that genuinely excites you. Money will almost always play a part in career decisions, but it shouldn’t overshadow the importance of finding a life that allows you to thrive, because only then can we truly say that we are succeeding.
Photo credit: “Money” by Brendan Riley is linked under (CC BY-SA 2.0)
