Famous humorist Frank Tyger once said: “Happiness is more a state of health than of wealth.” In this heavily materialistic world where everything revolves around money, it can be easy to get lost in our endeavor to find our true selves. Part of our personal growth is recognizing that money should not be our only source of joy. While having some income you can live off of is important, choosing a career path that aligns with your values and interests is more important.
Many of us have been influenced by family or society to believe that being successful means being wealthy. To achieve this dream, one needs to adhere to certain and precise steps, such as getting good grades, going to college, and landing a prestigious job. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But it is not always what it seems. The mindset that wealth equals success makes us believe in the false idea that the amount of money we have in our bank account or aspire to have defines us. As a result, many people who ambitiously chase “the American dream” deal with depression, as they rely on money to find happiness and ultimately come up short.
We cannot deny the fact that the need for money is about as crucial as the need for air to breathe. But how much money do we actually need to be satisfied with our lives? Will being rich guarantee our happiness? Research actually shows that the richer we get, the less happy we become. According to researchers from Purdue University, “extra money may simply fuel desires such as pursuing more material gains and social comparisons, which could, ironically, lower well-being.” This proves the point that materialistic things hardly ever contribute to our long-term happiness and that money should never be our sole pursuit.
This is something to keep in mind when choosing a career path. If you want to have a fulfilling life, ask yourself what it is that truly makes you happy. If you have not found your true passion yet, that is okay! There is not a pressing deadline. Take your time to explore new opportunities. Finish your race at your own pace and stop comparing your journey to others’. Moreover, do not let materialistic desires get in your way of chasing your true dreams.
If you are a full-time college student who is struggling to find some “me” time and explore new opportunities, consider enrolling in an online college degree program. It will give you the flexibility to get your education, without having to be physically on campus every day. Use your college years to find the things you are passionate about and later build a career around them. By doing so, you will avoid the existential crisis that many college students goes through as a result of not being able to find their passions. Take this time to learn more about yourself.
Choosing a career path can be stressful. It’s no wonder that it takes a long time for many people to make their career decision. Do not let salary be the biggest factor in this process. Find what makes you happy because money cannot buy happiness but chasing your dreams can.
Comments are closed.