By The Editorial Board
Money can only buy so much. Constantly chasing joy through instant gratification, material items and overworking oneself is not a healthy way to balance finances and personal life. The idea that people must work themselves into the ground to be fulfilled and successful is misguided and is not a recipe for happiness.
Pursuing happiness through money has caused 43% of Americans to go into debt, but 33% say money makes them happier than love, according to a survey published by Lending Tree in 2022. Looking for satisfaction through money causes a variety of negative impacts, but people continue to believe it benefits them.
Careers are important, but relationships with other people fulfill you more than solely focusing on your professional journey to earn money. Interpersonal relationships should be invested in just as much as jobs, if not more. Having your people to share those professional wins makes the payoff that much better.
Harvard Study of Adult Development tracked groups of people over the past 79 years and found that social connection and good relationships are two of the biggest impacts on health and happiness. Working should bring you some amount of happiness, but a life outside of the job is vital for holistic joy.
To help identify this balance, ask yourself what you are working toward in life. If your career is one of your top priorities, it shouldn’t be the only one. Who are the people that are important to you, and how can you help those relationships thrive? Budget for time with those you care about.
Investing personally in relationships is just as important, if not more, than investing financially and professionally. Place your time and undivided attention with the people you’d like to invest in. This could look like something simple, like setting aside a day for fun with some friends or offering a consistent shoulder to cry on. Practice self-care with nurturing your support system.
Strong friendships don’t happen overnight. Relationships are forged, not found, and if you don’t put in the effort with a friend or partner, those connections will eventually weaken and issues will most likely arise.
