The title of this post details the approach I am taking at this time in my life. For years I had been striving to make more and more money in the tech industry. I couldn’t complain about where I was as far as money, but something still was missing. I still wasn’t happy. I started seeing a shrink for answers. Over the course of 8 weeks, I started to develop a new philosophy about life. The only reason I have been striving to make more money all of these years is the same reason most people do. They are trying to impress other people. I have always wanted a bigger car, a bigger house, and all the latest electronic toys. It was all a show to show off to friends and mostly to meet the expectations of my parents. Now I’m only out to impress one person, myself. These books helped me develop my new philosophy:

Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood - The best book of these 3. It was recommended by my shrink. It’s filled with stories of people that changed their lives by changing their definition of success. The idea is to start doing what you love, struggle with how hard it is at first, and then be happier in the end.

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2008: A Practical Manual for Job-hunters and Career-Changers - A guide to changing careers. This is not really a book you read cover to cover, but one you consult when you need it. A must have for anybody in the work force. It will change everything you’ve ever thought about hunting for a job and your career.

How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else - An amazing story about a guy whowas happier working at Starbucks than he was his high-powered, six-figure job.

These books and revelations about life forced me into a new way of thinking about myself. I am not a tech that works for a large software corporation. Although I still have that job right now, it does not define who I am. Instead, I am a writer and broadcaster. That’s what I want to do, and I do it whenever I can. Not for the money, but because it is who I am and what I enjoy. I trust that the money will follow and maybe someday I can will be able to leave my day job.

It is possible to do what you love and make money. It just takes time. You may also not make much money doing what you love, but you will be a more fulfilled person. It’s cliché, but true. Money really doesn’t make you happy.

I’ve watched Suze Orman’s show on CNBC for the past year hoping what she preaches will rub off on me and help me to manage my finances better. A goal that I am far from. Anyway she constantly asks her callers if they know their FICO score. She never asks about any other type of credit score, only the FICO score. Do you know why she does this? Well, it turns out that Suze Orman has a deal with the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). This fact is mentioned in the documentary Maxed Out, a movie about the growing debt problem in the United States. So Suze makes sure she strikes fear into those that don’t know their FICO score. They must find out what it is or they will possibly meet certain financial doom.

I think it’s a little strange for somebody that gives financial advice to be bought by a financial company. The advice given can be a little biased doncha think? Especially since many feel that a FICO score is absolutely useless.

It makes me wonder what other advice is she giving us that benefits a corporation? What about other people I take advice from on TV or radio. Is their advice bought?

I’m now done watching, listening or reading Suze Orman’s books. I would prefer to follow the advice of somebody that will give me tips based on what is really good for me rather than what they have been paid to tell me.