Why do some people say it's not about the money?

50 replies
When in reality it's all about the money...

Why do people get out of their houses everyday and work? Well - For money. Yet, most still say oh it's not about the money...Well if it's not about the money then why not do it for "FREE"?

I personally believe that anyone who says "I don't do it for the money" yet still makes money out of the deal is actually lying to you & probably to himself/herself.

If you take away the financial reward...I wonder, how many people will even bother to do what they're doing. What do you guys think?
#money #people
  • Profile picture of the author stone2010
    Is the money and freedom...
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  • Profile picture of the author Cataclysm1987
    Well, I think if money is the first thing you think about every day and every moment, you will end up kind of exhausted and without drive.

    No one's saying it isn't about making money in some extent, but I think if that's all you have, you aren't going to make it.

    Take me for example. I love freedom, I want to travel, I want to add value and have tons of happy customers and clients. That is what gets me out of bed in the morning. The money is important too, but it comes after those things.

    I think that's a better philosophy.

    After all, money is just a dumb sheet of paper. It's your desire to see the world, take care of your family, create happy customers and live a long, happy life that will make the money and the business meaningful.

    Think results, not components.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
    It's a continuum...

    On the one extreme, you have people who are in business
    and it's TOTALLY about the money.

    On the other end you have people who are in business
    and for them it's totally NOT about the money.

    The majority of people are somewhere in between these
    two polar opposites with different levels of money focus.

    For me, I put meaning before money - BUT money is still
    important to me. And hell no - I would NOT do it without
    the money.

    It's not a black or white world - there are shades of gray.

    Dedicated to mutual success,

    Shaun
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    • Profile picture of the author ryanman
      Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly View Post

      On the other end you have people who are in business
      and for them it's totally NOT about the money.
      Now the question is - If it's not about the money...Why don't they do it for free?
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      • Profile picture of the author SpicyRobby
        Originally Posted by ryanman View Post

        Now the question is - If it's not about the money...Why don't they do it for free?
        My guess is that when the big dough starts rolling in and you don't have to STRUGGLE any more, it ceases to be the end of it all. By and large however, you're correct - it's all semantics and we're all in it because of money - regardless what altruistic reasons we hide behind! ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by ryanman View Post

    When in reality it's all about the money...

    Why do people get out of their houses everyday and work? Well - For money. Yet, most still say oh it's not about the money...Well if it's not about the money then why not do it for "FREE"?

    I personally believe that anyone who says "I don't do it for the money" yet still makes money out of the deal is actually lying to you & probably to himself/herself.

    If you take away the financial reward...I wonder, how many people will even bother to do what they're doing. What do you guys think?
    Let's start with "why not do it for FREE?"

    Because, regardless of motivation, one still needs a place to live, food, clothing, etc. And most of us want more than the bare necessities. So we do what we choose to do in part to get the means to have those things that make life comfortable. Not money, comfort.

    There are also psychological factors involved.

    For some people, money is how they keep score. He who dies with the most money wins. If they found another way to keep score that satisfied that emotional need to win, they'd use that instead.

    For others, they're afraid of not having money, of losing what they have. I suspect that's a big part of what keeps guys like Jay Leno on the road even though TV pays him enough to live whatever lifestyle he chooses. Same for Regis Philbin, who still seems to be everywhere even though he 'retired'.

    Still others do it for the fulfillment. What makes a doctor do shifts in inner city free clinics instead of boob jobs on rich bored housewives? Surely that isn't about the money.

    Money is just a pile of metal, paper, or even a number on a computer screen. If it truly is purely about that number for somebody, I pity them.
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    • Profile picture of the author Challendge
      Well said!
      Another important factor is the excuse game. What better way to justify not making enough money in the eyes of your peers than saying that it's not for the money?

      We are members of the laziest generation to have ever lived....everyone wants immediate results with little to no work. They want to be rich so they buy some magical program that will "teach" them how to make $10,000 a day doing nothing. They want to be big so they take steroids. They want to lose stomach fat so they get liposuction.

