Passion or money? Which one do you choose?
www.alainguillot.com/passion-...
I was watching a KZread video featuring Influencer Patricia Bright from England, who mentioned that she prioritizes money over passion. One reason she cited is having experienced poverty, compelling her to prioritize financial stability.
In my earlier years, I prioritized money, undertaking various jobs unrelated to my passions. I pursued finance and learned stock market trading, aiming to amass wealth.
While I never accumulated substantial wealth, I have amassed enough to now pursue activities I enjoy, albeit not my passions.
This dilemma often arises when contemplating the future. Many of my friends advocate prioritizing passion, believing money will naturally follow.
Let’s acknowledge that having this choice is a luxury in developed regions like Europe, the US, and Canada. A girl from a disadvantaged region may not have the privilege to choose between farming and artistic pursuits. By age 15, she might be pregnant, struggling to survive and support her family.
The concept of pursuing passion is a Western notion emerging post-industrial revolution.
The question lingers: Should one prioritize money or passion?
Here’s my perspective:
If your family can financially support you, pursue your passion. Why work unnecessarily unless you enjoy your job?
However, if your family isn’t affluent, you face a choice:
Should you follow artistic inclinations (typically aligned with passion) or opt for a financially rewarding path? Those who choose money often end up in utilitarian careers like accounting, engineering, medicine, or hard sciences.
Numerous anecdotes support both viewpoints. Some artists thrive financially and happily, while others struggle, juggling odd jobs to survive.
Conversely, there are affluent engineers who feel unfulfilled.
Speaking from my experience, I prioritized money initially, making errors along the way. Now, with a financial cushion, I focus on fulfilling activities, with money still significant but not paramount. Engagement is the primary consideration.
And you? Where do you stand on this debate?
Пікірлер: 5
Well done! You have the right values and the commitment to follow through.
@AlainGuillot
2 ай бұрын
Thank you @francois3475
I think it depends a lot on the emotional baggage we carry. As an immigrant, one of the first jobs I was able to find was as a janitor, I was a janitor for about two years. I had a scarcity mindset and the only thing that was important to me was to survive. There is no room for passion when you feel so grateful to clean offices at 3 am in the morning and being able to pay for food and rent. With time, my passion became to have financial security. I am not there yet, but every day I am a bit closer, and now I can experiment and try to find out what my other passions are.
I think it has to be a little of both. If you follow the money, but you don't enjoy your days (your life), then it's not worth it. If you follow your passion but become unable to pay the rent for any extended period, you'll likely either lose self-esteem or become a burden to others. If you have a passion, you are lucky, and I think it's your duty to do your best to explore that route - maybe you have to live more modestly, maybe you have to take on a part-time job, but you might always regret it if you don't "go for it". However, if you're someone who likes having nice things - and you don't dislike doing jobs that make more money - then go for the money.
@AlainGuillot
2 ай бұрын
I think you are right. It's neither black or white, it's different shades of gray. Also, I think Seth Godin will agree 100% with what you just wrote. He has said the same thing, with different words, in some of his books. Thank you.