MEN&WOMEN: Does more money make us happier?

What do you need to have a good life? Most people would say lots of money. Money helps, of course, but not how you might think.

Like if your skills could get you a middle income job anywhere in the world, you could have probably thought about moving to some place where incomes are higher. Because richer societies tend to be safer, have cleaner air, better houses, schools, health care and so on.

But what if you had to choose between earning a low salary in a high-income society or a top salary in a poor country?

Even low income in a rich country would probably buy you a very good life, but you’d forever feel envious of all the wealthier people around you.

While even the highest salary in a poor country might not buy you a truly first class life. But you’d still feel good because you have more than everyone else.

That’s why bad politicians put so little effort into raising living standards. They want to continue being the big fish, even if they’re living in a small pond. And they just don’t want everyone else getting richer!

More money doesn’t automatically increase your happiness. It all depends on the context. Would a satisfying job help, one that actually made the world a better place? Yes it would, but because they’re satisfying, such jobs are always poorly paid.

So it’s not an accident that nurses, teachers and other people who actually do something important have such poor salaries; while the politicians, financial traders, among others who do so much harm, are paid astronomical amounts.

Fortunately, there’s another way. Become really good at what you do.

EASIER SAID THAN DONE

Easier said than done. Because becoming an expert takes years of practice. So you should choose work that you find completely absorbing. It’s deeply satisfying to become so completely immersed in a task that you lose track of time, so if your work includes such activities, then you’re among the most fortunate people on the planet. And you will gradually develop a deep expertise in what you’re doing.

By then, you’ll find that your services have become extremely valuable. That’s because the internet has hugely expanded the geographical reach of anyone who’s the best at what they do. So, even if only a tiny fraction of the world’s buyers need your services, you’ll be worth a fortune.

Of course, you might never become the best at what you do, or find effective ways to extend your reach over the internet. But if you concentrate on an activity that you love, you’ll at least enjoy your work. Which is more than most people can say.

And once you’ve met your basic needs, you can live a very satisfying life even if you don’t earn a lot. So resist the soul-crushing chase after money. Search for work that’s truly absorbing - and then find out how to market it over the internet!

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