"It's not about the Money, Money, Money"

As Boss Babes the above title is something that we need to remember. Sometimes it's not just about the money. We have to think about how something will help us overall. Is it getting us closer to our actual goals? Or is it merely going to just bring us  a paycheck? And okay, so maybe it won't bring you closer to your goals, but will it make you happy for that time period? If the answer is no, why are you doing it? Remember "it's not about the money, money, money" especially if that isn't going to bring you happiness or help you reach your  overall goals. I was reminded of this on my last freelance project and thought I'd share with you.

Image Courtesy of Elliott Howell

Ever since I've started this blog I've vowed not only in my blog life but in my actual life to take on projects that make me happy,  have a deeper purpose or meaning, or will overall help me towards my final goals. What are my final goals? Well, I work in the entertainment industry and I don't just want to Produce but I want to create shows that will have a positive  impact on the world in some sort of way. Especially with women. I want my fellow women to feel encouraged by what they see on tv or know that whatever shows I create I'm creating jobs for other women. I want to be able to teach and inspire the next generation of Hollywood voices.

And I had been doing just that.

Yes, I had to cut back extremely on some lifestyle choices. No more weekly shopping sprees or spur of the moment trips or eating out every night BUT I was okay with that.

I was Producing small projects that were my own. I knew these projects would eventually lead to bigger things. I was also building a community of women through my blog and instagram who I loved. It felt amazing to be able to encourage and inspire women through my voice and content. I was doing exactly what I set out to do.

BUT things got tough.

Image from Muses.com

I went to South Africa (as some of you saw but if you didn't check out the two articles I wrote here and here.) which was amazing!! But then the holidays hit and work in the freelance entertainment world was slow. And then of course I had the brilliant idea to throw a Galentine's Day party that  I had not really prepared for. BUT my Producer brain was seizing that opportunity and I'm glad I took it because it showed me what I could do with nothing.

So, when I had a job opportunity come up that was a step  below Producing I had to think twice about taking it. After thinking twice, I ended up taking it. I should not have. Whenever I work with this person I'm absolutely miserable but I thought, this time will be different and think of ALL THE MONEY.

Spoiler Alert: The money isn't always worth it if you're doing something that's off your path.

Yes, I made a ton of money off of this project but I was working 20hr days in a toxic environment. NOT WORTH IT!

I then turned down multiple Producing jobs during that time period because I was already on this dreaded project. One thing about work (and God) is that something will always come up when you need it to. These missed job opportunities I believe were my reminder to never compromise again. 

My blog also suffered and all my plans I had to move forward with some brilliant ideas (that I can't wait to bring and share with all of you) got put on hold for TWO months I'm realizing as I'm writing this..
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Image Courtesy of Me!!

I can't say that the experience was 100% horrible though, because from it I remembered that I need to always do things with my end goals in mind. It also reminded me to never take things for the money and don't take/do things that won't add value to your life.

Part of being a Boss Babe is learning from your past experiences so you can grow moving forward. I'm definitely taking this as a learning experience AND I'm excited to be on the path I'm supposed to be on for my life again.

If you take anything from this post, I hope you remember that although money can provide us with great things, "It's not about the Money, Money, Money" if it makes you unhappy and ultimately you aren't moving closer to your goals.

Have you ever done something for the money that you later regretted? Let me know your story below.

​Xoxo, @kellithinks