I’ve always made a conscious choice to not be in the rat race, and I’ve found that not chasing money gives you other luxuries. I realize what a privilege it is to be in this position: to be able to decline power and money, and choose the freedom that time and mindspace offers. Over the last 13 years, I’ve balanced a full-time job (source of income) along with my side hustle (my labour of love!). I’ve consciously picked jobs that have made me feel satisfied, worthy, and fulfilled, rather than just adding to my bank balance. Would I have been as happy had I chased bigger paychecks? There’s no way to know for sure. But having had the choice to say no has been incredibly rewarding.