When Is Enough, Enough? Why We Always Chase More Money
💡 What are we really after?
It seems that in many careers, we start with a salary, and before long, we find ourselves chasing promotions or looking for higher-paying jobs. Often, this pursuit isn’t driven by a desire to embrace new responsibilities but simply to earn more.
🌱 Comfort vs. Satisfaction
Of course, we all want a certain level of comfort in life—financial security is important. But after a certain point, the quest for more money doesn’t lead to more happiness or fulfillment. We need to pause and ask ourselves why we want to earn more.
🤔 The Power of ‘Why?’
If your answer to “Why do I want to earn more?” is to buy something new or upgrade your lifestyle, the next important question to ask is: “Why do I want that?” Without reflection, we end up stuck in an endless rat race. As our incomes rise, so do our expenses, leaving us at square one.
✨ The Illusion of Happiness through Possessions
Yes, a higher income might mean nicer meals, better things, and upgraded experiences. But there’s a limit. After a certain point, that bigger house or faster car won’t bring lasting joy—just temporary satisfaction. The true danger lies in seeking more for external reasons—keeping up with the Joneses or meeting societal expectations.
🌍 External Validation vs. Inner Satisfaction
We live in a materialistic world that often measures success by how others perceive us. Because of that, many people chase higher salaries, not for personal fulfillment, but for the validation of others. And this is where dissatisfaction creeps in.
⛓ The Tradeoff: Time for Money
Higher salaries often come with longer working hours, increased stress, and less time for the things that truly matter. What’s the point of having a huge house you barely see? What’s the point of earning more if you spend all your time at work or on calls, even while on vacation?
💸 Money as a Tool for Freedom, Not Stuff
Money shouldn’t be about accumulating more things. For me, it’s a tool to buy freedom and options. There’s a point where “enough” allows me to work as much as I want, not because I have to, and still enjoy a comfortable life while being generous and never worrying about finances.
🚶♂️ Finding Your “Enough”
I believe we all have an “enough”—we just don’t often think about it. We get caught in the hamster wheel, chasing the next raise, the next step. But by reflecting on what “enough” means for you, it’s possible to step off the wheel and find a life of greater balance and fulfillment.
💭 Take a Moment to Reflect
What does “enough” look like for you? By pausing to reflect, you might discover that contentment is closer than you think.