$8000 didn’t make me any happier

That was the highest amount of money I earned. Yet, my happiness wasn’t the highest. It didn’t even increase by a bit.

My general reaction was just, meh.

How I got the $8000 was that I negotiated a deal to do coding slides for $6000 and some freelance teaching, which added up to $8000.

After getting that money, I realised money doesn’t really make me any happier. Don’t get me wrong. I had a peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about if I can afford food. But fulfilment, can’t be bought.

After that I took deals that made me less money:

[1] Going into a partnership where I had to split revenue 50 - 50
[2] Going to another partnership where I earned in Malaysian Ringgit (effectively, earning 3x less) with some equity in the company

However, the trade off:

[1] Having an insight of a fast growing tuition business that now is having 8 figure profit
[2] Able to have influence in the company direction and values
[3] Opportunity to lead a team

But most importantly, I found out the career that I want: a business that I have full control over.

No partnerships.
Full control over direction.
Create high standards.
Retaining 100% revenue and profit.
At my own speed.