Today, during a smoke break, a colleague told me how depressed she felt coming back to work after vacation. The classic post-holiday blues. One day, you’re sipping cocktails by the beach, waking up whenever you want, exploring new places… and the next, you’re back at your desk, drowning in unread emails. We’ve all been there.
But here’s the thing: do we really need to love our job to be happy? I don’t think so.
Work Is a Means, Not an End
We live in a world where we’re constantly told we should be passionate about our jobs. That we should “love what we do” and wake up excited every morning. But let’s be honest—most people don’t feel that way. And that’s okay.
Because, at the end of the day, work isn’t life. It’s what funds life. It’s what allows me to book a flight to a new destination, to go skiing in the Alps, to eat at great restaurants, and to cook amazing meals at home with the best ingredients. It’s what gives me the freedom to enjoy the things that actually make me happy.
Money Buys Freedom
No, money doesn’t buy happiness. But it does buy plane tickets, weekend getaways, good wine, and unforgettable nights out with friends. It allows me to explore the world, try new things, and build a lifestyle I love.
If I didn’t need money, would I still be working? Probably not. But since that’s not the case, I see my job as an investment. Sure, there are annoying tasks, stressful days, and pointless meetings. But at the end of the month, when my paycheck comes in, I know exactly what I’m working for.
A Mindset Shift
Instead of complaining about work, maybe we just need to reframe how we see it. It’s not about “finding your passion” in a job, it’s about making sure your job funds your passions. It’s a trade-off—hours spent at work in exchange for the freedom to enjoy life after.
Of course, if your job makes you miserable, that’s another story. No paycheck is worth sacrificing your mental health. But if it’s just the occasional “ugh, I don’t feel like working” feeling, then maybe the key is just to remember why you’re doing it.
So yeah, I might not love my job. But I love what it allows me to do. And for now, that’s enough.
Now, back to planning my next trip and drowning in unread emails. ✈️
— Arthur Benjamin Clément
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