In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are conditioned to believe that work is primarily about earning a living and accumulating wealth. we chase higher salaries, promotions, and bonuses, thinking that these are the ultimate goals of our professional lives. but what if we’ve been viewing work from the wrong perspective?
The truth is, we are not meant to work solely for money. instead, we are designed to work for purpose. when we shift our focus from financial rewards to a sense of purpose, we unlock the potential for greater fulfillment, creativity, and impact. money becomes a byproduct of the value we create when we align our work with our passions, talents, and the needs of others.
This article will explore why pursuing purpose-driven work leads to deeper satisfaction and how we can balance our financial responsibilities with a meaningful career.
You’ll learn practical steps to discover your purpose, redefine your career goals, and make a lasting impact on the world around you. It’s time to rethink why we work—not just for financial survival but for living out our purpose.
HIGHLIGHTED WORDS TO UNDERSTAND:
• WORK
• MONEY
• PURPOSE
• DREAM JOB (DOING WHAT YOU LOVE AND THE MOTIVATION BEHIND)
• FULFILMENT
• SUCCESS
• WEALTH
WHAT IS MONEY
1. Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates the buying and selling of goods and services.
2. Money serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment. in its simplest form, money represents an agreed-upon value that people use to trade for goods and services, rather than relying on barter systems.
3. Over time, money has evolved from physical forms like coins and paper currency to digital formats such as bank deposits and cryptocurrencies. while its primary function is to facilitate transactions, money also plays a role in measuring wealth, economic growth, and individual financial security
WHAT IS PURPOSE
Purpose is a deeply held sense of meaning or direction that drives an individual’s actions, decisions, and life goals. it is often tied to one’s values, passions, and desires to make a positive impact in the world or to fulfill a specific role. purpose gives people a reason to strive, endure challenges, and work towards something greater than themselves. in a broader sense, purpose extends beyond self-interest, providing a sense of fulfillment that often comes from contributing to something that aligns with one’s beliefs or benefits others, whether through personal relationships, careers, or societal contributions.
WHAT IS DREAM JOB
A dream job is a role or career that aligns perfectly with an individual’s passions, skills, values, and aspirations. it typically provides a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and excitement, making work feel meaningful and enjoyable rather than just a means to earn a living. a dream job often includes opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and work-life balance, and it may also offer financial security or freedom. for some, a dream job may involve working in a field they are passionate about, such as art, technology, education, or social work, while for others, it could be a role that allows them to make a significant impact or contribution to society.
WHAT IS FULFILMENT?
• Fulfillment is the feeling of deep satisfaction and contentment that comes from achieving personal goals, living in alignment with one’s values, and finding meaning in one’s actions. It often arises when individuals feel that their lives or work have purpose, significance, and contribute positively to their own growth or to the lives of others.
• Unlike temporary happiness or pleasure, fulfillment is a sustained sense of well-being that stems from pursuing long-term goals, personal development, and meaningful relationships. It’s often associated with living authentically and making choices that resonate with who you truly are.
WHAT IS SUCCESS?
• Success is the achievement of goals or the attainment of desired outcomes, often measured by personal, professional, or societal standards. It varies from person to person, as what constitutes success can differ based on individual values, aspirations, and circumstances. For some, success may be defined by material wealth, career achievements, or recognition, while for others, it might be about personal growth, happiness, meaningful relationships, or contributing to the well-being of others.
• Ultimately, success is subjective and can include external accomplishments as well as internal fulfillment, such as living in alignment with one’s purpose and values.
WHAT IS WEALTH?
• Wealth refers to the abundance of valuable resources or possessions, typically measured in terms of money, assets, investments, or property. It signifies financial stability and the ability to afford a comfortable lifestyle, meet future needs, and provide security for oneself and one’s family.
• However, I define as wealth to be material(financial stability) and non-material forms, such as knowledge, health, relationships, and experiences, which contribute to a person’s overall well-being and fulfillment. In this broader sense, wealth is about living a life of abundance not only in financial terms but also in personal, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
COMBINING ALL KEY WORDS
• Why I must not work money but purpose(motivation to build a career).
Ecclesiastes. 5;10-12
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
1 Timothy 6:9
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Psalm 127:2
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Here are some key reasons to work for purpose rather than just for money:
• Long-Term Fulfillment: Working for purpose brings a deep sense of satisfaction and meaning, as you’re contributing to something that aligns with your
values and passions. Money alone often leads to short-term happiness but may lack the fulfillment that purpose provides.
• Increased Motivation and Engagement: When you’re driven by a purpose, you tend to be more motivated, energized, and dedicated to your work. This
passion helps you stay focused and resilient, even during challenging times.
• Greater Impact: Purpose-driven work allows you to make a positive difference, whether it’s improving others’ lives, solving societal problems, or
advancing meaningful causes. This impact can be more rewarding than financial gain alone.
• Personal Growth: Focusing on purpose encourages continuous learning and personal development. It pushes you to challenge yourself, expand your
skills, and grow in ways that pursuing money alone might not inspire.
