This is what I have been trying to understand for the longest time. For my parents, the income level determines everything. Their social status, bragging rights and love.
Every phone call is infused with the amount of money XYZ’s child is making or how ABC is standing at such a great “position.” The running commentary of my dear parents digs me deeper into worthlessness.
The hole becomes very deep with walls of insecurity.
But what is money? Take out a bill or coin that you have in your pocket. Look at it, feel the crisp curves of that bill. Notice the ink that runs across the numerical it has been placed. What does it do? Helps you buy some biryani? Some naan?
In reality that is what money is. In a sense it is worthless. Worthless because it is just a piece of paper that holds some amount. As a society we have come to the conclusion that a piece of paper is more valued than the live’s of other people. In contrast, money is a religion. The piece of paper receives its value on how people perceive it. The value of money is based on what people believe it to be.
Over time people have placed more importance of money. For example, my parents have placed my income earning level to how successful I am in life. The reason is because my parents did not come with a lot of money in their hand thus had to work really hard to earn that money.
It was very interesting when I asked 5 women in my ESL class what is important in a man. 4 out of 5 women said wealth. I know this is not a correct sample because the culture is driven by capitalism.
Money has become the primitive hunting capability of the 21st century. In the ol’school cave man days, men had to hunt in order to survive. Their hunting for food would attract females that would want to have offsprings with them. It showed how well they can provide for the family. Now, money is the new prey that is being hunted by everyone.
People just can’t get enough of it.
When you are in high-school, having a minimum wage job is good. In university you want a better paying job. After post grad you want an amazing paying job. As you go through your career and life, the levels of money changes as you want more.
This is my ultimate fear that my parents do not understand.
I do not want to spend my life chasing a piece of paper. A piece of paper that will dictate my belief’s and journey in life. I can go to post grad, get some letters beside my name (MBA, CFA, CA etc…) to make more money. However that is something I will not do because money has to be the by product of my hard work and effort.
high-school, having a minimum wage job is good. In university you want a better paying job. After post grad you want an amazing paying job. As you go through your career and life, the levels of money changes as you want more.
Posted by Simply Marry | June 25, 2011, 10:04 AM