MONEY vs PASSION

Dear MAx,

I am choosing to demote myself at work to have more time to volunteer in a field about which I am passionate. While it does mean less money coming in, I have been elated to serve my community in this manner.  I am so happy but when I explain to well-meaning friends and family members what I am doing they think that it is not a wise choice in this economy.  How can I best explain to people that I am choosing to live my dreams (even if it doesn't pay right now - what my job did)?

Annie

Dear Annie,

I would have to disagree that you have “demoted” yourself at work to have more time to follow your passion. I would say that you have actually “promoted” yourself. And, good for you!!

Living in a capitalistic society is like owning a double edge sword: on one side, we live with pride and enthusiasm knowing that we have the “right” to build wealth—which, has become known as “the American Dream”.  We want to have the big house, three cars, huge TV, fashionable clothes, travel, and spend, spend, spend. The unfortunate consequence of this model is that we create a society that confuses net worth for self worth.

On the other side of the sword according to Ayn Rand, “it allows people to be free to act in their rational self-interest.” Like you, Annie, following your passion in lieu of economic benefits. Or the many entrepreneurs presently holding our economy up with their passion for business.

Ironically, the highest achievers in their field are driven and motivated because of their passion not the profit to be gained. People like Bill and Melinda Gates and the Rockefeller families have become models of the new American Dream: building wealth then passionately distributing it around the world for the good of all.

I think all of the people mentioned above would agree with financial guru, Suze Orman, “When you understand that your self-worth is not determined by your net-worth, then you’ll have financial freedom.”

Volunteering is an altruistic activity that promotes a better quality of life for others. Volunteering is done when one person steps out of their daily routine and follows their passion to do what they truly love.

In any one year in the US, approximately 30 percent of our population, 16 years and over, offer their services without pay to improve their communities, help individuals that are down, or to answer a national disaster. These individuals contribute countless hours, and, they always seem to be there whenever they are needed.

Those close to you don’t always encourage following your passion through volunteering. There are family messages and belief systems that create a self-imposed work prison of “keep your nose to the grindstone” “work hard” “we need to keep up with the Joneses”. 

Stepping away from this type of early programming produces fear in those that shared these messages and belief with you. “Fear” of you being homeless, penniless, and viewed a failure by society.

My family is from hard working immigrant stock; a “work hard” group of people. I have a cousin who did everything right for herself and her family, which included two great sons, based on our immigrant beliefs and family messages. When the oldest son announced he was going to continue on with a masters program to be a writer, she went into that fear place. “How will he ever earn a living?” He sold his first book prior to completing graduate school. He is presently publishing his sixth book and has sold one of his books for a movie. HE followed his passion in spite of what his loving, well-meaning parents thought. HE followed his passion abandoning old family messages and beliefs.

To continue following your passion with joy and a sense of self-fulfillment you need to surround yourself with people that will support your belief that life is meant to be enjoyed.  Include in those close to you, those people that understand that life is a temporary assignment meant to be lived passionately. And, most of all, please include those people that believe that heroes don’t chase power and prosperity, they dance with life.

So, your question, Annie, “How can I best explain to people that I am choosing to live my dreams?”  Just know that passion driven people are purpose driven people; and, purpose driven people don’t need the approval of others. Stay in your awareness and know that you have found what others are searching for: the pursuit of happiness.

Be well on your journey.

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