      So when they're broke, out of shape and fat, they conveniently have many excuses lined up.

      Let's agree on one thing, 10% of those who claim that it's not about the money are being honest. The other 90% are lying to us and to themselves!

      If you're in that 90%...get up and work harder than ever! Once you start making good money, it will suddenly become a bit more about the money than you thought!
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Originally Posted by ryanman View Post

    When in reality it's all about the money...

    Why do people get out of their houses everyday and work? Well - For money. Yet, most still say oh it's not about the money...Well if it's not about the money then why not do it for "FREE"?
    I don't know who you're listening to but I seriously doubt that most say it's not about the money. Very few do, in fact.

    There are people who are so into what they do, they'd do it whether it paid or not. Granted, there might not be many like this but there are some.

    And there are others who are smart enough or lucky enough to be blessed with a talent or skill that just the simple act of doing it causes money to flow in their direction. Susan Boyle comes to mind.

    She was happy to be an obscure singer somewhere in England. Whether she ever hit it big or not, singing was her lot in life. And then God handed her fame and fortune in exchange for massive talent and the goodness that poured from her heart.

    Those are the people I think you'll most often hear say, It was never about the money even for a second. JK Rowling is another. There are many but still relatively few considering the entire population.
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    • Profile picture of the author fin
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post


      She was happy to be an obscure singer somewhere in England.
      Scotland, lol.
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      • Originally Posted by fin View Post

        Scotland, lol.
        True, though the Boyles are of Irish ancestry and it all gets a little confusing to us New World types. Most of us don't even know the difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland, sad to say.

        I personally believe that anyone who says "I don't do it for the money" yet still makes money out of the deal is actually lying to you & probably to himself/herself.

        You seem pretty young to me, so you will probably keep believing this until you experience it first-hand. Suffice it to say that people do work for motives other than money and that you don't know enough about people yet to understand why.

        And BTW, I don't do it for the money. I don't have to.

        fLufF
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        • Profile picture of the author fin
          Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat View Post

          True, though the Boyles are of Irish ancestry and it all gets a little confusing to us New World types. Most of us don't even know the difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland, sad to say.

          --
          Republic of Ireland think Mary (Jesus's mum) was a virgin and the Northern Irish don't. Pretty much it.
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  • Profile picture of the author savvybizbuilder
    Some people are motivated to work and believe they can provide help. Money flows naturally, if you work for good purpose.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tadresources
    I don't think it's always meant that literally. You can make money on your own terms with internet marketing or you can do it on someone else's terms in a cubicle farm worrying about TPS reports. In that regard I can see someone saying that it's not about the money but about the freedom.
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  • Profile picture of the author rooze
    Money is a ticket, you can barter your time/resources with other people or you can use money as the more efficient currency of exchange.

    "Why do some people say it's not about the money?" because in some cases it's true. Money is an acknowledgement that someone appreciates you and your efforts. It's also a requisition for commitment. I may not need your money but I have a desire to see that you are committed enough to me, to provide it to me in exchange for what I will give you in return.

    Viva Laissez faire capitalism and long live Ayn Rand (whoops, too late).
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
    Originally Posted by ryanman View Post

    When in reality it's all about the money...

    Why do people get out of their houses everyday and work? Well - For money. Yet, most still say oh it's not about the money...Well if it's not about the money then why not do it for "FREE"?
    That would rid of a system of counting and measuring achievement.

    Money is a universal token that everyone relates to.

    People who are hard pressed work in fear. This factor is covered in the book; Rich Dad, Poor Dad and sums it up quite nicely amongst the fabricated stories.


    Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author JE Publishing
    i agree with what your saying here, without money you can't achieve a lot of things not saying you can't achieve anything but i'm just saying money helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by ryanman View Post

    Why do some people say it's not about the money? When in reality it's all about the money...
    The fact that it's a business is often mostly about the money. And I agree entirely with what I take to be your implied point that the purpose of a business is to pay money into the bank and to build up an appreciating, income-producing asset (which can even perhaps be sold in future for more money).

