One of my Business school professors once posed this question that sent half the class in a tizzy.
“I would like you to assume for a moment that you have enough to feed your family and take care of their ever-increasing expenses. I am not saying you fancy a bigass inheritance because in that scenario, you – most people – would choose to do nothing.
So what career would you take up if the money part is taken care of? What would be your dream job or business?”
There were some who were quite clear in their head where they wanted to be in life – with money or without. Others were less so.
Professor made his point clear: “Only a few of you would cling to your dreams and put your heart and soul into realizing them, others would go with the flow. “
After more than a decade, as I sit at my reading desk and mull over his words, I can’t stop imagining how right he was.
Once you get used to the arrival of gravy train last day of every month, you close down your options. You stick to a job even if you feel disenfranchised and unfulfilled. You stop taking risks and settle for the path of least resistance.
Financial security becomes an all-encompassing undertaking so much so that it leaves you shackled.
You become scared of the judgment of others.
Numerous studies show that close to two-thirds of employees are bored, jaded and ready to sabotage plans, projects, and other people. This makes no sense to me.
Why do so many of us accept unsatisfying work, high levels of stress, looming burnout, and chronic unhappiness? Why don’t we just pack our bags and move on to a place that at least aligns with our life goals? The reason, you guessed it, is money.
This brings me back to the topic of this post.
If money wasn’t a problem, what would be your dream job?
Do let me know your thoughts in the comments box below.
I always wanted to train animals at Seaworld as a kid. That was before I knew the ethical problems of it, but yeah. Maybe now I think I’d like to be a tour guide of something I’m passionate about.