Politics

If You Knew My Salary, You’d Feel Sorry—But I Work for Love, Not Money By Sen Nwaebonyi

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on August 14th, 2025.

If You Knew My Salary, You’d Feel Sorry—But I Work for Love, Not Money

By Sen Nwaebonyi

When people talk about jobs, the conversation almost always drifts toward one inevitable question: “So, how much do you make?”

It’s a simple question, but for me, the answer is complicated. If I told you my exact salary, your eyebrows might shoot up in disbelief. You might even tilt your head in pity, wondering how I manage to survive.

And honestly? You wouldn’t be wrong to think that.

I’m not earning what society would call a “comfortable” wage. My paycheck doesn’t come with luxury. It doesn’t guarantee weekend getaways or the latest gadgets. Sometimes, it barely covers the bills. Yet here I am—showing up every day, pouring my heart into what I do.

Why? Because I’m not working for money. I’m working for passion.

The World Measures Success in Numbers, but I Don’t

We live in a time where success is tied to salary figures and job titles. A high-paying role is seen as a sign of achievement, while a modest income is often mistaken for failure. But here’s the truth—money isn’t the only currency that matters.

Some people wake up to chase wealth. I wake up to chase meaning.

My work gives me something no paycheck could ever match: fulfillment. I see the direct impact of my efforts. I touch lives. I create something that makes the world—no matter how slightly—a better place. And that’s a kind of wealth that doesn’t fit neatly into a bank account.

Passion Is Not a Luxury

Some might say I’m lucky to be able to work for passion, as if it’s a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. But passion isn’t a luxury—it’s a choice, and often, it’s a sacrifice.

There are days I question myself. Days I think about walking away to pursue something more lucrative. Days I envy people who can buy whatever they want without checking their bank balance twice. But every time I stand on the edge of that decision, something pulls me back—love for what I do.

The Hidden Riches in a “Poor” Job

If you measured my life in money alone, I’d be far from wealthy. But if you measured it in moments, I’m rich beyond measure.

The smile of someone whose life I’ve touched. The satisfaction of seeing a project come to life. The respect of peers who know my work is genuine. These are my bonuses. These are my dividends.

Money pays the bills, but passion fuels the soul. And while passion may not pay in dollars, it pays in purpose—and purpose is priceless.

So yes, if you knew my salary, you’d probably feel sorry for me. But I don’t want your pity. I want you to understand that wealth isn’t only about how much you earn. It’s also about how deeply you live.

And in that sense

, I am richer than I’ve ever been.