Money and meaning. Money OR meaning.

If you could choose big huge wobbly piles of money OR a life full of purpose and self-expression, which would you pick?

Yes, I’m aware that you want both.

I’m not saying you can’t have both.

But when resources (time, cash, attention) are limited, you might have to choose: lots of one, only a taste of the other.

Take your time on this, it’s an important question.

Which comes first: building money, or building meaning?

Here’s why I’m asking.

I have a suspicion that’s it’s easier to add more money to a meaning-making business than it is to add meaning to a money-making business.

What do you think?

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9 Comments - What do YOU think?
  • http://www.timothyjohnsoniii.com Timothy Johnson III

    If the business truly has meaning for you, gets you jumping out of bed in the morning, and is something people need & want from you, then, you have a meaningful business. If you’re really good and passionate about what you do, then, well, the money should eventually start to begin pouring in.

    I think Catherine, you’re right, that it’s vitally important that you have a meaningful business, as opposed to simply making money. Money, in and of itself, is a means to various ends, but without meaning, the job/opportunity, will become boring and burdensome, and eventually, you’ll be looking for something else to light your fire.

  • Mike Korner

    And you won’t want to get out of bed in the morning :(

    p.s. I agree with Timothy!

  • https://CashAndJoy.com Catherine Caine

    You’ve neatly summed up why I made this website. :)

  • https://CashAndJoy.com Catherine Caine

    That’s why I’M here, for sure!

  • http://kirstyhall.co.uk/blog/ Kirsty Hall

    I have no problem with meaning, I have bucketfuls of meaning sitting around the house going mouldy! :-) I am a little hazier on the money side of things.

  • https://CashAndJoy.com Catherine Caine

    But you are making super-duper progress. And when you’re there you’ll be much happier.

  • http://kirstyhall.co.uk/blog/ Kirsty Hall

    Thanks, I know I’m making huge strides, although I’m aware there’s still a lot way to go before I have a totally solvent business. But hey, it’s definitely moving in an upwards direction.

  • http://www.anencouragingbird.com BirdyD

    From the reading I’ve done, as well as what I’d like to be true, I agree with you.

    Meaning above all.

    But the major leap for me is from finding out that you don’t have to choose.

    Not really.

    Not if you stick to your truth, personally & professionally.
    (Once you discover it, of course, which can be quite the sticking point.)

  • https://CashAndJoy.com Catherine Caine

    That part always, always takes time. It might be the explanation for the Dip, even.