    The fact that it's an internet marketing business (rather than a gardening business, a child-minding business, an ear-piercing business or whatever else) is often not so much about the money.
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    • Profile picture of the author AJ Warrior
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      The fact that it's a business is often mostly about the money. And I agree entirely with what I take to be your implied point that the purpose of a business is to pay money into the bank and to build up an appreciating, income-producing asset (which can even perhaps be sold in future for more money).

      The fact that it's an internet marketing business (rather than a gardening business, a child-minding business, an ear-piercing business or whatever else) is often not so much about the money.
      True could not have said it better myself.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kelly Verge
    Originally Posted by ryanman View Post

    I personally believe that anyone who says "I don't do it for the money" yet still makes money out of the deal is actually lying to you & probably to himself/herself.
    Maybe in a few cases, but that's a pretty sweeping statement.

    On my main niche blog, I help people. I find the act of helping to be very rewarding - enough so that I'd likely continue it if I weren't making any money from it (albeit at a smaller scale, certainly).

    On the other hand, I started a project last year surrounding a new interest of mine. I could have turned it into a money-maker given enough time and energy, however, I find much more enjoyment doing that activity rather than working on a site about it, so it's just sitting.

    So like Shaun said, while there are extremes, most people fall somewhere in the middle with most things.
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    • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
      I personally believe that anyone who says "I don't do it for the money" yet still makes money out of the deal is actually lying to you & probably to himself/herself.
      I find this very sad. It shows you insisting that the world conform to your beliefs instead of being open to the possibility that there are aspects of life that do not fit your limited beliefs.

      Marcia Yudkin
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary Wilhite
    Think of the days when there was no money. How were people operating? If you were a corn farmer and needed a Horse, you would grow more corn and exchange for the animal. Today we work because we want shelter , education for our children,an exotic car, comfort etc. So for some people it is not really about about money. Money is only a measure.
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  • Profile picture of the author Exel
    Ryanman, there are many way of earning money, but only a handful things you can do and truly enjoy.

    Someone would do those things for free, but still you have to live and pay the bills, and for that
    you need money. If you can do what you enjoy and get paid for it, it's the best thing in the world.

    You know that many people go out of their way to help others or their community, without
    the monetary gain, or engage in non-profit activities.
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  • Profile picture of the author cooler1
    Because they've been listening to Jessie J.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Ok, you got me, i confess... IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!!! Lol...
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    • Profile picture of the author Alcon
      I agree that A lot of the time it really IS about the money.

      But there are other times when its not about the money.

      For example:
      I'm not sure how it is on the warrior forum but I know that in a lot of other forums users offer to be a moderator for free, not for the money, but to help build and foster a community.
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  • Profile picture of the author Entrecon
    It isn't about the money.

    It is about what the money can do for you. If someone is doing what they love to do, and have the ability to pay the bills, then any additional money isn't going to make them change what they are doing.

    For many people you will find that a reward that aligns with their interests will motivate them more than a cash reward.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan Curtis
      When a fireman rushes into a burning building while everyone else rushes out, it's not about the money.

      Sure, they have bills to pay and kids to feed. So they need their paycheck. But there are higher purposes in life than making money.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fraser SellHealth
    Money=Freedom

    Nobody wants money to have a bunch of paper , they want it because of what it brings, and thats freedom from a restricted world



    That is all
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  • Profile picture of the author stephanreek
    I think they mean it's not ONLY for the money. Ofcourse if you don't make money they probably don't do it but there is a good chance they also wouldn't do it if it was purely because of the money.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      Not everyone does everything for only one reason and oft times, the reasons they do it are listed in different order for most importance.

      When people say, it's not about the money, I believe they are simply saying, money isn't the most important thing about it.

      As others have said, everyone needs to earn a living so money plays a part, but isn't the motivating factor.

      There are millions of people who volunteer for numerous organizations and I can guarantee you, they don't volunteer for the money, as volunteering doesn't pay. They do what they do because they have a passion for it.

      So if someone enjoys doing something, however needs to make a living as well, they can do what they have a passion for too, while supporting themselves and their family.

