So, there’s always this debate about pursuing your passion, or making money!
Some people on one end would argue that you need to do what you are passionate about and money will come while others on the other end would argue that you need to do what makes money first before chasing passion.
Most “motivational speakers” and “self-help gurus” would sell you on the idea that you can make infinite amount of money from any skill or passion or interest you have or can think of, but the thing is – if it was that easy everyone would already be doing it.
The reality is it’s not easy. BUT it’s not impossible. As long as you are ready to put in the hard work, are prepared for the possibility of no returns for the first few years, and are versatile enough to turn challenges into solutions, then I say you have a good chance of success.
Another thing most people who are on the side of doing what you love and are passionate about first always say is that “money doesn’t bring you happiness” and the people on the side of making money would say “Well, I rather cry in my Ferrari than laugh on a bus”
As you can see, it’s a constant battle among the two sides!
The question now is — which side am I on?
That’s the million-dollar question!
I am on the — Don’t Do What You Love — Do What Makes You Money First! side.
Wait, notice how I put “First” at the end of the sentence? Well, that’s because I also believe in doing things you are passionate about because there is a sense of joy and happiness that comes from you doing things you are passionate about but I also strongly believe that in the type of world where we live in where MONEY makes the world go round, there is a need to do things that makes money first, so that you can be in a position to actually be able to do things you are passionate about.
Let’s face it, you can only truly be happy doing things you are passionate about if you can afford to buy food for yourself and for the people who depend on you, if you have a place to sleep at night and if you are not always on the run because you cannot afford to pay your bills!
That’s the simple and honest truth!
I’m I right or I’m I right? (no typo)
Go to Instagram today and you will be bombarded by so called motivational speakers, inspirational quotes and what have you of people telling you to quit your job, chase your passion and make a living from it. It’s just all hyped up! It’s not that simple!
Do you know how much these “motivational speakers” make from motivating you? A lot of bread! A loooot of bread!
You know what?
- Firstly, it’s NOT realistic to think that you can just quit your job, pursue your passion, and earn big bucks right away. Many don’t succeed. Those who do only start seeing real results after a lot of graft, hustle and years.
- Secondly, it’s not realistic to think that you can make money from pursuing your passion in a random way, without considering market needs. (if your passion doesn’t have a market need, you will be a starving artist)
- Thirdly, it’s also not realistic to think that you can generate money from your passion right away with no related experience/skills. Just like you can’t expect to get a job right away when switching to a completely unrelated field, you can’t expect to take off in your passion career by “boldly” pursuing it, without any plan or strategy.
I’m I right or I’m I right?
We need to call a spade a fucking spade! Enough with all these over hyped up motivation! Let’s be realistic godammit!
Beyond the basic flaws of a philosophy that urges emotion over practicality, there’s a strong, proactive case to be made for choosing a career or business path based on money.
Here are just a few of the things I’ve come to realize over the course of my career, hustle and grind:
-
Money makes chasing your passion easier! (duh!)
The truth is – we are not getting any younger.
No matter how young you might think you are right now, time flies and before you know it, you will be in your 40s, 50s and 60s where you cannot really work as hard or as much as you want to.
The time to get your money right is right now when you are still sharp and somewhat able to, because when you do, you will have all the time in the world to chase your passion and not have to worry about money.
Imagine being able to do what you love — dance, sing, act, draw, paint, speak, write or whatever you are passionate about and not having to worry about how to pay the rent or your bills? That can only happen if you get your money right first!
My passion is creating content in different forms — writing (for example this blog you are on right now) and music.
My most expensive passion that brings me happiness is music and that costs money! Music producers cost money – it doesn’t even matter if they are good or not, and the more quality producers you want to make use of, the more money they charge! Music videos costs a lot of money, I’m talking thousands of dollars! Every time I go behind the camera to shoot a music video for any of my songs, I shed out thousands!
Oh, and because it costs money to make music and shoot videos doesn’t mean it ends there! To get the music heard or the video seen, that costs more money (marketing)! So, it’s a circle of money, money, money – all in the name of doing something I’m passionate about!
BUT! I don’t cry over it because I do businesses that makes me money, I make money first and I am in a position to spend money on my passion, as much as I like!
This is just the fact!
So, get your money right first and trust me – you will be able to do whatever you are passionate about!
-
Financial independence a.k.a “fuck off fund” is an inherently rational goal.
To a greater extent than most of us want or choose to admit, you’re only as principled and independent-minded as your bank account allows you to be.
So, if you really want to be free, not just from one bad relationship or one bad job / work situation, but to do what it is you really want to do, you need the dollars first and foremost.
You can only walk away from situations that you are not happy with if you’ve got “fuck off money” a.k.a “FU Money”
I go to the gym with a friend of mine and he always talks to me about how the industry he works in, he sometimes faces racism and discrimination and immediately he faces any situation like that, he quits the job and walks out and how he’s only able to do that because over the years, he’s racked up money in the bank that allows him to only work in environments where he’s respected and treated well like everyone should.
In short, he’s got that “FU Money”
But this is not the case for millions of people. Day in and day out, I hear my family and friends complain about how stressful their job and work is, how under-appreciated they feel in their jobs and how dreadful it is having to wake up every day to go to work BUT they can’t do shit about it because they need the money, they don’t have the FU Money!
So, not having financial independence brings you more unhappiness and depression! What an irony!
This is why it is important to do what makes you money first, so you can be in a situation to work and do things you enjoy and not dread!
Get your money right FIRST!
-
Money does buy you happiness (okay, let me finish)
In my personal experience, money and happiness are closely tied.
Seriously, they are!
If you come from poor or below average homes like most of us, you know what I’m talking about!
When you are broke and poor, you have this “scarcity mindset” where your main focus is on short-term survival, your decision-making ability is scrambled and your attention span narrowed.
When the bills come in and you are not able to pay, when you are not able to afford to buy the type of food your stomach yearns for, when you are not able to actually help your family members, brothers, sisters or parent who need your help financially, money becomes a monster that torments you.
You are in a constant state of worry, fear, un-happiness and need. Stop me when I tell a lie!
But when you get and have money and you are able to fulfil these basic needs, anxiety will wash away and you will be able to focus on things other than money!
“Simply put, more money will buy you happiness.”
For example, one of my side businesses is a creative design agency (Presidential Ideas) that provides web and digital designs for businesses, even though I love it and that was my start to entrepreneurship at the age of 19.
Lowkey, I kind of dread the amount of hours and days I have to spend in-front my pc designing, coding and getting clients (even though I work from home), but I kept doing it because the money is good and I need to keep making money but as soon as I said “Fuck it, I need to create a new business that doesn’t make me spend hours and days coding, designing and dealing with client’s issues”… I am now able to hand pick the clients or businesses I want to work with based on my availability and if I feel like it, and not solely because of the need to make money!
I am happy now more than ever! I have more time to do things I love; I have more time to spend with the people I love.
So, money did bring me freedom and time which in turn gives me happiness because I don’t have to think about it or do things I dread to make it.
Even with this simple fact, yet people around the world are still bombarded with the messages and quotes that striving to make a good living puts one at risk of living a dull, colourless life. I believe that’s a dangerous mindset because it doesn’t!
You know what makes me happy? Like extremely truly happy?
It’s the fact that any of my siblings (I’m from a polygamous house, so I’ve got over a dozen (a dozen!!!) siblings) or friends and loved ones can pick up the phone, call me and tell me about an urgent financial need (or whatever need) they have and I can tell them —— No worries bro or sis, check your account balance in the next 5 minutes!
Fuck! Nothing gives me more happiness than being in a position where I am so financially stable that I can always help my loved ones when they need me (or even if they don’t ask)!
In Conclusion.
The one thing people with no money think about the most is ———————— Money! Making money!
So, the key advice is that you should seek a realistic balance between fulfilment and income/money. Think carefully before pursuing a dream or passion that will leave you struggling with your bills over the long term.
“Enjoying your work certainly increases your happiness, but that will be mitigated if your passions can’t pay for food, water, shelter and utilities – if you can’t put money in a savings account… if the occasional splurge is entirely outside your reach.”
So, please get your money right first, then chase your passion.
i think in a nut shell, for one to succeed in life he or she need to know and be able to provide what people need out der. because that is what grantee you money from people. so i go with your point of view. look at the example of successfully men and women in the country they always try to create or provide what people need instead of thinking of thinking of their own needs. thanks kayode from Nigeria.
Thanks i like the idea
Mr Daniel or you said is good and right.
I’M will love to this is my challenge I’m not a computer science or student but I really want to and can I learn to be one of your apprentice.
MY IS ANDREW from Nigeria living in Lagos
Man am blown, everyone is trying to sell you but this is great and raw.. i’m hustling my way to leave the country and this your write up here is exactly me buh seeing it got me vibing, we’d meet someday.
We gats get this WI-FI Bread yunno.
Thanks chief
Much love Mr Dan you are true hustler you’re on point my man
I love this, so inspiring
Some other times looking for money isn’t easy
Look, Do what you know and love that makes money. For most people, there are ways to industrialize their passions, if they’re practical. If u can’t industrialize it, look for a new passion.
Strong assertion I must say. Information they say is power, so I have geared myself to doing what drives me. Thank you.
Nice agurment if permitted to call it.
I was specifically not pleased with the use of ‘F’ word.
You got it man. That’s the mind of a genius you know.
Waooow!!! this is a mind blowing fact, pursuing passion without money is like driving a car to one’s destination with a complete flat tyre, or trying to run or walk fast in a muddy swamp.. Truth be told Money is a defense (Eccl. 7:12)….
Chase what the Market wants and don’t chase what you want
This is a really thoughtful write-up, Thanks for sheding more light on this issues that bother our daily lives.
You are truly a mentor indeed. Money is of no doubt important to life as the way air is to breathing. Your point of view is superb and getting the FU money requires a vital info as this. Will share with my friends and family.
Am working towards getting your digital product blueprint by the end of the month, I hope the discount would still be available by then
Cant agree with you more Nejo,for people like me ,or should I say us,from Nigetia and Ghana, its survival mode,we want to have the good stuff too,personally, I’d love to be able to make money so I can actually position myself to go get what am passionate about.Youve got to start from somewhere first.i cant explain it enough
The statement is subjective, I mean “Don’t do what you love but do what brings money for you”. I f what you love doing can bring you good money, just carry on with it. But if it can’t put food on your table and redeem the future for you and your unborn generations, just make a U – Turn. It’s as simple as that.
For me I do what making money
Thanks man
Hey, I really like this new perspective. People are passion driven and that’s a good thing, but will it take you to where ur going?? So for me, it’s make moneynthrn fulfil pasion
All you’ve said is very right baba, the world isn’t getting any cheaper, like in the game of cards, Passion is a general market anyone can pick one, pick two or whatever amount you want it doesn’t matter, passion has no rules good or bad, big or small, Passion is Passion and that’s why it alone can’t get you freedom cause by the time you look at as much Passion as you have the only thing that will differentiate and give hierarchy of one from another is the numbers and structures on each of them which represents their individual value… Read more »
Senior Bro…. The truth is clear…. No one can even debate with you on this matter because even on daily basis we encounter this two faces of life, A (Hungry man is an angry man) so you can never enjoy doing what you love when there is no income from it, income is not just daily bread but funds that will enable you do anything you like, helping people, traveling, and rest of them… In conclusion what we love comes after getting the money we want and in other to get the money we want that is where your quote… Read more »
My man Clem.
Yes! Income and getting money is not only just for you, it allows you to do things you love and help people who mean something to you; your family, your spouse, your kids, your church, charity and the likes.
So, yeah – getting and working to make that money first is key!
Cheers
You definitely hit the nail on the head…. As you said people from a poor and below average homes knows exactly how it feels have enough money to get things running in the home… That’s one big happiness… So am definitely with the making money first…. Thank you for this beautiful insight.
Thank you Harafat for reading and dropping a comment. 🙂
Cheers
That’s a very compelling argument and I totally agree with you.
Following your passion is great but do you have the money to fund whatever you wanna go into? That’s what we should always consider
Hey Ekong,
You are right. If you don’t get your money right, following your passion might be shaky! I am passionate about music but without putting money behind it, its only me and my brothers who will hear my songs. lol.
Cheers
I have been and artist and I know what it takes being in the music industry without money, my brother you will wonder wealther is still your talent. Because money na music.
Eye opener. Much love.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers
“Don’t do what you love, do what makes you money first” ..I totally agree with this phrase because let’s be honest with ourselves the whole point for doing what we love is to ensure consistent income (that is Money). Except you already have money then it’s okay to do what’s you love first because money isn’t much of a need but So long as the essence of doing what we love is to make some good money then most of us should agree that money is like the connect for any successful passion, we may not need money to make… Read more »
Hey Blessing,
Thanks for your comment. You really hit on some good points I also agree with. Like I said in the post “Don’t do what you love, do what makes you money first”.
