Talked to my neighbor about life purpose.

[SageModeAustin]

So I woke up today just thinking to myself what is my life purpose what would I want to do with my life? I went on a walk around my neighborhood and just kept thinking about this question. I saw my friends dad smoking outside and he is a successful engineer so I decided to ask him some questions. First I asked him if when he was my age (22) did he know he wanted to do what he is doing today and he said I knew when I was 12. I then asked him if engineering is something he enjoys to the point he would be willing to work for free or even pay someone to allow him to do the work. He then lectured about me how that is too extreme thinking and that you shouldn't follow your passion because you need money. I then told him that isn't that the reason why most people aren't doing the things that they truly want then? He said yes, but you need money it all comes down to balance. I agree somewhat, but now I am about to watch video 30. Concepts: Detach from Money from leos life purpose course. How ironic that I happen to be on this exact video at this exact time. 

[Matt23]

We do need money if we want to live in this culture.  Money is a resource that helps us survive.  

It sounds to me like he was being a bit black and white and maybe didn't consider why following passion is better for making money then not.  

Yes, you'll need money while you work towards getting your passion making money for you.  So following your passion blindly and without any strategy for supporting yourself in the meantime until you get it up and running is probably unwise.  

The argument that convinced me to follow passion over money is that it will ultimately create more money since the motivation, energy, and creativity will be much, much, much more strong then following only money and quitting on your passion.

I also don't think that in following your passion you will have smooth sailing and no days of laziness or resistance either.  Simply that the amount of resistance and lack of motivation will be much stronger and you won't be able to "bust through it" as easily without passion or purpose.  

Therefore, I think even if you only wanted to follow money and financial security that following your passion would be the best way there.  But that doesn't mean quit your day job without any career capital or skills.  

But, then again, quitting your day job and going all out is the way to go for you....I dunno.    

[FredFred]

"Have a work for money and do your hobbies on the side". The large majority of people think like your neighbour, that includes my mother, my father, and about all my friends.

That being said : my mother, my father and all my friends absolutely hate going to work. They are not fulfilled with what they are doing in their daily lives. Their work takes up so much energy that they do nothing at all when they come back home at the end of the day.

This isn't a way to live a life. Is this even a life worth living?

[aurum]

@SageModeAustin

It’s a nuanced topic, don’t look for easy answers when it comes to this stuff. It’s all messy.

You make a good point about detaching from money. I would agree. You can read about that in Rich Dad, Poor Dad.

But at the same time, don’t be naive. If you don’t think money is important, you’re 100% guaranteed to be poor. 

People who are rich do care about money. They think about it. They track it. They like it. They’re trying to get more of it.

So the answer depends on the person and what their particular belief system is. 

Some people have been chasing a dollar their whole life and are unfulfilled. They hate their work. For these people, I would talk to them about passion and detaching from money.

But if you’re broke and caught up in these fantasies that money doesn’t matter, I’m going to tell them they better start looking at their bank statement every month.

You’ve got to have the self-awareness to know what your particular limiting beliefs are.