      I love posting on this forum and sharing ideas, experiences, etc. and I can guarantee you that it's not about the money without lying to you or myself.

      Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author Theresa Perez
    For me, it's really not so much about the money. However, if I am to play the game, then I have to gain points in the game in a way that other people can understand

    Unfortunately, money is more tangible and easier to measure than other values, eg how do you measure self satisfaction, or happiness, or contentment? I mean, being able to quantify these intangible values are how you will be able to convince others that you are indeed at the level where you're satisfied, or content or happy, right? And when I say convince others, not for validation or approval, but just to show them that there is another way...

    So if I translate these goals into money, which I can, say, help other people with, then it is easier to see that you are achieving these non-money goals that translate into something tangible (which in our times is usually money), to then convert into something of value (eg food or medicines, or even time) to help others with.

    On the other hand, I won't just be giving these money away, because if I cannot support myself and my family (since money is the accepted medium of exchange), then I won't be able to help others (whether giving away money, or knowledge, or physical assistance...)

    Whew... I hope that made sense
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  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    Am I the only one that is in it only for the money?*

    *Joe Robinson is not only in it for the money. He is in it for the women, too.
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  • Profile picture of the author dvega
    I think time is more valuable than money... Making a lot of money might give you freedom to actually enjoy your time, doing things you want to do. You can't take a Brinks truck to your grave. You can only take your experiences.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr.Daydream
    Originally Posted by ryanman View Post

    When in reality it's all about the money...

    Why do people get out of their houses everyday and work? Well - For money. Yet, most still say oh it's not about the money...Well if it's not about the money then why not do it for "FREE"?

    I personally believe that anyone who says "I don't do it for the money" yet still makes money out of the deal is actually lying to you & probably to himself/herself.

    If you take away the financial reward...I wonder, how many people will even bother to do what they're doing. What do you guys think?
    no matter how much they love what they do, i bet they don't enjoy it more than sitting back in their couch, popping open a cold beer, and watching their favorite tv shows
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  • Profile picture of the author Gerald Arno
    Banned
    Even though most people will visibly say that they love their job, the reality is that most of them don't love their job.

    If you hate your job, but you continue anyway it's almost always to a 100% about the money. People are too afraid to quit because of insecurity and fear.

    The moment you think you should quit your job, you should have already quit it a long time ago.
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  • Profile picture of the author drmani
    Originally Posted by ryanman View Post

    When in reality it's all about the money...
    ...
    If you take away the financial reward...I wonder, how many people will even bother to do what they're doing. What do you guys think?
    "It's not ONLY about the money"

    That *might* be a better (more acceptable?) way to frame the
    meaning behind the phrase, though I know MANY people for whom
    it is just as true the way you said it.

    (btw, it took 31 posts before someone said it that way! Interesting)

    It's easier to understand, as a concept, if you look at the
    counter-point - and ask what if is IS only about the money?

    Would you give up other precious things in life just to make
    more money?

    Love? Health? Family? Relationships? Other?

    Usually (though not always) the answer is obvious, stark and
    harsh. It's "No, definitely not!"

    That's what makes the "It's not ONLY about the money" such a
    widely quoted philosophy for business and for life.

    My stance on this?

    To each his own.

    On my desk, as a youngster, I had a plaque with Charlie Brown
    telling Lucy:

    "Remember, money isn't everything!"

    And Lucy replying:

    "But also remember to make a lot of it before talking such
    nonsense!"



    All success
    Dr.Mani

    P.S. - Lord Lister, one of the most amazing physicians to have
    ever lived, said this in a graduation address in 1876:

    "If we had nothing but pecuniary rewards and worldly
    honours to look to, our profession would not be one
    to be desired. But in its practice you will find it to
    be attended with peculiar privileges ; second to none in
    intense interest and pure pleasures. It is our proud office
    to tend the fleshly tabernacle of the immortal spirit, and
    our path, if rightly followed, will be guided by unfettered
    truth and love unfeigned. In the pursuit of this noble
    and holy calling I wish you all God-speed."
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    • Profile picture of the author Marian
      Originally Posted by drmani View Post


      On my desk, as a youngster, I had a plaque with Charlie Brown
      telling Lucy:

      "Remember, money isn't everything!"

