It is sometimes asked whether the purpose of our working lives is ultimately the financial reward, or a sense of personal fulfillment. However, these two goals are not mutually exclusive and for most of us the answer lies in finding an appropriate balance between them that meets our own ambitions and expectations.
There can be little doubt that earning a basic wage is necessary in order to provide for the fundamentals of life such as food and shelter. Beyond that, a high salary might also be significant for a person’s self-esteem because owning a nice house, car, and other expensive possessions is a reflection of their success. In addition, receiving regular pay raises provides a feeling of progression and development that contribute to a sense of personal fulfillment. Finally, it is not always necessary to choose between money and job satisfaction. For example, some well-paid professional roles such as doctors and entrepreneurs also improve wider society by looking after the sick and creating jobs; these professionals may be equally motivated by their salary and by helping others.
On the other hand, there are those who may be more suited by personality to certain types of occupation, such as working with their hands, being creative, or working on the land. For these personality types, money is not a significant incentive compared to the desire to realize their own potential. For others, the reward they seek is the feeling of self-worth that results from promoting the well-being of others. This might mean working as teachers, nurses, caregivers, or aid-workers, and generally these roles receive a lower wage. Lastly, well-paid jobs tend to be time consuming and stressful. In some instances, it may be preferable to earn less if this allows more time for family, friends, and hobbies.
In conclusion, the best solution may be to find a compromise whereby we earn enough to pay for the lifestyle we want while still feeling a sense of personal achievement from our working lives. Exactly where this compromise lies and what form it takes will depend on the individual.