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From the moment we start school, we are told that our purpose in life is to study hard so we can get a good job and make a good salary. This narrative is enforced by our parents, teachers, and other authorities as if it was an immutable truth. But it does not account for why we need this money. It seems to be presumed that money in itself is a desirable end, that can bring us happiness and fulfillment.
But this is not the case. Of course, we do need money in modern society in order to obtain food and shelter, and maintain a good quality of life. But it is simply not true that more money equals more happiness. All we need is a sustainable base level of financial security to thrive.
It’s important to move away from the story that earning money is the most important thing in life. It doesn’t matter what your bank balance is or how much you’ve made from your UK investment apps. If you are still buying into this capitalist ideal, then here are four reasons to convince you that money isn’t everything.
Unhappy rich people
If wealth was directly correlated with joy, as many people believe to be the case, we wouldn’t see so many A-list stars with depression and mental health issues. You only have to open up the tabloids to see stories full of divorce, scandal, and addiction. Yet on the other hand, there are plenty of people on modest incomes living perfectly idyllic lives without luxury or extravagance. Money can buy you many things but it’s clear that it can’t buy you happiness.
Money can’t buy you love
Perhaps the most important thing in life is love, whether it’s the romantic love shared with a partner, the familial love bestowed upon your children and parents, or the platonic love between yourself and your close friends. The amount of money you have has no bearing on the quality of your relationships. Your loved ones don’t care if you’re rich or poor. They simply love you for who you are.
Job satisfaction
A lot of people believe that a sign of a good job is the size of your paycheck. But what if your well paid career makes you miserable? You spend around a third of your adult life at work, so is all that unhappiness a good trade off for a few extra thousand dollars each year? Instead, it is much more important to find a career that brings joy and meaning to your life. If you would rather work in an animal shelter or mental health charity for a modest salary than be a high-flying accountant, there is much value to be found in chasing your dreams.
Money is temporary
When you’re old and on your deathbed, all that wealth you have accumulated will be put into perspective. You can’t take it with you when you’re gone, and you might just start to regret spending all that time working and chasing the big bucks instead of doing the things that really matter to you.