• Work-Life Balance: People who work for purpose often find a better balance between their professional and personal lives, as their work is aligned with
their personal values and passions, making it feel less like a chore and more like a natural extension of themselves.
• Sustainable Success: Money-driven work can lead to burnout or a lack of fulfillment over time, while purpose-driven work is more likely to sustain long-
term success and happiness because it provides intrinsic motivation.
• Attraction of Opportunities: When you work for purpose, you attract like-minded people and opportunities that align with your goals. This can lead to
collaborations, partnerships, and growth that go beyond what financial incentives alone can offer.
• Legacy and Contribution: Working for purpose leaves a lasting impact. You build a legacy of contribution and meaning, which is far more enduring and fulfilling than merely accumulating wealth.
• In the end, while money is important for security and stability, working for purpose provides a more holistic, meaningful approach to life and career.
“Money must work, not me working for money” reflects the idea that rather than continuously trading your time and effort for income, you should use
money as a tool to generate wealth and financial freedom. Here’s a breakdown of what it means:
• Leveraging Investments: Instead of relying solely on active income (salary from a job), this philosophy encourages investing money in assets like
stocks, real estate, or businesses that generate passive income. In this way, your money “works” for you by growing over time or providing a return,
reducing the need for you to work endlessly for money.
• Financial Independence: The goal is to reach a point where your investments or assets generate enough income to cover your expenses. This creates financial independence, meaning you no longer have to work just to meet your financial needs, and can choose to work based on passion or purpose instead.
• Value of Time: Working just for money often results in a trade-off of your most valuable resource—time. When your money works for you, you
free up time to focus on things that matter, like personal development, relationships, or meaningful pursuits.
• Smart Financial Planning: This mindset encourages budgeting, saving, and investing wisely so that your financial resources are working
efficiently to build wealth. It’s about making your money generate more money through compound interest, dividends, or business growth, rather than simply accumulating income from active work.
• Entrepreneurial Thinking: Many entrepreneurs adopt this approach by creating businesses or systems that generate money without requiring
them to be involved in every aspect of operations. They build structures where money flows in, even when they are not physically working.
• This concept advocates using your financial resources strategically so that they generate more wealth, offering you freedom and security, and shifting the focus away from constantly working for a paycheck.
LEO MESSI’S CONTRACT TO AL HILAL
• Lionel Messi was reportedly offered a contract worth around $400 million to $500 million per year by Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. This substantial offer was part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia to attract top international talent to their league and boost the profile of their domestic soccer competitions. Despite this lucrative offer, Messi chose to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) for $20 million a year.
• Lionel Messi’s Reasons for rejecting $500 million a year for $20 million a year:
1. Professional Goals: Messi had strong professional ambitions, including playing in high-level European competitions and
continuing his career in a context that matched his competitive spirit and skill level. His decision to join Inter Miami in Major League
Soccer (MLS) was driven by the opportunity to continue playing at a high standard while also embracing new challenges and
contributing to the growth of soccer in the U.S.
2. Personal and Family Considerations: Messi’s family life and personal preferences also played a significant role. He and his
family had settled in Europe, and moving to Saudi Arabia would have involved significant adjustments. Additionally, Messi’s desire
to stay close to his family and ensure their comfort likely influenced his decision.
3. Legacy and Impact: Messi’s choice to join MLS instead of moving to Saudi Arabia allowed him to contribute to the growth
of soccer in a new market and leave a different kind of legacy. His move to MLS is seen as a way to elevate the profile of soccer in
the U.S. and inspire the next generation of players in that region.
• Overall, Messi’s decision reflects a balance between his professional aspirations, personal life, and the broader impact he wanted
to make in his career.
MONEY WITH SUICIDE
Several celebrities who have tragically committed suicide had significant net worths,
which often highlighted the complexity of mental health struggles despite outward
success. Here are a few notable examples:
• Robin Williams: The acclaimed actor and comedian had a net worth of
around $50 million at the time of his death in 2014. Williams struggled with severe
depression and Parkinson’s disease before his suicide.
• Kate Spade: The fashion designer, known for her eponymous brand, had
a net worth of about $200 million. She took her own life in 2018, amid personal
struggles and mental health issues.
• Anthony Bourdain: The celebrity chef and travel documentarian had a net
worth estimated at $16 million. Bourdain died by suicide in 2018, despite his
successful career and public persona.
• Chris Cornell: The lead vocalist of Soundgarden and Audioslave had a net
worth of around $60 million. He died by suicide in 2017, and his death was linked to
mental health issues and substance abuse.
• Kurt Cobain: The Nirvana frontman had an estimated net worth of about
$50 million at the time of his death in 1994. Cobain struggled with depression and
addiction, which were factors in his suicide.
• These cases proves the reality that money does not end life struggles, mental health
can affect anyone, regardless of their financial status or public success. Therefore
wealth( health and (freedom) is more greater than just financial gain and stability