Money Money Money

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was reading What Should I Do with My Life? by Po Bronson. I’m just finishing up the book and today it really unleashed some internal questions for me. Basically, this book is a compilation of stories of numerous individuals’ lives and their careers. The author is pretty objective; he basically just recounts the various ways in which people have obtained success and fulfillment- which means something different for each person.

Today, I read a story about a man named Mark, who was making $250,000 a year as a VP for Wells Fargo. He essentially just up and quit his job one day because he felt uninteresting and unfulfilled. His career was basically the only thing he had going for him. This type of “revelation” is common throughout the book. However, what intrigued me about this story is that after a few years of pursuing a more “meaningful” calling, Mark realized that he had left behind the best thing he ever had. Ultimately, he found another great paying, corporate job and returned to living a life of luxury.

Throughout this book, many of the individuals examined, come to reject materialism in order to pursue something that they feel gives their life more meaning. I have to admit, as a young person trying to succeed in New York City, many of these stories are hard for me to relate to. Growing up in America, we’re exposed to so much wealth and so many opportunities. It seems only natural to desire money, power and success. Of course I want to be a Vice President of a major corporation. Of course I want to wear designer clothes. Of course I want to own a fancy condo in a Manhattan luxury high-rise. Is there something wrong with that? Should I feel shallow and one-dimensional for my pursuits? When I compare Mark’s story to many of the other people in this book, he certainly seems a bit less honorable.

Nevertheless, I think I can rationalize my drive to succeed and my materialistic nature. What I’m choosing to take from this book is that for me, it’s okay to want fame, fortune and success as long as I maintain a certain level of balance in my life. I can’t let myself forget about relationships; or forget about my passions, forget about reading books, or forget about the world. Money/salary should not be my only measure of respect or accomplishment. And most importantly, I shouldn’t work myself to death just to make money- it’s not like I can take it with me to the grave. I know deep down inside that money can’t buy happiness. But that doesn’t mean I won’t work hard. And it doesn’t make it wrong for me to like nice things… like the super cute Trovata seersucker check shirt I bought today! ( :