Friday, November 07, 2008

Where's My Money Tree?



“Don't you worry there my honey

We might not have any money

But we've got our love to pay the bills”

That was some of the lyrics from the song “You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson. Hmmm…Can you survive on love alone or is it all about the money, all about the dum dum dum dum dum dum?

I posted the lyrics on my FB status and I’ve got some interesting comments. Some went “aaaaaawwwwwww…” but others have pretty strong opinions about how important money is and that you can’t live on love alone. To each his/her own I guess. Some people are fairly content earning less income in a job that they love like working for the NGOs. Some doesn’t mind slaving themselves in the office for a 5 figure salary. Is there a balance to all of this?

We are presented with choices everyday when it comes to earning or spending money.

If you were given a choice to work overseas like in Sudan or Iraq and earn a 5 figure salary but your spouse refuse to come with you, would you still go ahead and accept the job? Would you be willing to leave your spouse and kids behind? Some would say you’re being very noble to make that sacrifice for your family. But is it worth it? Are you being noble or selfish?

It’s all comes down to making the right decision for yourself. I know we can’t live on love alone. That only happens in a fairy tales. But I would like to think that I would rather live moderately and enjoy the simple things in life than working to death just to earn a 5 figure salary.

At the end of the day, you won’t be able to enjoy all that money anyway if you’re forever stressed out. Your partner will also be stressed out looking at you stressing out. You would eventually drop dead. And that ain’t fun at all.

Have a good weekend everyone!