Why young people are choosing less money, more life

"I earned more than I ever dreamed of, but lost the time to live the life I wanted." Today, for many, salary is just mere cash stacks or hefty bank balances. Now people are rethinking their definition of life. In recent times, this represents a quiet yet powerful shift amongst the younger generation. Even after receiving big paycheques, job security, and insurance, people are walking away from their high-paid careers just to follow their passion and lead a simple life. People are searching for something peaceful, seeking deeper connections in life. But why are people trading their six-figure salaries for experiencing something different outside their caged life?

Purpose of life: Previous generations typically navigated different life circumstances, where family obligations meant focusing primarily on stable employment for financial security, with limited time to pursue personal passions alongside their careers."The older generation carries more societal and family responsibilities and helps others stand on their own feet. So, for them passion and dreams are unthinkable and a luxury to have," said Faria Abdullah, currently working in an international health research organisation.

But youths are now yearning for different life choices, considering what truly matters to them. This isn't about the salary anymore, but thinking about their interests and purpose of life. "I believe it takes a certain kind of courage to take such a decision. And I feel this gets a lot easier for those who have fewer family responsibilities on their shoulders," said Abdullah, who enjoys working in the communication field.

Personal growth and inner peace: Because of the hustle of job life, youths are sacrificing their time, energy, and connections. Their personal growth and time are very limited at the end of the day. Individuals are seeking balance between their career and personal life-personal relationships, spending more time with family and friends, new experiences in life, finding inner peace, and developing life skills.

Shift in perspective: The concept of doing high-paid jobs with tonnes of pressure, sacrificing one's interests and dreams, is now changing. Apart from traditional job practices, individuals are reawakening and pursuing life experiences alongside alternative income sources. This shift in mindset has brought different life choices and rethinking about life goals.

"Personally, I might quit a high-paid job someday not necessarily for 'a simple life' because it seems like a myth to me. I enjoy staying busy in life with a flexible schedule yet structured in a way that interests me to earn money to make my life easier and for the people I care about," said Abdullah.

Finding passion in your dream job: There are people who work in areas where they find passion and interest. They don't see the job as a 9-5 shift; rather, they work on their passion in these job sectors. Not everyone is fortunate enough to find passion in their work life, but if they do, they enjoy their surroundings and career more than others, eventually learning and experiencing new things.

"I am very fortunate that I've found my passion in my job: writing, taking pictures, telling people's stories. I have always loved what I am doing and never felt frustrated or bored about my job," said Wahida Zaman Shithi, who manifests a life much more natural and simpler.

Seeking something more than a hefty salary: Most of the time, career life isn't fulfilling and doesn't come with peace of mind. Surely, at the end of the day, you receive a high salary. But is it worth all the sacrifices in your life? Realising this, people now want different things in life-more peace and tranquillity. The sole purpose of life isn't just about salary; it's about what you want, what you need, finding your own joy and happiness.

The reality of high-paid jobs: The bitter truth is these jobs are turning people into machines for their lifeless careers. Long hours at the office, overtime, and intense pressure can damage people's physical and mental well-being. This cycle can trap a person's life and give them little room for personal life. The pressure of fulfilling expectations and maintaining status can cause burnout, losing productivity and life dissatisfaction.

"People are turning into machines by running after the machines. But now people are again going back to nature in search of something new. They are becoming more concerned about their personal tastes and likings," responded Shithi, currently working with Noora Health Bangladesh as the lead of health communication.

What truly matters: What you choose will affect your own life. Material wealth can make you financially stable yet emotionally empty. Your life shouldn't be defined by your income, but rather by how you're enjoying your life, finding yourself, making positive impact, and experiencing things. What's important is how things that matter most to you will make your value and presence worthy.

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