Money Should Never Motivate You

June 5th, 2008 Comments

One of my friends posed a question today: Does money motivate you to blog?

Everyone’s different. Some people have to pay the bills. I don’t really have that kind of financial responsibility. I’m single, with no kids, and I don’t spend money getting my hair and nails done every two weeks. So money isn’t really a big concern of mines right now. I now work with two great companies: Guidewire Group and ReadWriteWeb. While it’s nice to be paid, money wasn’t first and foremost in making my decision to join with these companies.
       

Why I Work for ReadWriteWeb

I was once told that one of the things that makes me so attractive as a blogger is that I don’t blog for money. I’m one of the few people who doesn’t. This allows me to have a certain amount of freedom that I wouldn’t otherwise have. My friend noted that I’m getting paid now. That’s not how I look at it. I didn’t come on looking for a way to make more money. I joined with ReadWriteWeb for the experience. Marshall Kirkpatrick and Sarah Perez are two of my idols in blogging. They have great voices, great opinions, and the best jokes ever! I wanted to be in that type of environment. I wanted to surround myself with such great minds in hopes that it would magically rub off. I wanted to learn and grow as a blogger and I felt that ReadWriteWeb was the perfect network for those goals. It’s not nor has it ever been about money.
        

Why I Work for Guidewire

With Guidewire, I explore a different side of technology outside of blogging. I get to see the business side of technology. I talk with CEOs and explore technologies that I may never use but are nonetheless fascinating. I really get to see the wave of the future working with Guidewire. With Guidewire I get to expand my knowledge, connections, career, and myself. It was never about the money. If I were unhappy with any of these companies I would quit. Point, blank, period.
       

Passion Should Motivate You

passion Passion is what motivates me. I have a burning desire to learn. All knowledge is worth having. I have a passion for technology and it’s important as a blogger to learn the ins and outs of the tech industry. I enjoy it and I revel in it. If money motivated me, I wouldn’t post the things I post nor say the things I say. I’d be more concerned about SEO, marketing, and writing more “professionally”. While I do try to improve on those things, I feel they’re more directly related to money and I’m not. If I wanted money, I’d go get a 9-5. Money has never mattered much to me. I’m more concerned about enjoying my life and what I do. When money motivates you, there are too many negative factors against you. You start to do things with no heart, no passion, and no personality. You’re only doing what’s necessary to make money. I see that as a problem and it won’t do you any good in the long run. You have to do things because you want to. Otherwise, you’ll be torn apart.

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  • I think you have definitely got the right idea, hun. If you cant follow your dream now - when the heck can you?? Go for it..what on earth have you got to lose? Absolutely nothing and potentially everything to gain....I love this new online world of social media and friendship, even though I am a lot older than you, I still have the same 'thirst for knowledge' (as someone said about me recently) and genuine excitement about learning new things - in fact, sometimes I feel like a kid in a sweet shop..maybe because I am older and none of this technology existed when I was young? Who knows? Anyway.....all good stuff!!
  • itsumonobhito
    Nice to meet you.
    I write blog with my being assigned to money too.
    Please link to my blog if you can do it.
    I made link to you.
  • Writing for major sites like ReadWriteWeb is always a great opportunity to get your name out.

    You'll get to know a lot of people and make some valuable connections. The money will usually come afterwards.

    It would be stupid to turn down an opportunity to write for a big site, just because it doesn't pay well.
  • whydied
    Women tend not to be afraid of talking about fear. Men tend to treat fear as though it is a sign of weakness. Stupidity is indeed fearlessness mistaken for valor. Who are you all, who are you that decide to prescribe your values to cultures that have long since condemned yout dishonest and objective ways?
  • Fear is not so much a sign of weakness as it is acknowledgment of threat.
  • Gilead
    Fear is not so much a sign of weakness as it is acknowledgment of threat.
  • I think what many people are overlooking is that the author is successful, because she followed her passions. Even if you have responsibilities (like me) you won't find real success until you follow your passions. You might find financial stability but you won't be happy. As a result, you and the people you love will suffer for it. I hold down a regular job (that I hate) but recently have really started doing what I love (writing) and I'm happier for it. It should be noted that I make a little money from it, and that gives me some extra satisfaction. You can be happier too, all you have to do is devote some time to your passions. Who knows, in time your passion may supplant your j.o.b., or it may just make you a little extra cash. Either way you will be happier, that in turn will make you a better person, friend, parent, or whatever label it is that ties you to your loved ones.
  • Great minds think alike Corvida.

    Couldn't agree more re. passion. See here:

    http://datainsightsideas.com/post/35181811/refl...
  • Viki
    I am 49, with a kid @ college - another 3 years and I should be able to follow my passion...I hope :-) - show a middle finger to my boss- walk out of the door and decide whether its the sax I want to learn or a language or just write a free wheeling blog on nothing but something
  • We have chatted about this before, of course.. I believe you are at a point in your life that you can pursue what you are passionate about. And that's a great feeling, and one you should never give up on.

    However, I do think it gets harder as responsibilities and debts build up. There are those that are talented, creative, or lucky enough to be able to break out what we in America would call the 'dream' of a mortgage, two kids and two car notes, and be able to pursue what they want. Tim Ferriss of the 4-Hour Work Week immediately comes to mind, so does Andrew Hyde, who works incredibly hard and loves what he does.

    Anyway, I honestly don't want to bring down your message here. I think the path you are trying to forge is noble and interesting, and you are off to a great start -- I have no doubt that you will make it. Just be aware that you are on the road less traveled and there are choice you might make that could lead you to compromise your vision.
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