Member-only story
Redefining Wealth and Building a Life Beyond the 9-to-5
More money doesn’t bring freedom; you have to have a bigger purpose
Many people tell me I’ve had a successful career. I progressed from a first-grade teacher to senior management in companies that managed charter schools and supported school districts with education technology tools. I have moved beyond the classroom, that’s for sure.
Being open to new job opportunities has developed a unique skill set throughout my career. I did not have to go into debt to obtain new certifications and degrees to move from the classroom to corporate, and that’s been a blessing.
However, I must give myself a C- if we measure success by work-life balance, freedom, autonomy, creative pursuits, time for what matters, and giving back to the community and the world.
Money (or what I did to make it) has complicated my life
To make the money I wanted, I set aside my dreams and pursued a career I felt I deserved. Ultimately, this didn’t make me happy.
We need money to obtain freedom. Poverty isn’t freedom. Riches can entrap, and lavish lifestyles smother, but poverty is a burden that staunches dreams and kills hope.
Happiness is a place…
