The symbiotic relationship between passion and money

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In a seminar some time ago, we were asked what our greatest motivation for work was, and the attendees chorused in unison, declaring, "money." I found their response quite funny as it was revealing. Undoubtedly so, for most people, money serves as one of the greatest incentives to do work.

In such instances, financial stability becomes the drive on which many seek to earn a living, but what happens if, after employment, the salary becomes irregular or delayed? What happens when the paycheck seems financially inadequate or when the profit margin of a business is low? I do recognize the crucial role that money plays in our quest for financial stability and security.

However, I've come to realize that what brings about the drive to build a sustainable career is passion. It is worth noting that passion guarantees financial security as well as stability. It is that intrinsic fire that burns and fuels our dedication, thereby elevating our work experiences. More so, it compels us to pour our creativity and energy into what we do, which ultimately makes us not only the best but highly sought after in our field.

So we could see that passion is a ticket to success, which brings about the money that we seek. A few days ago my aunt called, and after asking about my well-being and that of my family, she delved into work. The first question she asked me was about salary expectations for a new job. I told her the least amount given my academic qualifications and work experiences, plus the persistent hike in the prices of goods and services.

When I was done talking, she took a deep breath and then informed me that the job slot she has is not paying as much as my expectations for a start, but it comes with accommodation and other benefits like a company car and yearly salary increment. Although the pay is more than what I receive currently, it doesn't offer as much opportunity as my current job, especially when it comes to employee development programs. It was on that ground that I declined my aunt's offer.

Looking back to the early days of my working years, I wouldn't have come this far if I had prioritized money or gotten involved in what I wasn't passionate about.

I tried running a business once, but I soon discovered that my passion wasn't there. Thus, when my profit margin started reducing drastically, I ended the business and went back to being employed.

Again, in my early years of just starting out as an employee, I worked several years below the minimum wage because that was the only way I could actively build experience for better salary expectations and futuristic opportunities. As difficult as life was then as a low-income earner, I kept pushing because I had passion for what I do.

At the time and up until this very moment, I see money as a long-term investment that grows with the value you create, and this is where passion comes in because, in the grand scheme of things, passion and money are intertwined.

In my opinion, I believe that for one to succeed and have a beautiful working experience, neither passion nor money should be sacrificed for the other.

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