Jul 18 2008
Money vs. Happiness
I guess something along the lines of the previous post is the salary versus enjoyment question. I hear that some people have a hard time with this one. Which I can understand.
I’m just out of college so I haven’t had time to amass major debts and bills. No kids, no car, no mortgage, no major medical issues leeching my money away. Often I live paycheck to paycheck, but I always get my rent paid on time so I figure I’m doing good. I don’t really need much more than that.
The most I’ve ever been paid has been $10 per hour. After years of minimum wage and the glory that was New York State’s increase to $7, I said, “Ten bucks an hour! Wowza! I’m in the money!” But that was when I was working for aka Meryl Streep, who would say, “We’re not making enough money this month; you need to work fewer hours!” And she drove me crazy. Absolutely bonkers. It was a combination of her ADD, her cultural perspective (high-caste Indian), and her lack of respect for my knowledge, experience, and general personhood.
So I had to sit myself down and say, “Self, is ten bucks an hour worth all this anxiety, frustration, and homicidal thoughts? Will I have more peace of mind with less money or less Meryl?”
I quit, and I’ll never look back. I’m making less money, sure. But my insomnia’s gone. The permanent crick in my lower back is gone. The latest I will ever work is 7pm. And when I get home, I still have the energy and willpower to paint, watch a movie, clean the living room, etc.
Oh, and since I’m working for an actual established company now, I have health insurance.
