Hey, it looks like I’m appearing more consistently this time on InLeo, and I hope it stays that way. I like to think about the rebranding they're trying here. Today, I'm addressing a topic that might spark some debate, but let me ask you: Money = Happiness?
Money and happiness are two concepts that have always intrigued me since I grew up in a lower-middle-class family where we never lacked the basics, but there were no excesses either. My parents always emphasized the importance of living within our means and valued experiences over material possessions. Maybe this upbringing shaped my view on the relationship between money and happiness. In my youth, I believed that happiness was directly linked to money. I saw friends with brand-name clothes, new cars, and photos in amazing places, and I thought that if I had those things, I would be happier. But today, I realize that this is such a complex thing to explain. Money is just a facilitator.
Yes, that's right, it allows you to have security, which is fundamental for any sense of well-being, or the peace of mind knowing that the bills are paid, that if something unexpected happens, you have an emergency fund. This is undeniably comforting. I also think that money can buy time, in a way, the famous phrase time is money. If you have resources, you can delegate tasks you don't like, such as cleaning the house or gardening, and use that time to do something that truly brings you joy.
However, saying that money is everything would be a mistake on my part.
I remember a specific moment that made me reflect on this for a long time. I was in a job that paid very well, but after a while, I hated it. It was a night shift, so the long hours feeling sleepy, the constant pressure, and the lack of meaning left me exhausted and unhappy. During this period, I realized that there's no point in having money if most of your time is spent on something that drains your energy and joy. That’s when I decided to make a drastic change. I left that job and accepted a position that paid less, but that allowed me to work without exhaustion or losing my weekends.
I hate working on Saturdays and Sundays.
Another important aspect I consider is how money is used. In my case, the remainder that’s left after paying the bills, I try to invest in some way, whether in crypto or stocks. I’ve seen people spend fortunes on material goods that, in the long run, do not bring lasting happiness, and I’m not talking about cars. On the other hand, spending on experiences like trips, courses, or even meals at nice restaurants tends to bring deeper satisfaction. This is because these experiences create memories, enrich our lives, and often connect us with other people.
In the end, I believe the key is in balance and self-awareness. Understanding what truly brings happiness to you and using money as a tool to achieve that without becoming a slave to it. In my case, I’ve discovered that true happiness comes from a balance between having enough to live comfortably and doing what I love, surrounded by the people who matter to me.
So, how much money is necessary for happiness?
For me, the answer is enough to live without constant worries, but not so much that it becomes the sole purpose of life. It’s about finding that point where money serves you, and not the other way around.