I just stayed on my bed contemplating whether to go for my teaching job today or not. I was so tired and the thought of walking under this brain-frying sun coupled with the fact that some kid was probably going to try to drive me nuts kept me glued to my bed.
I make a lot of money from teaching English and other writing jobs and side jobs I do but no matter how much I make it never seems to be enough. I love enjoying life and living to the fullest so I constantly need money to care for myself. I always find myself complaining that I need money.
As I lay on my bed almost late for my class, I started thinking of life and the fact that a person might need to continually toil and work to make money. The harsh reality is that for most people money is never enough.
The more money you make the more you want to make. So there’s an endless cycle of chasing the bag, year in and year out we set goals, achieve those goals and move on to the next. There is never really a period of rest, well maybe after retirement.
Coming from a large family where my parents had to strive hard for us to be comfortable I have gained some insights over the years.
- Life is fleeting and precious- Nah, I am not talking about death or the afterlife. I am merely stating a fact that most of us know but seem to forget or not fully grasp the meaning of this sentence. It means that this life is short. Simple.
The idea that I will be happy when I earn this amount or buy this car or make that million or billion often stops us from realising that tomorrow is not promised. The fragility of life seems to elude us when we are ‘chasing the bag’.
We sometimes forsake present happiness and fail to enjoy life and the present because we are looking toward good times in the future, which are not guaranteed. Except you’re immortal sha, you can keep toiling and wait for the right time to relax and chill. My advice is this, live life purposefully, do what you can and enjoy.
- Money will not follow you anywhere- All the money you ever make will remain here on this earth, no matter the amount. I understand that people save up money as a form of legacy for their kids and grandkids. Buth haba, after working you are supposed to enjoy it too.
All this accumulating and saving is good, but do you know what is even better? Saving money while spending on yourself and making beautiful memories. Go out there and enjoy what you worked for no matter how little the treat is. You earned it.
- Staying at a job you don’t like because of the benefits you get or will get is a recipe for future disaster. I watched my father every evening come back and grumble to my mother about how he disliked where he worked. His boss wasn’t also making life easy for him.
But guess what? He stayed and served that company for years, you might ask why. The pay was good and the pension plan was awesome so my father endured for years looking forward to a robust retirement.
Well, that was what he wanted and it worked for him. But as for me, I am a strong advocate of rejecting everything that will stress you. I forbid living in misery and smiling. Yes, having a secure job is important but the wellness of your mind is importanter.
If you are in this category, look for other options, save up and leave. Invest. Just do anything. It is important to get it right while you are still young and agile and if you don’t cast your net into the river you will always wonder what fish you could have caught. So, my brother, my sister. No job, I repeat, no job is worth your mental health.
I have one more thing to say although it might not relate to what we have been talking about. It’s just a notion that brings smiles to my lips anytime I think of it. It is that I envy entrepreneurs.
I know they have their share of problems and challenges they face in their line of work. But, I see them as people chasing the bag but on their terms. Eiiii, tell me a better combo. These people control how and when they want to work. Maybe because of my personality, I just really love entrepreneurship. So yeah, shout out to all entrepreneurs!
My people, I still wore my shoes, carried my bag and went to teach o. Because after all, money must be made and like I anticipated, there was definitely a kid bent on driving me crazy but I no gree. I rewarded myself with a chilled bottle of coke after my lessons because life must be enjoyed.
I remain your fellow hustler in this life. Please have a wonderful week ahead! And of course, E-Solutuions na the the best plug. I don tell una.