      And Lucy replying:

      "But also remember to make a lot of it before talking such
      nonsense!"



      All success
      Dr.Mani
      Yeah.. I agree Unfortunately in this world we need them.

      Marian
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    • Profile picture of the author Severin
      Banned
      Last year I decided to take a year out and do what i love instead of 'making money', I moved to a new country, new city with a new language and wanted to make my first year there something I would remember.

      Through sheer enthusiasm I managed to put together a team of people who were willing to share in this endeavour and more importantly I managed to persuade local businesses and institutions (all via translators) to sponsor our projects in terms of materials, workspace, publicity etc. NO cash money was involved whatsoever and we pulled off a series of projects that are still talked about in this city to this day.

      It was refreshing not to have to think about the money on a personal basis, but I still HAD to think about (the value of) money to our sponsors and what it could do for them if they got involved, so my opinion is that even if you don't personally do it for the money - most other people do and you have to take that into consideration.

      I think it was acheivable because I knew it was only for a year and I knew I would then return to my 'normal' life and carry on where I left off. I love making money (or perhaps I should say I love what money provides me with), I mean who doesn't, but if you are able to step out of that mindset for even a short while it can be very rewarding.
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  • Profile picture of the author texas319
    Will be honest I am a quality of life guy and if me and my wife can live comfortably and have the freedom to enjoy our life and kids its not about the money its about the COMFORTABLE FREEDOM
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Well hell yes it's about the money. That doesn't mean you can't pick a way you get a kick out of doing it. And it doesn't mean you are supposed to turn into an unprincipled dipsh*t to get your mits on it. Do something fun and become great at it. But by all means - figure out a way to do it that will pull the profits in nice and thickly.
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  • Profile picture of the author magiclouie
    Okay, I have heard and read the explanations of the opposite sides.

    So for me to be safe, I'll just add the word "just" and I'll just then say, "It's not just all about the money, but it's also my desire to help especially in achieving their goals.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    It's about freedom. It's about doing something you enjoy. It's about helping others. It's about having a purpose. And ... it's about the money.

    And there's nothing wrong with any of that. It's when it's ALL about the money that life is out of balance.
    It is only the cynicism that is born of success that is penetrating and valid.
    - George Jean Nathan
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    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author Eduard Stinga
    The way I see things is that mostly people who have the money can afford to say it's not about the money
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    The only person in the WF who every told me that "it is not about the money" was an affiliate trying to convince me to give him 100% commissions on my WSO offer.

    When I refused to oblige him, he refused to promote.

    Obviously, for him, it was ALL about the money.
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  • Profile picture of the author QuirkieGifts
    Id say the bigger picture all results in having the money. If you want things in your life, see the world, wine and dine, luxuries etc then you need money to do this. I think it is all about the money but as previous comments have stated, if you get to do something you enjoy like an online business or writing popular ebooks and your still making money, its a win win situation. But most people need money to even have the basics in life so i very much agree its about the money first and then with the money comes second things such as holidays, houses etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author IGP
    Banned
    I love making websites and i have done it for free because i just like creating bad ass websites but if i can make a grip of cash off of them i sure as hell will. I am going to be joining the military and getting into special forces. I would do that for free too if they let me, but unfortunately you cant.

    I know what you mean though, The concern is, if you focus on the money and nothing else, you may gain the potential of only failing because your blinding yourself from the tasks you should be doing. And if you succeed you may destroy your moral and forget your why's on why you got rich to begin with and you may just spend all of your money on porn stars and forget that humanity is still suffering and that we need to start moving to other planets.
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    • Profile picture of the author cashp0wer
      Of course it's about money but it is also about so much more than that. If you don't know that yet then it will be hard to understand. I love making money but I also love the freedom to be able to work when I want and where I want, to take care of my family they way they deserve to be treated, to have no boss to tell me what to do, etc.
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