Here's How You Can Prioritize Happiness With Less Money

I’ve always associated money with happiness. I thought that when I made more money I’d be more happy. I’d just have to hit X number and hit X salary to be the happiest version of myself. As I’ve worked in corporate structures and jobs that weren’t for me, I realized that money doesn’t necessarily equal happiness.

On April 18, 2018, I left my full-time job with a guaranteed paycheck and secured retirement savings plan. I left a wonderful job to live my passion of coaching entrepreneurial women who are ready to move toward their passions whether as a side hustle or full time.

A rocky road can be challenging yet rewarding. Financially, I’m not necessarily on the stable route. I now am focusing on my income streams as a yoga teacher, life coach, brand influencer, and content creator. That said, it’s not like I have a steady direct deposit in my account every two weeks.

Since I’m barely over two months in, I’m still figuring it all out financially—but I have figured it out emotionally.

Instead of looking toward another job or promotion that doesn’t make me happy or highlight my skills, I’m now able to explore what makes me happy, what my natural skills are, and how I can monetize them.

As an ENFJ, I am labeled "the Protagonist," which is a natural-born leader, team player, and charismatic professional. That said, I do realize these strengths and have used them for hosting events and planning workshops for entrepreneurial women who can be just as entrepreneurial in their own businesses.

Having a full-time job with a secure paycheck made me less cognizant of what I had to be grateful for and what I can use my money toward. Quite frankly, I took the salary I had for granted.

Making less money has been a humbling experience for me. I’m now not spending on what makes me feel good in the short term but investing in what makes me feel good in the long term. I’m now saving for travel, concerts, and other activities. I’m no longer running into shops and buying that dress just because I can afford it. I consciously make each decision with a set of questions about whether I need or want the item.

I’m on a mission that I’ve never been on before. I’m on a mission to live more freely, independently, and happily. Less money has led me to a life that no longer looks for happiness in fleeting materials and depleting jobs. Of course, I still have financial goals I'd like to achieve, but this part of my life has taught me the lesson that money isn’t the answer to happiness—but maybe living with less money but more intention is a step in the right direction.