This came up when I discussed my future plans with someone from my old old job (not the one I left this summer). I was explaining my "plans" for the future and she basically told me to "adjust" my plans.
I will not get into how some people set low expectations for themselves and others, that is for another time.
As a person of generally average means, I cannot understand why "money" would not make me happier. Mind you I say "average" because I am counting my money that I have earned, not money that my parents earned or will leave to me.
Who said "money can't buy happiness"? Who came up with that?
When I was younger I accepted this saying as wisdom from my elders. Now I imagine this "saying" is something "the 99%" came up with to make us feel better about our situation in life.
Many of us in our twenties have heard this bullsh*t advice, about money not buying happiness, time and time again. We hear it in college, we hear it when we get to the "real world", we hear it in music, movies etc. People love to praise the "simple" life and tell us how money "complicates" things.
Meanwhile, I see only evidence to support the idea that money does buy happiness.
For example, when I was in college I was a broke college student. Part of this was my fault because my desire for independence, prevented me from asking my parents for money once I started sophomore year. Also, my parents would insist on checking debit card statements and always wanted to know why I had ordered takeout or gone to a movie when I should have been eating campus food and studying.
I literally lived paycheck to paycheck sometimes. On-campus work can only go so far. Luckily, I did not have to pay rent (I lived in the dorms) or pay too many bills. Would having more money then have made me happier? Hell, yes.
Or, consider my current situation. I get to be an "adult" because of money. If my mom and dad do not like something I do, they are free to voice their opinions but I do not have to listen to them. Why? Because their money will not be paying for any of it.
So we know money can buy you independence from your parents which, for me, equals happiness and a better relationship with my parents.
What else do we know money can buy?
Well it can get you an apartment with a lake view instead of a questionable apartment in a dangerous part of the city. Yes, I am talking about my new apartment here.
It gets you an expensive car with safety features that can save your life if you are ever caught in a pile up on a Japanese highway. Remember that story?
It allows you to help people, if they need your help or you are so inclined, without putting yourself in a bad situation.
It means being able to experience things that you would not be able to if you were living the "uncomplicated" life.
Do all these things, and others that money can help with, not cause happiness?
I confess I am an aspiring 1 percenter (maybe even 0.5 percenter who knows). That might explain my disbelief in the saying. These days it seems as if striving for money is a bad thing, what with Occupy Wall Street.
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| True talk |
I would not say I "love" money. I would say that I have Ambition (with a capital A) and "middle class" will not do it for me for very long. I am willing and able to put in the work to get to where I want to be.
There are people who can be happy without "money". I am not one of those people and I do not know anyone like that.
It is great to be self aware, non?
Will I be happier
The saying needs to be amended. It should be, Money can't buy happiness for everyone.
I actually wrote this post last month but did not publish it. It is a bit late, but better late than never!
Also, I love the song "Blackout" by Breathe Carolina. I have had this on repeat for the last week!
Biko...who said money cannot buy happiness? i'm at a stage in my life where money seems to be the only thing on my mind...show me the money!