Dear Girlfriends,

"I'd never made as much money before in my life, but I'd never traded more of myself for it." Liz Perle, Money, A Memoir: Women, Emotions and Cash

Girlfriends, I can really relate to this statement. I realized at the height of my career that I had a disconnect. I was a walking, talking contradiction of my values when it came to money. I wanted more time with my family; I needed less stress for my health; I desired a more fulfilling career; but I wrestled for months with the idea that I made too much money to quit. Finally, my value system prevailed.

We believe in our values, but they're often not supported by the way we handle our money. Women who wouldn't dream of stealing a pencil at the office will sneak $20s from their husbands' wallets or will "disguise" new purchases in the closet. H-E-L-L-O?? Does this seem healthy to anyone out there?

We work in jobs we hate to buy stuff that fills us emotionally for only days (and sometimes hours). We purchase things to fill that hole in our soul only to be awakened at 4:00 a.m. ridden with guilt about our extravagance. Something's gotta give. At some point we must all make an honest assessment and compare what we really value with how we really live.

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money,
nor he who loves abundance with its income.
This too is vanity.
Ecclesiastes 5:10

Step two in securing your freedom to choose: walk your talk.

Easier said than done,
Ellen

Posted by Ellen on March 13, 2007 12:00 PM  |  Category: Work/Life Balance and the Debit Card