I used to think one of the great things about having a lot of money was freedom, and I know I’m not alone in this. As Americans, we especially love the idea of freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to pursue liberty and happiness. Freedom is an amazing thing! But having been on the other side of financial freedom, I can tell you that there is a dark side: freedom can also be completely crippling! While basking in the sun all day on an island for the rest of your life sounds really appealing, I’ve found that it also erodes your sense of purpose and drive that got you there in the first place.

Although I have been a hard worker all my life I would not peak financial freedom until a few years. So what now? Freedom feels great, but I know from experience that it’s not the end all. May I suggest that what really matters is not freedom, but options. Having freedom in and of itself is worthless without options to pursue. If you are stuck in a job that you hate, but don’t have any savings, you have no options. As much as you want to quit that job, you can’t or you will end up on the street. As you build your financial muscle, more desirable career options open up. You don’t have to toil painfully, but you can choose options that give you more joy and fulfillment, even at the expense of what the world tells you that you should want.

Want to switch careers? Financial options let you do that. Want to take a much lower paid position at a non profit? A look at your financial options will inform your choice. Want to start your own company and not take a salary for 2 years? Financial options are your key to making that dream come true. The more financial options you have, the better equipped you are to find the specific career calling that will bring you lifetime fulfillment. To clarify, this doesn’t mean that you need to have enough saved up to comfortably retire! Even having sixth months of savings puts you substantially ahead of most people that live paycheck to paycheck.

As you build your financial muscle, more desirable career options open up. You don’t have to toil painfully, but you can choose options that give you more joy and fulfillment, even at the expense of what the world tells you that you should want. Want to switch careers? Financial options let you do that. Want to take a much lower paid position at a non profit? A look at your financial options will inform your choice. Want to start your own company and not take a salary for 2 years? Financial options are your key to making that dream come true. The more financial options you have, the better equipped you are to find the specific career calling that will bring you lifetime fulfillment. To clarify, this doesn’t mean that you need to have enough saved up to comfortably retire! Even having sixth months of savings puts you substantially ahead of most people that live paycheck to paycheck.

HOW WE HANDLE OUR FINANCES IS A REFLECTION OF HOW WE WILL HANDLE EVERYTHING ELSE.

I find that a lot of people have two opposing views on money. Some think that money is the root of all evil, and others think money is the key to a future of leisure. May I suggest that both of these extremes are unhealthy. Money isn’t evil, nor is it a key to freedom. What money gives you are options to redeem work in your life and allow you to explore opportunities that provide more purpose and fulfillment. And isn’t that what we all crave after all?

What financial options are you seeking in your life? Let me know in the comments section.

Ronne B.