Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Recently, I have been thinking through a new approach to money.
I am still working it through in my mind, and I’m a bit hesitant to write about it here. But I think this community can help add perspective.
My new, guiding philosophy towards work and income is this, “If I wouldn’t do it for free, I won’t do it for money.”
I realize, in many ways, this is an idealistic view of the world. But I am starting to wonder if this approach is more available to us than we think.
Still, it feels to me, at times, this statement comes from a place of privilege. And I will readily admit that. I grew up in a middle-class family that provided stability, support, and opportunity. I do not have unpaid medical bills on my desk from an unexpected surgery. I am not a single parent trying to raise my kids despite a deadbeat spouse. Nor was my position downsized due to unexpected corporate layoffs during the last recession.
I am fortunate to work a job I love and live in a country that provides me the freedom to do so. This is not something I take for granted.
I realize there are circumstances (sometimes caused by others) when we are called to selflessly sacrifice for our family. And I recognize there are certain seasons of life when we may be required to do work that we do not enjoy simply because there are people counting upon us to do so.
I just wonder if those situations are less common than we think.
18 months ago, I transitioned into promoting minimalism as my full-time job. And I am grateful for each passing month that I continue to do so (if you’d like to know more about how we accomplished that, you can find detailed information here). Somewhere along the way, I made a conscious decision that I would only pursue projects that I wanted to pursue. If I wouldn’t do it for free, I wouldn’t do it for money.
Probably, most significantly, is my approach to speaking. Despite an ever-increasing schedule, I continue to not charge a fee for my presentations—asking only for travel and accommodations to be covered. Most public speakers tell me I am crazy and that goes against every rule in the book.
“Set a fee,” they tell me. “Nobody will take you seriously if you don’t. A set fee allows you to offer a ‘discount’ to help close the deal with a potential client.”
But I see it very differently. Because I do not have a speaking fee, I can never be bought. I am never obligated to speak or attend an event just because somebody is willing to pay the price. Instead, each request is considered and weighed individually. Is it a good opportunity to promote minimalism? Is it an organization I believe in? Is the opportunity worth the investment? And while financial compensation is typically offered (or requested for long-term commitments), it is never the deciding factor. If I wouldn’t do it for free, I won’t do it for money.
I have adopted this approach to speaking, but also to every project I choose to pursue.
Our time should not be governed by the amount of money promised, but by the desires of our heart.
As I continue to pursue this approach, I have identified some specific thoughts towards life that must be present in the person who adopts it.
1. Hard work is not to be feared.
If the inherent joy found in work is not appreciated in somebody’s life, this approach will always crumble. We must appreciate work for the sake of work, not just for the financial compensation that arises from it.
There is something to be appreciated about working hard. We were designed to enjoy the process. We find fulfillment in it. It is satisfying to lie in bed at night with a tired body that has been both active and productive.
2. Work is not always enjoyable.
With any job, there are aspects of work that are frustrating and difficult—even with the greatest dream job in the world. I am not encouraging anyone to relinquish perseverance or to refuse pushing through the difficult parts of work.
For example, I love writing, but the process can be very difficult at times. I am able to persevere because the work results in something I am proud to have produced. Even though I would do it for free, I know there will be difficult moments along the way.
3. Life pursuits can not be purely selfish.
Those who believe they will find enjoyment entertaining only selfish desires will never survive under this approach to work. Ultimately, we must see our lives and work as opportunity for contribution—an opportunity to offer our talents and skills to a community of people who need them.
If you are entirely self-seeking in your approach to life and only enjoy pursuits that benefit your own self, this approach to doing what you love will only suffice in the short-term. Lounging each day on the beach for the rest of your life is not the answer.
4. This approach rings more true for those willing to live with less.
Because I have adopted a philosophy that says, “I will only do it for money if I would do it free,” I have turned down several, significant money-making opportunities. But I don’t mind because I have learned to enjoy less. As a result, my needs and views of money have changed dramatically over the past 6 years.
I am certainly not against being compensated for work, but pursuing riches is no longer a driving goal of mine. I don’t need the money and I don’t want the money.
Instead, I want to live a deliberate life that focuses on my strengths and passions and invites others to rethink the role of possessions in their life.
5. This approach does not necessarily require a new job.
I think, at first reading, this sounds as if I am urging everybody to quit their soul-crushing day job and try to monetize their passion. But that could not be further from the truth. Instead, I would push people to reconsider their views on their current employment.
I have a friend who works at a bank providing agricultural loans to local farmers. He’s really good at it. He helps farmers think deeper about their budgeting and their business plan for success. Then, he equips each of them with the resources they need to plant seed in the spring and bring in the harvest in the fall. This, I believe, is important work. And while some days, he probably wishes he could leave it all behind and golf every day instead, maybe, in actuality, if he looked a little bit deeper, he would realize that he really does enjoy his job.
It is fulfilling for him to help farmers succeed at what they do. Maybe, he would do this for free if given the chance. And just maybe this ideal is a little bit closer to reality than he originally thought.
Ultimately, I offer this philosophy not as a presciption for your life, but as a description of mine. Our seasons of life differ. But I still hope it has spurred new thoughts in yours.
