Let’s Talk: Money Isn’t Everything
Yes, I really am talking about money — something we’re all affected by, but rarely speak about. At the ripe age of 24 (and honestly throughout all ages of life), money is on the mind. There’s unlimited pressure from society to have a successful career and achieve high social/financial status. It’s too simple to become consumed by it all and feel as if making the next big profitable move is all that matters in this world — but the truth is, money isn’t everything. Today I’m opening a conversation on money and the role it should (and shouldn’t) play in our lives.
Sometimes I, as many of you may also do, attribute my value to my monetary worth and how much money I make, the kind of job I have and the status of my career… and I hate it. I feel incredibly guilty when I’m not working, hardly ever allowing myself to take breaks and enjoy the present (raise your hand if you’re a workaholic too). I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself, especially lately, and I think we can agree that the pressure you put on yourself can be the worst kind of pressure there is. Ladies and gents, this right here is an example of the role money shouldn’t play in our lives.
Where does this pressure originate from? Why do we feel like we’re not good enough and that we’re not living up to our own expectations? Why do we directly associate numbers with our own success? Why do we feel like we’re not getting money back that we deserve?
Say it with me: money isn’t everything.
I’m saying this as a reminder to myself and for those of you who may need to hear it. Your worth does not come from your salary. Your worth does not correlate to the dollars in your bank account. Your personal success is not measured by the bills in your wallet. You are valuable regardless of those things, and in fact, true value is immeasurable. Though your career is an element of your life and it’s great to enjoy what you do and strive to be better, there is a healthy limit.
Ask yourself this: if you didn’t have the money you have now or never increased your current income, would you still be happy? If your answer is no, why is that? Why do you prioritize money so high and why do you feel unfulfilled without it? Do you believe your dreams can’t come true without it? With that being said, consider this: why exactly do you attribute your success and happiness to your bank account status?
Let’s take a step back and note a few things that are more important than money:
- Love… always.
- Family
- Friends
- Being a good person
- Puppies (duh)
- Being proud of who you are
- Your values
- Good food
- Peace
- Moments that make you laugh until you cry
- A night in with someone you love
- Your favorite song playing on the radio
- Your hobbies
- Integrity
…and the list goes on.
When you find yourself dwelling on things you don’t have, think big picture — life is about the things you do that you don’t get paid for, the people you choose to surround yourself with, life outside the office and the person you are when no one’s looking.
When you’re feeling stressed, there are countless things you can do to forget about money:
- Self-reflect and learn more about who you are
- Spend time with loved ones
- Get lost in a good book or music
- Create
- Do something active
- Watch your favorite movie
- Jot down things you already have that you’re grateful for — I recommend the Five Minute Journal!
- Drive around with the windows down
- Check in on an old friend or family member
- Invest in yourself… it’s free.
Let go of your worries associated with finances and income. You are more than that, and don’t ever forget it. If you start to loose sight of your value, take a step back and remember what really matters: things that can’t be bought. We don’t exist on this earth to make a living. Instead, invest in yourself by reflecting, venting (we all need to at times) and refocusing.
If you’re feeling the same way as I am and this most is ringing a bell for you, starting now, let’s promise each other to let go of all pressures we feel about money and refocus on what really matters.
__________
I always want my readers to feel comfortable sharing how they feel on these “Let’s Talk” topics, so please feel free to leave a comment expressing your thoughts or send me a private email if you’d prefer. Have a great week and remember how valuable you are!
If you’re loving this “Let’s Talk” series, browse other topics I’ve covered here.
Hi Abby! This hit home for me. My BF is working an entry-level job right now, and I’m graduating in May and will soon enter one as well. I’m getting a bit worried about bills, salary, status, etc. just thinking about it! Thank you for the reminder.
Hi Ashley! Thank you for sharing that. I think this is something that many of us feel, but we feel alone because no one talks about it. I’m not a very emotional gal, but I sobbed my entire drive home after hearing what my salary would be my first year out of college. I had this false idea of how much money I thought I’d need to be making to achieve some kind of status and “happiness” I had set in my head, and felt crushed when I thought it was slipping away from me. Truth be told, that salary I had once cried over allowed me to very comfortably afford paying my rent, electric, water, student loans, groceries, gas for my car, etc. with a generous amount left over to spend on fun things and to put away in savings. It will feel so uncertain and scary until you get into the thick of it and as young, motivated college graduates, we want to achieve that status we’ve worked so hard for the past 22+ years — my biggest advice is to not give it power over you. Money really isn’t everything. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!