I'm 24, Make $170,000, and Still Not Happy!

Next Steps:

Explore More Shows from Ramsey Network:

Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy

Product Links:

[PInkW]

I make $50k. I’m 61. I have no debt.
I paid off my house.
I’ve never done drugs
I’m a high school drop out
I travel the world.
Life is good.

[mgautam]

When there’s no struggle, there’s no satisfaction. He should probably start volunteering and donating to realize how to be grateful for what he has.

[freedomring]

Clearly what drives this young man is not money, it's having a fulfilling life.

[mrcrer]

This is so so true for so many people. My brother and I have had this conversation multiple times. He lived in an expensive town in Colorado while I lived in Chattanooga TN making much less money. I loved my job and he hated his. I was so much happier than him. Money doesn’t buy happiness, although it does help.

[thesongofthelord]

“Happiness is not a line to cross…” Thank you, Dave, for your wisdom and godly care for others. Those words touched deeply… 6:47

[Gruuvin]

Making $170k in LA is like making $100k somewhere else. The cost of living in LA is almost twice as much as most other places.

[yourmarketingbuddy]

The guy is too young to understand that a job title and money won't make him happy 100%, I had the same problem with my first 10 years of adulthood and realized that 14 years later.

[meddlin]

I feel very similarly to this guy, and it's such an exhausting place to be. John's right, and Dave is breaking it down well. The key piece is to dive deep down inside your driving motivations, and like John said--stop for a bit. It's so hard to find someone you can talk this sort of problem through with, because most people think it can be solved with a flippant: try this company, take a vacation, "just be happy", or finding yet another hobby. No, this is driven by deep convictions to achieve...sometimes in seeking a sense of self-worth. Jobs don't answer that.

[daraghmorrissey]

Yep, this is great advice. Take a breath and smell the coffee. Instead of chasing promos, lateral moves are also great to learn how other parts of the business work. I went through this myself, once I stopped chasing it, I was more content - but I actually worked better and ended up getting promotions.

[Greniumrealty]

I’m 39, just got laid off, and figuring out my next steps. I have $225K saved for retirement, $10K in an HSA, and might sell a property for $100K. What’s my best move for steady income?

[seanjean]

You have the kind of personality that will never be satisfied. You enjoy the process of getting to a goal. When you get the goal, you need another goal because you enjoy the act of accomplishing something. It’s a thrill.

[walkietalkie]

Young guy he has a lot of life to live still. As he matures and seeks wisdom in his life he will come to the realization that life is like a subway, always stopping and going, on and off, but always having the realization that each stop and go is a stepping stone in his pathway of life 👍

[rashadthewealthcoach]

At this point in my life, I have no desire to manage other adults. So I’m setting myself to be in positions where I can best utilize my strengths through collaboration with others and not necessarily leading others. Being debt-free allows us to not worry about seeking job titles because of the money. That’s a great feeling.

[dialac]

I know how this guy feels and it’s a horrible feeling. I think he just needs to find hobbies and take some times off

[biolife]

I remember hearing John saying those same words when i was at a job i hated, drowning in anxiety and depression, and wanted to quit. And so i did quit. And he's right, all of that followed me, but it was different this time, the change in environment inspired me to change. The best decision i ever made was quitting. So many things changed that would have never happened had i stayed.

[keithrickson]

I've known people who made hundreds of thousands a year, had beautiful lives and mansions, yet hated their jobs. And I've also know people who had nothing and hated their jobs. The problem is not the job or where you are, it's deeper and closer to home than that.

[Noyb]

He's equating his happiness to his income level and money. Not degrading him but to me it sounds like that. Maybe it's from his upbringing, personal life or people he associates with?

[bertiekq]

The questions and internal dilemma from this caller is very relatable, and Dave and John's response seemed spot on. Great segment.

[amandadean]

Unfortunately, never being satisfied is part of the human condition I believe. Learning to be content is the key because there’s always more money to be made, a better job, a hotter wife/husband to marry, more cars, bigger trips, etc…

[nessapalmer]

This is so true. My ex husband had the same issue never satisfied. Then one day it was his marriage that wasn't enough. They are never happy in the moment and always searching for more. Devastating for us as our two girls are now in a separate parent home and he is still searching. 💔