You’ll Be Dead Soon, So Don’t Just Chase the Money.
Money is awesome, but not if it means your life turns into Office Space.
I had a great job.
I worked at a startup company by CEO Michael Rubin called GSI Commerce. We managed websites, emails, and marketing campaigns for top sporting goods stores such as Modell’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the MLB.
Working at a startup was fun.
This was the time when you could bring dogs to work. We also had 4:10 Fridays where we’d open up the beer fridge at exactly 4:10 every Friday and just hang with our coworkers. You could get around the office via scooter. And we even had a full-court basketball court — INSIDE — the office.
Those were the days.
But then it happened.
Bring On the Cubicles
GSI got big. Which is great for the company, our clients, and definitely Michael Rubin (who’s now a billionaire).
But there was a problem.
The startup vibe was gone. No more scooters. No more dogs. The basketball court was filled with sporting goods equipment.
GSI even built a shiny new building just a bit up the road. I had to move there. As I sat in my spanking-new gray cubicle, I wanted to cry.
I hated gray cubicles.
What happened next was even worse.
Bring on the Cubicles — Part II
My boss at GSI Commerce left and went to a company called Advanta, a now-defunct banking company. She asked me to come too.
I was stuck in a gray cubicle, which I hated, and she offered me more money. Lots more money.
I was pregnant with baby #2 at the time and more money would be great considering the cost of daycare. Our daycare costs for two kids ended up being about $2,000 a month — not far off from our mortgage payment.
The money was great. The health benefits were great. We had a nice gym and cafeteria. I really enjoyed working with the people there (for the most part).
But…
The gray cubicles were back with a vengeance.
And the job was mind-numbingly boring. I wanted to poke my eyeballs out every single day there.
My life became the movie Office Space.
There came a point in time when I would go to the bathroom, stare into the eyes in the mirror and say, “I am going to get out of this place. Somehow, someway.”
And I did. When the company laid everyone off.
I know other people were upset, but that was the best day of my life. I was FREE!
Why You Shouldn’t Always Chase Money
Money is awesome. I love money.
Who doesn’t?
Money buys you things that you want and need. It’s an important part of our lives and there’s nothing wrong with:
- wanting it
- wanting more of it
However, you shouldn’t take a job JUST for the money if it’s a job that you know you’ll be unhappy doing.
It will never work out.
You’ll be miserable. Your family will be miserable. Even your dog will be miserable.
If you’re in a job you hate and you need it because of the money, I get it. I was there too. I would suggest:
- Dust off your résumé and get it out there. Yes, interviewing for new jobs is a pain in the ass, but it’s important to get out of a job you hate.
- Start a side hustle of some sort. Work on something you’re passionate about. See if you can drum up enough money to replace your 9–5 eventually.
You’re on This Little Planet for a Tiny Amount of Time
I truly believe your purpose on this planet is to:
- Experience all that you can
- Learn some stuff
You’re only here for a short amount of time. I don’t mean to be harsh, but you’ll be dead soon. You might as well make the best of it while you’re here.
Life is way too short to be miserable.
If you’re in a job you hate, get out now. Find something enjoyable to do. I bet you’ll end up making even more money in the long run.
Watch Office Space. Enjoy it. Laugh at it. But take heed because it’s also a warning.
You don’t want to end up like this:
