This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
The downfalls of lifestyle inflation
A colleague was chatting with me about their current job search and conveyed that they need to ensure their next job pays them x amount to maintain their current lifestyle.
They don’t care what the job is, if they hate the job, or if the work is soul-crushing, as long as it pays x dollars.
The first questions that popped into my head were:
What is your current expense load?
Why do you have to maintain your current lifestyle?
Do you feel unnecessary stress because you have to earn x dollars?
I almost felt bad for them because I understand what it feels like when you can’t afford to make less than a certain amount, but often, this is a choice.
We have more control over the amount of money we need to earn by consciously choosing what we invest our financial resources in.
Ask Yourself The Hard Questions
Do you have to live in a high-cost living area? Do you have to drive that luxurious car? Do you have to wear those clothes? Do you have to stay in luxurious five-star hotels? Do you have to fly first class? Do you have to wear name-brand shoes? Do you have to dine out several times a week? Do you have to put your kids in private school? Do you have to maintain all of the latest gadgets? Do you have to have an 80-inch flat screen in every room in your home? Do you have to [fill in the blank]?
Often, the answer to these questions is “no.”
Everybody Has A Choice In How They Live
How we live and conduct our lives is a choice we get to make.
Having nice things is fun, and you should enjoy them. But never at the cost of your financial and mental peace.
My colleague is stuck.
They can’t work a job that they might enjoy more because they are limited by their income requirements to meet their optional standard of living.
If they don’t earn x dollars, they will flounder with their bills, expenses, debts, and financial responsibilities – even though they earn more than most.
Lifestyle Inflation Always Come At A Cost
The cost of lifestyle inflation is your time, energy, peace, health, and often your relationships.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying the pleasant luxuries that all life offers.
But to subject yourself to financial slavery to afford these luxuries is insanity. And too many of us are willing to make this choice every single day of our lives for decades on end.
If You Want Luxury, Enjoy The Journey There
Many people say that if you follow your passion, money will follow.
I will add a caveat that if you follow your passion, help enough people get what they want, and provide a valuable service or product through your passion, there is no limit to your income potential.
Choose the luxury lifestyle when you can afford it without a single worry lurking around your consciousness.
Always question the things you’re chasing. What is your intention, and is that intention worthy of your time, energy, and effort?
Don’t choose to be stuck on a soulless train. It leads to nowhere.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.