Thread: Happiness = $60k a year?

That's pretty much the amount I make right now. But after you account for tax it's only about $38k. Of course I want more than that otherwise I wouldn't be here. Could I be happy with $60k? Sure, I could be happy with nothing. Happiness is purely a state of mind and has nothing to do with my finances. Of course, it would depend on where I live as well. If I wanted to be truly happy with a lower income, I'd need to move somewhere with a lower cost of living.

Originally Posted by Kung Fu Steve

The money, the goal, none of it really matters in the end. Why? Because it's all about growth.

That's what it's about for me. Roughly 14 months ago I was a student living off of 2k/month, and this month I've already made over 20k (my income, biz profit is a lot more). For me, it's about setting goals, shattering records and creating innovative new ways to expand your means.

If it wasn't for that ambition, I'd say that my happiness would be much lower than it is now. There comes a point, I'd say 60k (individual income) is a good number, where you are making enough to not have to worry about needs, have money to go out and are able to create a nest egg for extra financial security. But you aren't doing so well that people start asking you for stuff and friends start to resent your success.

For me, when I was achieving 5 figures a month, things started changing. New opportunities arose, but people around me started to change. Family members began looking to me to help them with financial trouble. It got to a point where the only phone calls I received from my parents were basically asking me for money. Friends even start to resent you for doing well.

Before I got successful, I always believed that everyone would be happy and congratulate me. But a lot of people close to me start to think "What's in it for me?"

In fact, it has been and still sort of is, a mental roadblock to growing my success. I don't want other people looking at me differently. I'm still the same person, money didn't change me, it only made me more of who I already was. Sometimes I wonder how things will be when I'm making 6 figures a month??

I love the fact that I was able to pay my mom's bills while she was unable to work, I also love being able to reward my little sister for getting into college with a car. But I don't like the added pressure of this success such as having to keep my family afloat. I think a lot of these problems are because everyone in my family is poor, and I have a tendency to take other people's problems as my own.

For me, it's about being the best you can be. Each month, take on new challenges and grow your income. Don't settle for less because you are lazy or you are scared that other people may change. Just be prepared to deal with growing pains.

Originally Posted by easymoney99

I'm fueled by the hope of creating something beautiful that adds value, or fills a need in the market.

That's what makes me happy, too.

There is a difference. I would rather make 60k in my own venture than any amount as an employee.

Seriously given the choice today between my life now making about 55k and a job making 100k more Id take my business.