Pamela says
Money is and always has been a secondary reason for doing my job. I love what I do, and I feel that if I do a good job, the money will come. I’m never going to get rich, but that isn’t even on the list of “why I do what I do”.
We all want to feel that what we spend our life hours doing matters, somewhere along the way, and that we aren’t just wasting our time or feeding the corporate money pit. I think that somewhere within many jobs that seem soulless or unrewarding there is some ‘good’ reason for them–your banker who helps farmers with loans is a great example. You may have to search to find that reason, but finding it may also help you get more satisfaction out of your job.
Thanks for another great article, as usual you are on the right track.
Absolutely Tara says
I so enjoy your writing. You are articulate, inspirational, and humble. I love your approach to life, and how you analyze your next steps.
I love that you validated those who don’t have the luxury to “choose”, but also validated your desire to choose. And I think you are onto something here.
Bravo.
-Tara
Kathy says
I have worked at my job for almost 45 years. I have stayed at my job because I truly love what I do. Has it always been enjoyable? NO! There is always bumps in the road. When I have talked to my friends about something that bugs me about work or a person at work, guess what the grass is not always greener across the fence. Better the devil you know.
Annette Gartland says
I love the work that I do as an independent journalist, and, in one way or another, the Universe is supporting me to keep doing it. I chose a couple of years ago to become a nomad. I have neither a house nor a car, and I keep my belongings as minimal as I can. I spend what I need to, but don’t waste money. I spend most of my time in Asia, where the cost of living is cheaper than it was for me in Europe.
All this gives me the space to write articles that I would hope have a true value. I do sometimes think that I’m crazy, sitting up until the early hours writing about those fighting for reform in Malaysia, or devoting so much of my time producing articles about the work done by those dedicated to environmental conservation and wildlife protection. Most of my writing, and the work I do on my website, is done for no financial reward, but there is great fulfilment in what I do.
I rarely get paid for my articles these days, and, when I do get paid, the rates are atrociously low, but I plough on, knowing there is a sense to it all. I am often frustrated by the state of journalism and the exploitation of writers, but there is no point in letting that bog me down.
I am privileged in so many ways, and am very lucky to have savings and no dependents, but I do think my choices have brought me luck and support. I like the expression “living a deliberate life”. Too often, people live unconsciously and allow themselves to be pushed or pulled in directions that don’t fulfil them. It is so much about choice.
I agree that circumstances can often curb a person’s freedom to follow his or her heart, but I think we need to be vigilant that we are not imposing our own restrictions on ourselves; avoiding making the choices that would bring us real happiness and bring benefit to others.
I met someone yesterday who made me question what I am doing as this person is getting very well paid for what he is doing. However, I noticed how cynical he is, and I know that I could never “go corporate” as he has.
I have also turned down many money-making opportunities because they went against my principles, and I am happy I did that. “If I wouldn’t do it for free, I won’t do it for money” is a great approach. While I of course want to be compensated financially for my work at least some of the time so that my savings don’t get completely used up, I am very happy that the fees for a job are not what drive me. Telling the stories. Getting messages out into the world. Highlighting important campaigns. Giving a voice to those who are unheard elsewhere. These are the things that drive me.
All this is a lengthy way of saying that I agree, Joshua; those of us who can (and many more of us can than we might think) need to be pursuing the road that is still less travelled, doing the things we thought were only dreams; and helping others into the bargain. Working because we love it, not just because it pays the bills.
Deborah says
I’m totally with you on this. Born and raised in England I lived in Canada for a good while and found myself divorced and trying really hard to provide for my two sons on work which fitted around their schedule with their dad. This after 7 years of no work as we agreed it was more important to stay home with the kids. Maybe I said so and he just didn’t disagree.
I never earned much after we separated. Often not enough to feed them after I paid rent on a 2 bed apt so they had a place to stay. Their dad had his family around who, while not wealthy, were certainly comfortable and had a place on a lake. My boys stayed with their dad and step-mum – a lot! Their dad didn’t like paying child support. I waived alimony. And after 2 years I told him to stick it. I probably shouldn’t have done that.
I didn’t want to start a new family and replace my sons. I didn’t want to work so hard and long I wasn’t available to them. I read books -from the library – on loss and living an authentic life. Kids are in their early 20s now. I returned to the UK broke financially, spiritually and emotionally. I guess I wasn’t much fun to be around when life was just about survival.
But I mended. I never believed I owned my kids or had the right to take them away from their Canadian dad and the only home they had ever known. They made the choice to stay. I have worked in every dive for every shyster in the book. I sold cars for a company that stabbed me in the back. Long story. worked at McDonalds and Tim Hortons just to pay the bills and was happy to do so.
Now I’m self employed and I write and present funeral services customised around the wishes and beliefs of the deceased and their family.
My second husband works 3 days a week since he finished paying child support, long before we met. We hike with our dog. We have lunch with his dad most weeks. I support my Mum with Alzheimers in every way I can despite the 2 hour drive each way. We’re taking both of our parents to Scotland in June for a week in a cottage, near my Mum’s brother who has just moved there to be close to his daughter.
