Adulthood is Over ~ Rated

       
       This weekend I've had a bit of a heavy choice on my mind. Unfortunately it doesn't have anything to do with all the things I am normally stewing about. This one has to do with adulthood nature, job, work, the workline, money, and commitments. The rat race basically.

       I was sat down on Friday and offered a position, job, enslavement opportunity that carried a lot of zero's after the first number which wasn't a low number either. I was to be honest, in awe of the magnitude of the numbers and salary. I was honored and humbled that I was being given such an opportunity out of the blue and I believe, if I was given this chance 5 years ago I would have jumped, head first, with reckless abandon into such a financial windfall.

       Amazing what time and perspective will do to a person. I left the meeting without giving a commitment. I think the people involved were disappointed by my lack of drooling and signing of the dotted line. I told them I needed to 'think' before I said yes. They have given me until Tuesday. Tick Tock, time is counting down.

       I know I don't provide a lot of personal details in this journal, but simply put, I am currently self employed. I've built a decent client base, self slaved, self made, business.  I make enough money already that I don't need for things, or worry about money. I am quite comfortable where I am at this stage of the game, more then comfortable considering other financial places I've been in my life. I certainly know what it's like to count pennies until the next paycheck and eat ramon noodles as a mainstay for dinner. Been there, never want to go back, thank you very much.

       This actual, real live job, I've been proposed with, would have me going back to being a full time employee, responsible to others directly, accountable day in and day out, long hours, responsible for others under my direction, etc etc.......freedoms to stop and flyfish during the day in my business suit, gone. Freedoms to take a quick 10 day sabbatical gone.......freedoms to sleep in, or work from home, gone. Gone Gone Gone, all the liberties I'm very accustomed too, gone with a sign of a signature.

       So this weekend I've been weighing in the pro's and con's. It seems, money is the only factor, the only bonus to giving up everything I've built to this day. Is a number plus 5 zero's really worth it?? The question seems to me, is how much money does a person really need to have?

       Sure, a decent house is a nice result of a paycheck. A car or two, is the result of money. Clothes, boats, artwork, etc etc, all material things. Money, is the result of working, working is a reality of adulthood, adulthood is rather overrated.

       When I think back to when I was a child, I wonder what it was I was so looking forward to being an adult. I can remember thinking "when I'm an adult I'll buy as many boxes of Lucky Charms cereal as I want" and things like "when I'm an adult I will be so independent and FREE."

       There's a hefty monetary price that comes with adulthood. No one seems to mention that little footnote when they are saying "you can be anything you want when you grow up." Meaning, you can be anything you want, but no matter how you slice it and dice it, you're getting a job to pay the bills little one.

       I hate second guessing my choices, especially one like this. The money, would be nice. But I'm really starting to believe the price tag of time, commitment and responsibilities that come with that check are completely out of whack with what I've been striving for over the last few years. Time freedom.

       My perspectives have really changed over the years. I would like to think they have changed for the better. I used to think money would solve many many things. What I've discovered is that money relieves some stresses. It is good to know you have the money to pay the bills and you won't receive the obnoxious letters in the mail with a big old delinquent stamped across the top for the mailman to see. Money is also an empty substitute for the things I've found I'd rather have. Comfort, contentment, time, relationships, family and ME......

       Money is a necessary evil, thats pretty much a given. I suppose I'm in a position today to decide whether more money is worth the sacrifices, or is enough money just right to maintain and enjoy the things I've already grow accustomed to.

       Perhaps if anythingI've learned over the years, that money is out there to be made, you only have to look for it, and work hard for it. What seems to me a more priceless commodity is time and freedom. I think those who capture that side of the market are far better off then the person who is a slave to their millions.
      
       I do believe I'm very close to making my choice, which is to keep my signature to myself. In time, I will find out if I made the right choice or not. I just hope this choice carries no regrets.