There is always another way to make money.
These words are simple, true, and life-changing.
Especially today, in our current culture, where many see the role of work as simply to make money. And as a result, tend to pursue work that brings them the most (especially when young and just starting out).
But we spend one-third of our lives at work (90,000 hours) so the work we choose to do matters quite a bit.
And there are many of us who feel trapped in our roles, in our jobs, and our mindsets about money.
If that is you, I hope you find yourself encouraged by the reminder today: There is always another way to make money.
In today’s world, many people find themselves in jobs that might not resonate with their true passions. But given the amount of joy we can derive from work in addition to the time spent doing it, the work we choose to do is one of the most important decisions we can make with our lives.
At its core, work is about providing a service or product someone else values enough to pay for.
This principle is the heart of our economic system. When you offer something beneficial—whether it be a product, a skill, or a service—that meets the needs (or desires) of others someone will see its worth and exchange money for it.
This means the ways to earn are as varied and limitless as our individual talents, passions, and the needs/desires of those around us.
And yet, a recent Gallup poll reveals that more than half of workers in the U.S. and worldwide report not being engaged at work.
If that is you, you are not alone.
Also if that is you, know that it doesn’t have to stay that way.
The diversity of a free market system means there is always opportunity for hope and empowerment.
You don’t have to remain doing work that doesn’t bring you fulfillment and meaning, because there is always another way to make money.
Minimalism is an incredibly life-giving philosophy in this context. By choosing to own only what we need, we learn to better prioritize and understand our genuine needs over mere wants. As we lean into this lifestyle, we naturally spend less.
And this financial freedom can pave the way for professional freedom, enabling us to explore work and careers that align more closely with our passions and values.
The less you need to earn, the more opportunities are available to you.
In addition to all the other life-giving benefits of owning less, it provides more flexibility in the work you do.
Does this mean everyone who is unhappy with their current work arrangement should promptly quit their job? Not necessarily.
Sometimes our lack of engagement isn’t about the job but about our perception of it. When we approach our job solely as a means to earn, we might miss out on the deeper meaning and joy our work brings to others. Changing jobs without shifting this perspective will only lead you to the same end, but just in a different job.
It’s also important to realize that there are no perfect jobs in the world. Even those who start their own companies and choose their own work run into tasks and scenarios that are not enjoyable. Roses still have thorns. So don’t hear me saying that there is a perfect job out there for you—that is true for nobody.
That being said, if you genuinely resonate with a desire to seek more meaningful work, don’t be paralyzed by the potential monetary implications. Remember, there’s more than one way to earn. You can find new work—something more fulfilling.
Choosing a new path may not always equate to the same paycheck, but there are greater things to be than rich anyway. And life is too short to spend a third of it doing unfulfilling work.
Are there times when we need to choose the opportunity in front of us to provide for our families even if it’s not our first choice? Yes, absolutely. But that doesn’t mean you need to remain there for the rest of your life and can’t start working toward something more meaningful in the future.
Show up in your own life. Do work that matters and brings you joy.
Is the work you are doing satisfying? If not, take a moment to reflect why that is the case.
Are fear or cultural expectations holding you back from making a change? If so, evaluate if those expectations are healthy or what steps you can take to overcome that fear.
Is the life you’re living now the one you dreamt of? If not, remember that you’re in the driver’s seat.
The marketplace is free, the opportunities are plentiful, and your path to meaningful work might be quietly waiting on the other side of you simply deciding to pursue it.
So choose wisely and choose purpose, because there is always another way to make money.
