SHAWL: Money is overrated
What do most people think about when they are on their death bed? Family, accomplishments and funny memories.
None of these have anything to do with how much money they made in their lifetimes. So why do most people have money-making as their No. 1 goal in life?
Entering college, I never really intended to gain education for a higher-income career. I wanted to learn skills to make a difference in the world, as well as give me lifelong memories — such as skills in outdoor survival and traveling abroad.
Since I started attending Central Michigan University, I have been white water rafting, skydiving and hiking, and will remember all these experiences for the rest of my life.
In “Titanic,” the conflict Rose DeWitt Bukater felt came from her desire to escape her rich lifestyle and pursue an adventurous life.
“I saw my whole life as if I’d already lived it,” Bukater said. “An endless parade of parties ... Always the same narrow people, the same mindless chatter.”
Much like Bukater, I can already see those money-focused lives playing out. You study to get a job in business or finance, spend decades going to a 9-to-5 job you eventually can’t stand, buy a big house with a plasma-screen television, retire, live off your 401(k) and die.
Before college, I had taken classes in accounting and business at the request of my parents and school counselor. All I remember from those classes was thinking about how boring the rest of my life would be if I continued on this path, just to have the ability to buy things I don’t need.
I understand wealth is a powerful method to keep enemies in check and form relationships with others, but there are many other methods to get these things without selling out. Study something that you enjoy and can gain memories from.
If you already made the choice to sell out to make more money, then I hope there is a Jack Dawson in your life to change your mind, and an iceberg to get you out of it.
