I was watching a YouTube video featuring Influencer Patricia Bright from England, who mentioned that she prioritizes money over passion. One reason she cited is having experienced poverty, compelling her to prioritize financial stability.

In my earlier years, I prioritized money, undertaking various jobs unrelated to my passions. I pursued finance and learned stock market trading, aiming to amass wealth.

While I never accumulated substantial wealth, I have amassed enough to now pursue activities I enjoy, albeit not my passions.

This dilemma often arises when contemplating the future. Many of my friends advocate prioritizing passion, believing money will naturally follow.

Let’s acknowledge that having this choice is a luxury in developed regions like Europe, the US, and Canada. A girl from a disadvantaged region may not have the privilege to choose between farming and artistic pursuits. By age 15, she might be pregnant, struggling to survive and support her family.

The concept of pursuing passion is a Western notion emerging post-industrial revolution.

The question lingers: Should one prioritize money or passion?

Here’s my perspective:

If your family can financially support you, pursue your passion. Why work unnecessarily unless you enjoy your job?

However, if your family isn’t affluent, you face a choice:

Should you follow artistic inclinations (typically aligned with passion) or opt for a financially rewarding path? Those who choose money often end up in utilitarian careers like accounting, engineering, medicine, or hard sciences.

Numerous anecdotes support both viewpoints. Some artists thrive financially and happily, while others struggle, juggling odd jobs to survive.

Conversely, there are affluent engineers who feel unfulfilled.

Speaking from my experience, I prioritized money initially, making errors along the way. Now, with a financial cushion, I focus on fulfilling activities, with money still significant but not paramount. Engagement is the primary consideration.

And you? Where do you stand on this debate?

• There is no such a thing as having natural talent
• Nobody owes you anything, not their business, nor their friendship; you have to earn it
• Ryan Serhant, from drama student to real estate millionaire