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.
Ali says
Thank you, Joshua. I work with low income Kinder-5th graders in an after school program. I love it and feel called to this work. I volunteered for years before I ever was paid to do the work. Even now, my income could not sustain my lifestyle. My husband makes the sacrifice to work a job he wouldn’t do for free. I do hold out hope for something different for our family. Your thoughts are so refreshing, thank you.
Tomek says
I like your post very much. It’s an idealistic view indeed, but I believe we can adopt even the most improbable view in some part and then work our way up. Sometimes you have to take small steps and it’s not reaching the goal that says something about you, it’s the struggle towards it.
But anyway. With regard to jobs I’d add that the important and most basic thing is to believe that what you do is right. You won’t like your job if you work for a company doing something you think is just wrong. But when you start doing something you believe is right then it’s easy to notice the importance of your job. And by this you can really start enjoying what you do. Worked for me…
Tichelle says
My husband and I have been discussing this very issue recently. We are both at a point where our life and careers are taking a turn and we’re able to set some new boundaries. I like the idea of only engaging in work I would do for free, but I also know I would do LOTS of things for free! We are taking this a little further and taking time to determine the one or two things we are truly passionate about and only accepting opportunities that speak directly to those convictions. We’re also considering where our interests and talents intersect so we can work together in our community as much as possible. It’s not been easy, but we believe it will be rewarding in the end. Best of luck to you!
Kate says
Great post! I like the idea of scoping down your work to include only what you find most engaging and impactful. Although, I’m not sure how I would apply that to my 9 to 5 (haha, really 8 to 6) corporate activities, but it is an inspiring filter. Some comments on your summarized thoughts on work:
#1: I would love to have more tactics around this one to help me appreciate the hard work I put in. It feels like there is so little time spent on appreciating the final result; it is always just on to the next thing. This cycle compounds hard work and becomes exhausting.
#2: I appreciated the honesty here, the key for me is getting comfortable with the discomfort. There are always days where I feel stretched, my anxiety kicks in and I just want to run to something else. However, it always pays dividends to hang in there and just be uncomfortable.
#5: It felt like the opening quote is at odds with the sentiment of five. I really appreciate what is written as it is so stressful to keep hearing “find your passion”. Ugh, like there is some sort of perfect job / activity out there for me! It makes me feel like I am failing if I haven’t found this mythical occupation that makes me happy.
Many thanks for your writing on work – your commentary resonates with me.
Heather says
Our family purchased a little 50’s diner a year ago – we wanted to provide local jobs for our family (no commuting, which is great!). We wanted to contribute to the local economy (hiring local staff and providing jobs for summer students); we wanted to provide good food, and most importantly, we wanted the opportunity to practice hospitality, which is in keeping with our faith in God. I love my job! I meet dozens of people in a day; I have been able to bless them, and they in turn bless me. Yes, the work is tiring (I’m on my feet all day); yes it can be challenging (some customers are tired, grumpy, and unpleasant) – but at the end of the day, I am thankful for my contribution to others . . . and I still love my job!
Last November (2014) we even had a scene from a movie starring Sir Anthony Hopkins shot at our little diner – who would have thought! You can see us here: https://www.facebook.com/d.e.diner.enderby
Stephanie says
Joshua, I am new to the minimalist concept but not new to the idea of working at what you enjoy. Many years ago after my husband had a breakdown caused by anxiety at work, we vowed to each other that neither of us would ever again work at a job that made us miserable. Now, I find myself divorced and struggling to make ends meet but I am still working in jobs where I can find contentment. It doesn’t pay much, but I have found that the peace I gain from being happy at work is well worth the sacrifice of a smaller paycheck. Meanwhile, my ex-husband has forgotten this vow and although he has remarried, he has no contentment in his life because he works at a job he hates.
The wonderful news is that this contentment value system was modeled to our children and they are all following their hearts in doing what brings them satisfaction. They have all told me that they would rather “be poor but happy” then to have what the world offers as “success”. It makes me very proud to know that they have placed such value on spending time with loved ones over attainment of wealth.
Sarah says
Thank you Joshua for another inspiring blog post. Your blog means so much to me. My philosophy on trading time for money/goods is pretty simple.
I ask myself a few simple questions each day:
Am I happy for today?
Do I have what I need for today?
Is what I am doing ethical and true to my values?
Am I working towards fulfilling my life’s purpose?(or at least trying to figure out what it is?)
As of today, I need little and want little that money can buy; this is my personal choice and may change as my life progresses. However, I find that as long as I am true to myself, my needs and desires always feel fulfilled.
I think it is also important to note that selfish pursuits are not always bad. Taking care of oneself and learning to love yourself is very important if you want to help others. What your soul needs is very personal and can vary greatly from one individual to the next. For years, I felt guilty if I put my need in front of others. But after giving birth to my daughter, and physically and mentally falling apart shortly after, I realized that an unfulfilled self can’t help anyone. If your job sucks away your soul and you can’t change your perspective, it might be time to stop and work on yourself. Bills can wait, we can swallow our pride and ask for help; weather it be from friends, family or the government. In my opinion a healthy self is top priority!
Kim says
Sarah, thank you for sharing your story. I have had similar experiences. I am currently struggling with learning to love and take care of myself. I am also implementing a minimalist lifestyle to improve my quality of life. Your post provided greatly needed encouragement!
Chris says
I would agree with you that not having a job you wouldn’t do for free is an idealistic view of the world, but it’s certainly a viable option. This is where I think we begin to differ in our philosophy.
I believe in living with less: small houses, small commutes, a small amount of possessions. But I also believe a minimalist lifestyle works extremely well in conjunction with going all-in on your career, even if it means sticking it out with a “soul-crushing day job”.
Why?
If you become a top performer in your career then the money will follow, and if you’re saving and investing that money which you’re not spending by the nature of being a minimalist, then you’ll eventually build real wealth. That wealth can they be used for what most people crave, time.
Time to spend raising their kids, time to pursue their passions, and time that can actually be used to work for free.
Cranberry says
What if I don’t know what I’m good at and what I want to do for the rest of my life?
Liz says
Thank you for doing what you do. I first adopted a minimalist lifestyle in 2009 and since then my life has had and continues to have enormous positive changes.
I’ve often pondered what I would do if I didn’t work a 9-5 to “pay the bills”…but like you said if you look a little deeper and consider your job…I take tremendous pleasure in helping others with the money I do bring home-even if I don’t need it…it’s not all about me