My children haven’t really cottoned on and don’t talk to me. I hope there’s time for them to wake up but that’s their journey, not mine.
Life is not all about me. It’s not about the next vacation or how much I get paid. We live modestly but with love and that’s the difference. I believe we’re here to help one another through in whatever way we can.
There is more to life than money. I’ve volunteered in palliative care and it is so rewarding. So is telling the story of people’s lives although sometimes it sucks the life out of me. Especially when the story is close to my life and sob story. But I love it. And it helps the families get through.
One of my sisters wouldn’t do anything for free. She’s not lazy, far from it, and works really hard. It’s difficult not to judge. I think she’s missing a trick.
I love a saying I saw on Facebook recently. ‘Kindness is love with it’s work boots on’. I strive always to be kind. What else is there?
Greg Z says
Thank you for sharing your thoughts as they evolve Joshua. It seems that if we can get the spirit of this philosophy correct, perhaps over time, the details will work themselves out. Looking forward to reading more.
Travis says
Thanks Joshua. Beautiful article. I have created, and am living a life, that can’t be bought. I would offer two things to your article.
1. Doing what you love will be in alignment with your core values/calling. Find them. What will leave you restless with excitement and not feel like work
2. I believe that the thing you love will somehow be ‘of service’. Perhaps to people, the environment, animals etc etc. I love this quote from Tolstoy ‘Man finds happiness only in serving his neighbour. And he finds it here because in rendering service to his neighbour, he is in communion with the divine spirit that lives within them’
I live in a wonderful country, New Zealand. If you ever want to visit I would happily organise a speaking engagement to try to offset some/all of your expenses
Darren says
I like the premise for sure. I find in my current 9 to 5 role, that there are very few activities that I would do do for free. And I agree that this is a problem for me. So I am on a search for something new, something with more meaning that will give me that spark of enthusiasm that I haven’t had in my work for some time now. I am branching out, trying my hand at blogging, and learning about blogs. Also I am pursuing other job opportunities but have to be careful not to change just for the sake of change.
Darren
thecleaneatingvegan.com/tcev
karen says
I think this is a great philosophy to live by. I often think ‘if I was rich tomorrow and didn’t have to work what would I do?’ The answer is often not what you think and this provides the starting point for me to think about what I really want to be doing. But I am more and more coming to the conclusion that WHAT we do in terms of a job doesn’t actually matter that much but more HOW we do it. What really matters is the small and significant ways we live our lives every day no matter what the work we choose, the kind word spoken, the help given to someone in need, the choice to not take offense but rather to continue to love…These are the things that really matter no matter what the ‘work’ we choose.
joshua becker says
I appreciate that perspective Karen. I tried to hit on that in the last point, but you took it a step further. I am often perplexed at the stat that 70% of Americans are disengaged at work because I just don’t believe that 7 out of every 10 jobs is a crummy one. Instead, I think we are viewing and going about our work wrongly.
aly d. chase says
Karen took the words right out of my heart. It’s not what I do, it’s how I do it. This shapes my experience of the “job” and ripples out to everyone I deal with on a given day. Well written, Joshua.
Like you, I say no to a higher paying opportunity in order to say yes to more peace, more time, more freedom and less stuff. It’s a win-win for me.
Maira says
I love your conclusion that it is not so much about what we do, but more about how we do it. I quite agree. If one does something with the right heart, the person is more prone to enjoying what he/she does.
Christina says
Well said. I agree.
Tami says
I have wanted to write a digital book (fromy blog) and put it on Amazon but have no idea where to begin. Could you give me an idea where to start? Thank you, Tami
joshua becker says
First, write the book. Then, contact 5 J’s Design. I send everybody to them for digital conversion.
Kat says
I sure can’t ’round out your thinking’ at this point, but I will be following this blog and interested in the discussion. I would not be able, I think, to go with this philosophy, because I have never really done a job for anything BUT money. It isn’t that I haven’t had good jobs though; I’ve come to believe I would grow to resent ANYTHING that required a set schedule of the majority of my waking hours to be dedicated to someone else’s agenda. I have had very few terrible, or even bad jobs. I have had one crazy boss in my life, and many of my bosses have been amazing. I have regularly been able to work in areas of passion, and occasionally, primarily in areas of strength. But without fail I have ‘hated’ the having to BE at work. I don’t mind hard work, I agree with your points above, and I’ve often worked long hard hours on things I did for free, and I’ve even been energised by long hard hours on things I did for money. But the day-to-day … obligation of my time … I would do about anything to escape. It has ALWAYS worn on me, no matter how good the job. If you have any suggestions for getting past THAT I would be very glad to hear them!
Tony says
This is exactly how I feel. I have a job that is very rewarding, I get to help people all day long, I set my own schedule, I work for myself but once the schedule is set it is set. I only work 25-30 hrs a week but no weeks off now for 9 years. I love the work and the people but hate having a set schedule. My dream has always been to see the world, you can’t get real far on the weekend. I love this minimalistic movement, I was living it to some extent before I heard about it, these articles enrich my life thank you for your work.