Does making less money make you happier?

.

Does making money make people happier? 

This question is not as easy to answer as one would think. As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is happiness. Sometimes making ends meet means sinking every dollar into just necessities. So I can understand that we would wish we had more money just to make ends meet. Survival is not the question here, as it's obvious we all need food, clothing, and shelter to survive. I have seen many times over that some or most people with money still seem to be missing something. I want to be fair and not have this mis-construed as painting everyone with money as "bad" people. I know there are many people with money who do many amazing and charitable acts of kindness. They also have wonderful marriages and good children.

source: turningpoint.news

This question is more pointed towards those that I  have observed quiet a few times. This question is pointed towards those who chase the cash flow to the detriment of personal growth. I may be wrong, but I do believe that "entitled" people with money out-way the more  charitable ones. So what do I mean by "entitled"? Well I am talking about the ones who yell and scream when not getting their way. I have observed it in long lines, or on the telephone. Like spoiled children if they aren't being serviced in the manner they "deserve" they then make a scene.

It would seem only the common folk have to wait for service. Only the common folk seem to have to sit and put up with "slow" service. After hearing a person yelling like this, I decided to sit  down and have a frank discussion. I wanted to know what was bothering them so much that they needed to yell and to scream. Yes waiting for crappy service is annoying; but it's something everyone has to put up with. 

So to my surprise they opened up and spilled the beans. They complained how they aren't treated nicely by their spouse, but it was their choice. Sure they have been provided millions of dollars, but they seem to have a crappy marriage. So in essence they traded having a happy home for money. It is my suspicion that this goes on way more than we realize. Is it no surprise that many celebrities/wealthy people chase something more? If it's not drugs to feel happiness, it's sometimes power.

More Money More Problems

As a kid I enjoyed my toys. However as time went by those toys became outdated and I wanted something new. So is a nice big million dollar home and a Lamborghini just a toy? Even if I did afford those things is it for myself or social status? Another great question is if I had all those things would it make me happy enough coming back to a spouse who treated me like shit? Is that worth a lifetime of money?

Chasing a lifestyle to impress others seems like a daunting task. I wonder if the fear of losing social "status", and or the "entitled" position keeps people with money up at night. It was once pointed out by my wise wife that poor people only have one problem; not having money. However people with wealth seem to have a myriad of  issues to confront. In all honesty I wish I had more money; but not for the mansion, or the Lambo. But does having more money necessarily mean a happier life? I guess it all boils down to who we are at our core. We get what we want out of life not based upon others approval. However it seems people chase public approval. The truth is that when individuals are happy at home; no  matter where they live, than problems are somewhat diminished. Imagine having anxiety over having to scale down a home versus feeding your children? People have hung themselves for less. Losing a fortune in the stock market is not the end of your life. Sure you would have to rebuild; but what are you hanging yourself over? Is life really over?

In the end I believe home is where the heart is. I once knew a family who was  dirt poor, but extremely happy. They had love in their marriage even though they didn't know where the next paycheck would come. All I remember is that they laughed and smiled all the time. We can derive happiness from whatever we buy; but often it is short lived. If I had the choice I think I would opt for having a spouse that loved me rather than a spouse who looked at me like a cash cow. Some people want the trophy wife, the big mansion, or Lambo. If those things make you happy; well that's good I guess. It seems very superficial to me, but it's not my business. So in the end, I would love to have more toys; but it means nothing to me if my spouse didn't love or respect me. So I guess it would seem that money can't always buy you happiness. It can surely buy convenience and of course your basic needs; but often that is all it can do. 

I guess it's food for thought the next time you wish you had what someone else has. Perhaps you wouldn't want the other things that keep them up at night. 

In any case, I'll take whatever I can get from you guys upvoting. I'm happy to say it's not for my next meal, OR my Lambo ;)

BB613