Money Psychology 7: Freedom
Money’s greatest intrinsic value is its ability to give you control over your time. Control over doing what you want, with the people you want to, is the broadest lifestyle variable that makes people happy. More than your salary. More than the size of your house. More than the prestige of your job.
A small amount of wealth means the ability to take a few days off work when you’re sick without breaking the bank. A bit more means waiting for a good job to come around after you get laid off, rather than having to take the first one you find. Six months’ emergency expenses means not being terrified of your boss. You can take some time off to find a new job. More still means the ability to take a job with lower pay but flexible hours.
So, earn, work hard, but don’t become a slave to your work. Controlling your time is the highest dividend money pays.
[The Psychology of Money: Lessons 7 of 18]
Want book summaries, content tips and occasional hugs in your inbox?