If Money Were Not An Issue....

We spend a staggering amount of our lives caught in the morass of practicality. Between paying bills, managing schedules, and keeping up with the endless demands of modern living, our deepest desires often get packed away into a box labeled “someday.” We often convince ourselves that dreaming is an unproductive luxury - something reserved for daydreamers who haven't looked at a bank statement lately.

Yet, when we remove the financial friction with the question: “How do I afford this?”, we are suddenly forced to answer a far more important question: “What is all of this actually for?”

Too few people seem to have the courage to do what they really desire to make them happy, without following the crowd or feeling guilty about it. Yet, as work tends to dominate our lives, it follows that happiness in that sphere has to be paramount to give us the quality of life we seek.

However, in our world of increasing choice and reduced fulfilment, happiness can be most elusive at times, especially when we are not sure of what would make us happy, or how to get clarity about it, or when we have lived in a certain way and believe that’s the best we can have. But we can live the way we desire so long as we are doing what fires us up, and not just what pays the bills.

I have a debilitating illness which has damaged my eyesight and prevented me from doing what I would love to do at present. It means I am restricted in some of the activities that used to fire my creativity, imagination and earnings. However, what would make me happiest now is working with young people, and those who are not sure of their direction, on an ad hoc basis. I never know how I'm going to feel on a certain day, so not being tied to anything full time, permanent, or with heavy responsibility would be just the ticket. Something that gets me out and about four or five times each month would be ideal.

I used to do lots of consultancy and advisory work, which could also suit my current situation, but as some consultancy carry timed contracts over a certain period, that would not be so appropriate at this time. Practically everything I can think of that would fire my motivation has some condition to it, or time factor, that would be an obstacle for me.

For all those reasons, working from home and writing my articles give me a good degree of comfort and happiness which I would not have otherwise, and I am very grateful for that. I can still use my expertise and knowledge to help and motivate others which gives a feeling of purpose and value to my contributions.

Of course I do feel rather sad sometimes about my situation, but I keep reminding myself that there are tons of people who are worse than me, and I am still alive despite everything that is happening, so I try not to slide into a victim mode because I have much to be thankful for.

When money is no longer an obstacle, the excuses evaporate, leaving only your truest priorities exposed. It stops being about accumulating status or ticking boxes and becomes entirely about how you want to spend your precious time, where you want to anchor your energy, and what brings an abiding peace to your soul.

So, if the financial ceiling were lifted tomorrow, what would you actually choose for yourself? What would help you feel happier regarding your work?

Which of the three choices (more work, less work, or no work) would do it for you and give you true joy?