The Perfect Salary for Happiness: $75,000 - The Wealth Report - WSJ.
I reference this article a lot when I'm talking to people about money, so it makes sense that I (finally) post it on my blog.
We often get caught up in money, costs, expenses, paychecks, and such. I'm not saying we shouldn't. After all, money does make the world work essentially. Without it, we'd have a whole host of other issues to solve.
What I am saying, though, is that money is not the sole thing that drives happiness. Or, in my opinion, it shouldn't be. I like to think a good yoga class, a page turner of a book, a good friend, a cup of coffee with a family member, or just a good walk down the street incite happiness. In fact, I'd say I get considerably more happiness from those things than a 20 dollar bill.
I'm certainly not underestimating the importance of money. Like you, I need money to pay my bills, feed myself and pay rent. So, I get it...money is still important. But too much money comes at a price. Often it comes at the price of excessively long work hours and stress, or perhaps strained relationships. Maybe it comes at the price of doing something you don't love for most of your waking hours. Whatever that price may be, it's got to all be balanced and weigh out in your head.
For me, I need to have time to "feed my bank" in order to not turn into a giant ball of stress. I need my hour long yoga class, time to occasionally watch the news, an opportunity to explore a new neighborhood on a day off, a night to enjoy some wine with friends. In truth, I don't need much time for this, but I need some. When I get it, I'm a better coworker, friend, family member, and person in general. I'm just better.
So, in the mean time, I'll continue to shoot for that $75,000 salary and enjoy the ride along the way.
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