Fundamental Shift...

$$ is definitely not everything in life.

I am extremely glad that i have not reach a stage where $$ becomes the most important aspect of my life, and i will make a consious effort that i will not see $$ in such a manner anytime in the future. At a time where i am somewhat enjoying a higher than (what i perceived as an) average pay doesn't really make me yearn for even more, I suddenly realise that having how much $$ is really transient, as compared to what you really want to do to your life. I do not somewhat really crave for that extra $$ that will be going to my pocket.

NOTE that your life need not circulated around the budget constraint that you are facing. There are simply ways to work around it, or i believe.

It wasn't exactly the same, say when i was in JC or University. Although i thoroughly enjoy the economics discipline that i had chosen. There was no doubt that, at the back of my mind, i had the notion that the studying of economics will also enable me to earn a decent living, or perhaps a pay packet which is much more than decent. Studying the subject was fueled not only by interest, but also the fact that better results will equate to a better opportunity in the job market later on, which will translate to more $$!

Somewhere one year after leaving school, the mentality somewhat shifted. Seriously, i don't deny the fact that better results will equate to a better opportunity and subsequently a better pay in future, please do bear in mind that $$ is definitely not everything. At least for me, once i felt that i reach a certain threshold, anymore $$ no longer bring me as much satisfaction as compared to earning the very first dollar (otherewise known as the diminishing marginal utlity concept, just that for a lot of pple, $$ is the exception, as most can't get enuff of $$)

At the end of the day, i just feel that it's all a matter of adapting and adjustment. Just don't think of the luxuries and be contented with what you have. If you have more at the end of the day, just save more. If you have less, try to work within it. Do remember to also do the things that interest you, and don't forget to engage yourself in things that you really want to try, but gave it up because you think that you won't have the time to pursue, (because much of time had been spent wooing $$). Just try to follow your heart, rather than the head for once or twice.

Just try to listen to your heart. It, sometimes, is really easier...

After all, my parents started with a lower than average pay packet after all.