When I was younger, I thought “making it” meant money, hustle, status. Now I just want stability, a calm mind, and maybe a good dinner. No shade to ambition, but these days, peace of mind feels like the bigger flex. Curious if other guys have had this quiet shift too, or if I just got tired.
To help jumpstart this community I am reposting questions from /r/AskMenOver30 that I think are good. The original reddit post can be found here.
My coworkers think I’m weird for not caring all that much about money. Sure, having money is nice and all, but I’ve worked jobs that paid better and I was just stressed all the time. Now I get paid a bit less than I used to, but enjoy work and can relax at home.
I’d rather be broke and happy than rich and miserable.
100% this. I’ve also generally found that a company that treats me well, where I enjoy the work (as much as anyone can enjoy work), with coworkers I respect and get along with will usually provide just fine. I work harder and do better because I want to, not because I feel I need to, and that’s rewarded with raises and promotions all on its own. I don’t really worry much about trying to make more because I don’t have to. I have a good house with a wonderful wife. We have all the things we need to be comfortable plus a few luxuries here and there. We go on vacations and trips sometimes, but it’s not like we are wealthy and I am a-okay with that. I stop working at 5 almost every day and my management encourages it, but I also want to accomplish things at work, which makes each day more than bearable even if they aren’t all great.