Things that aren't about the money

[galliver]

A bit bummed this week. I basically gave up $6,350 I could have received/earned over the next year (and that's a fifth of my yearly income right now). And I did this in order to move to a higher COL area of the country. Crazy, right? Actually, no. It was the right choice (even if it is a bummer right now during the "giving up" stage of things).

It's been serving to reaffirm my conviction that not all decisions are (or ought to be) based in financial reasoning. Sometimes, it's worth more to contribute to your definition of success, whatever it may be (helping people, making discoveries, raising children, etc). Sometimes, it's about quality of life--and I mean that in a non-material way--being able to see your loved ones and do activities you find fun and invigorating and good for you (like spending time outside!). Or maybe (in other situations) it's a matter of ethics, not working on something you find harmful to society. And I guess what lets us do that is knowing we can make it on less...

What's more important to you than money (be it FU or FI)?

[Vorpal]

It's ALWAYS about quality of life and happiness. True Mustachianism is realizing what is important to spend money on and what isn't. It just so happens that most consumerism is a false idol that promises happiness but doesn't deliver it long-term.

[payitoff]

It's ALWAYS about quality of life and happiness. True Mustachianism is realizing what is important to spend money on and what isn't. It just so happens that most consumerism is a false idol that promises happiness but doesn't deliver it long-term.

+1

to me Health is on top of my list, anything that contributes to physical, emotional, spiritual, mental health i am in, so im willing to invest in education, exercise/hobbies, healthy/sumptuous food, and travel over material things that only offers short term happiness.

[Emilyngh]

A bit bummed this week. I basically gave up $6,350 I could have received/earned over the next year (and that's a fifth of my yearly income right now). And I did this in order to move to a higher COL area of the country. Crazy, right? Actually, no. It was the right choice (even if it is a bummer right now during the "giving up" stage of things).

It's been serving to reaffirm my conviction that not all decisions are (or ought to be) based in financial reasoning. Sometimes, it's worth more to contribute to your definition of success, whatever it may be (helping people, making discoveries, raising children, etc). Sometimes, it's about quality of life--and I mean that in a non-material way--being able to see your loved ones and do activities you find fun and invigorating and good for you (like spending time outside!). Or maybe (in other situations) it's a matter of ethics, not working on something you find harmful to society. And I guess what lets us do that is knowing we can make it on less...

What's more important to you than money (be it FU or FI)?

Quality of life.

[CarDude]

What's more important to you than money (be it FU or FI)?

Health and happiness.

[MicroRN]

Enjoying life.  I want save money and put us in a great financial spot, but I'm unwilling to work 60 hours a week and not see my kids and husband to do so.

[Breaker]

It's been serving to reaffirm my conviction that not all decisions are (or ought to be) based in financial reasoning.

I believe this is REALLY what early retirement is about.  The ability to do the things in life that we think are the most essential and best use of our time. 

Sounds like you have just done it earlier and without all of the years of saving to make it happen.  Hurray for you!!!

For me:  paying attention to the small everyday joys are more important than a few extra dollars in my account.

Jan