Is the Price of Freedom Leaving Money on the Table?
Why I’m Choosing Passion Over Pay checks—and What It’s Costing Me
We often talk about being stuck in our day jobs—dreaming of breaking free, of living life on our own terms.
The inspiration for this blog came from two places: a book I read recently called The Pathless Path by
and a podcast episode featuring Ali Abdaal and his brother Taimur.Both explored the idea of freedom, fulfillment, and a new way of work.
Recently, I’ve found myself watching YouTubers and content creators share their burnout stories. Ironically, these individuals, who once broke away from the traditional 9-to-5, now find themselves answerable to something equally demanding: the algorithm.
What started as a passion project for them has evolved into a version of a job. Sponsors become stakeholders. Viewers turn into managers. Platforms act as employers.
The very freedom they sought seems to come with new constraints.
Ready to settle down yet?
When it comes to me, I’ve always toyed with the idea of unconventional careers.
Some might say I’ve taken a lot of risks, and every time I’ve tried to “settle down”…
I’ve come across stories of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creators who broke away from the rat race to forge their own paths.
Their journeys were inspiring, but it made me wonder: Are they truly free? Are they “time-rich”? How much creative freedom do they actually have?
And how different, really, is their grind from a consultant’s or a day jobber’s? What am I trading off in this equation? Is it even possible to have the best of both worlds?
People have often suggested I start something of my own.
Over the years, I’ve explored several business ideas with different co-founders. Some almost took off, but our visions or working styles would inevitably collide.
And each time, I asked myself: How much of the hype around “quitting and going solo” is true?
Would I genuinely escape the tasks I hate—sales calls, weekend meetings, endless admin work—or would I just tolerate them because now all the income is mine?
What does that say about my values?
About the kind of work I want to do?
About the kind of life I want to lead?
The trade-off
Through all the podcasts, books, and conversations I’ve immersed myself in, one thing has become clear: There’s always a trade-off.
Being a celebrity might mean sacrificing your privacy forever, getting photographed in embarrassing situations, and having your stories misrepresented for decades.
Running a business often means long hours, thankless managerial tasks, and HR work that drains you.
Even freelancing can mean putting up with clients you dislike, taking on uninspiring projects, and forcing yourself to network when you’d rather not.
So, do we ever truly get off the hamster wheel?
Or are we just trading one cage for another?
Perhaps living a life that’s truly free—whatever that means to each of us—requires leaving some money on the table.
It could mean:
Saying no to high-budget clients who drain your energy.
Drawing a line between personal and professional hours, even if it costs you opportunities.
Resisting the allure of “success” when it comes at the expense of your well-being.
But making these choices isn’t easy. It might mean disappointing people: family, peers, society—even those who’ve rooted for your hustle.
The hustle bros who measured their success through yours? They’ll have to find someone else to quote.
And in the process, maybe you’ll find your own tribe—people who value balance over burnout, who measure wealth in more than just currency.
Because freedom, it seems, is less about breaking away from one system and more about designing a life that’s yours. One where you’re willing to leave a little money on the table if it means protecting your time, your energy, and your self.
If you don’t sacrifice for what you want. What you want becomes the sacrifice.
What Are You Willing to Leave on the Table?
I’ve been asking myself this question lately.
For me, it’s about:
Choosing a remote job with less pay vs. commuting every day for a handsome package.
Working in a niche industry that fuels my passion, with some level of risk vs. choosing a safe but robotic, passionless job.
The PRICE of Freedom
True freedom often comes with a cost. But what if that cost is the very thing that makes it meaningful? Here’s a framework to reflect on:
P – Prioritize what matters most to you.
Your definition of success might not align with society’s. What are the non-negotiables in your life? For me, it’s staying close to family and doing work that excites me, even if it means leaving money on the table.
R – Resist societal pressures.
The world loves to tell you what you “should” do—buy a house, get promoted, hustle harder. But freedom often means disappointing people, even those rooting for you.
I – Identify the trade-offs.
Every choice comes with sacrifices. The key is to ask: Is this trade-off worth it? Will it align with the life I want to live?
C – Create boundaries.
Freedom isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things. Draw clear lines between your personal and professional life, even if it means saying no to big opportunities.
E – Embrace imperfection.
No life path is perfect. Freedom doesn’t mean never facing stress or tough decisions—it means designing a life that feels authentic, even if it’s messy at times.
Reflect & Rewrite
Now, I’d love to hear from you:
Take a moment to reflect and write this down in your journal (or comment below or email me privately):
What does freedom mean to you?
What are you willing to leave on the table to protect your time, energy, and self?
What trade-offs have you already made that brought you closer to your ideal life?
Write back with your thoughts✨
A Gift to Kickstart Your Year
If you’re ready to take that first step towards Freedom, I’ve got something special for you.
I’ve launched a Work-Life Planner & Journal—a digital and printable tool I poured my heart into during the holidays. It’s designed to help you reflect, organize, and set intentional goals for the new year.
And here’s the best part: it costs less than a cup of coffee!
This isn’t just a planner; it’s a way to gift yourself clarity and focus for 2025. Whether you’re someone who loves journaling or someone who needs a little nudge to get started, this is for you.
Check it out in my store and make this year the one where you truly honour your goals.