Cheers
Hello Mr nejo. I’m Ekene and I’m studying in the university of Lagos ….I’m actually flattered and motivated with your work and your plans for Nigerian youths. I watched a video you created online on the three Ps to success and you were talking about digital marketing products…..I was inspired by your words and it made me ask questions to myself ….. questions that touch the soul….. I’m actually wallowing in the shadows of financial insecurity and I need you to be my hand to guide me on my path to financial growth and happiness. And I’ll also love to… Read more »
You’re so right
Thanks Mr Dan, this actually inspire me and I’ll love to learn and know more about creating what the world need at large I’m Malik frm Lagos Nigeria
WHAT SIDE IS NEJO ON? Do what makes you money “FIRST” that’s not the only way, it’s the best way to enjoy doing what you love. doing what you love may turn sour, and you might end up despising it, when it can’t afford you the life you desire. LIKE YOU SAID ABOUT MUSIC Making music costs money, artistes have committed suicides, been dumped by labels, doing “what they love” simply because they lack funds to push themselves. In my country Nigeria, artistes drop record labels to start theirs once they get some recognition and Money, simply because…”Ultimate Freedom to… Read more »
Mr. Dan, I couldn’t get access to the video you said u were gonna teach how to create your own bizness and make some dollars.
Lukman from Ghana
Well said.. This is definitely an inspirational article, I love it.. Thank you
you cant be happy without money.you will always be on the run full of frustration.let that passionate thing wait first.when i make the money then i can seek for it
lol your position/submission is great.
Am sensing that a book will come out soon from this all discussion soon. Fact is what am doing right now is not what l love but it pays the bills and l sing on the side which is l love. We’ve got to work for the money first in other to start up what we love.
Amazing amazing write up! Being broke has to be one of the worst feels, it messes with your mindset and approach towards almost everything.
I love the writeup, especially how the word “first” was used. No matter what kind of dream one is dreaming, money is needed to realized it.
I just wish I can actually have a chat with you.
Once again, I love this writeup .
In a nutshell, hustle first and make money so that you can do what you’re passionate about. I couldn’t agree more!
Hmmmm, Brother Daniel Nejo, absolutely you are right. I need to take part in your training and I need it more than the air I breathe, but I don’t have the money to pay, can you help me to benefit from your training, please.
I believe if you have the money to start up what you have passion for and you’re sure it will fetch you money,that’s okay, and if you need more money,you can go for your passion and as well do other means to get more money as well
The truth is without money you might not even be able to detect what your passions is. For instance, an hungry man who is trying by all means to make money just for him to survive daily can’t even be talking about passion, he might actually have passion for music but at that point in his life he is only trying to earn a living rather than following his passion. If I don’t have money to feed or to afford a three square meal I won’t even be thinking of passion… I won’t even remember I have passion. lol. So… Read more »
Great! great!! great!!!. I love this write-up. Make money first, then pursue your passion. On point! Thank you Mr. Nejo
Mr Dan, thanks a bunch. God bless you
I am a Computer Science Student, wish i had stumble across this sooner, very inspiring. My next task. Thanks Mr. Daniel
I truly agree with ur taught on making the money and following ur passion cos I remember I love to sew anything sewing was my passion but I didn’t hv d means to establish my dream design which really left me unsatisfied in life. Thx for ur encouragement
Thank you bro!… You killed it there!…
Thanks for this timely expanciation and enlightenment….. I’m overwhelmed bro!.. Grateful
Its quite unfortunate we found ourselves in a society where there are lots of hypo-critic individuals who have over time become wealthy in various fields of endeavor through sweat and blood only to become preachers of “do what you love first, the money will come later” to the younger generation when in fact, they know tolling that path has never worked in this part of the world. There’s basically nothing one tries to achieve in Nigeria without the “money factor”, one has failed before even beginning. Though, its true doing what you love can be easy and gratifying but once… Read more »
I love music
Danniel, you just hit the nail right on the sspot. I have been thinking around the same circles for some time now, and i think your article makes a lot of sense. I remember attending a seminar on how to become a successful sales Manager, and came out more disappointed and confused than i walked in. Most of these overhyped motivational speakers are just empty.
We now live in a word where you can channel your job with your passion,it even makes your profession more profound
You’re right bro, we came to meet this philosophy, forgetting that times and seasons change. These philosophies no longer work in our era. You’re a blessing to this generation bro.
Great articles ?
Well said. At the end, it’s all about meeting needs whether or not it satisfies our passion.
This is a very precise post. I always tell people that these motivational speakers don’t have businesses how can they relate with u with a business mindset.billionaires around the world have one things in common, they sell a product or a service that everyone needs.you can only have a passion for a things when u comfortable and can think straight. Kudos on this post once again nejo.
Very true.
It is a fact Mr Daniel – The lack of money will literally paralyze your passion especially if your passion is expensive and very often it is.
Often, we have to solve the problems of others to be able to solve ours.
I still read it all over again.
The tips are mind blowing. Thank you Dan.
You are right on point Mr Daniel and very inspiring too!! Make money first for the your basic needs and then follow your passion afterwards which becomes much easier because of available money to support it.
Thanks