"Successful" shouldn't always relate to money

So, today, when I was making bed, I recalled a book about achieving dreams for kids. It is somehow related to the "success" we're all pursuing in our lives. However, people always relate "success" to piles of gold or a lot more than 9 digits on your bank account.

This book that I found, it tells children about almost all occupations in the world, even local professions, such as tukang bakso (meatball vendor). For me, personally, this book really IS amazing because it encourages kids to be whatever they want, even a tukang bakso, without needing to be ashamed of it.

You see, I don't think one can be called a successful person if he has money beyond the society standard or has reached a respectful position at work, yet most of the time, he's not happy. Well, yeah, money CAN buy happiness, by traveling the world for someone adventurous, shopping Versace and Chanel for shopaholics, or building a palace of gold for the one who loves living a luxurious life. But I agree with one quote I shared on Facebook, though, which said something like "One is not successful if his family is poor." And yes, then again, it's all about money.

Yet, this afternoon (when making bed) I pondered about it. If someone is not rich enough to provide his family with all the money they want, then he can't be considered as a successful person, can he? But what if he doesn't want to be "that" rich? What if he just wants to live a humble life and be happy with it? Well, I myself am still on a journey to finding the career I want. In high school I thought I wanted to be a tour leader, but when learning to be one, I could never master all routes that a guide must have in mind. I am such a hardhead when it comes to map. Therefore, I thought that's not the best profession for me. Now in university, I am much more lost. Years ago, after reading a travel book written by a book editor, I decided to be an editor. Yeah, that must be the one because I'm still excited thinking about it. However, I am (always) bothered by other people's judgment, in this case, what people think if I become an editor. I suppose being an editor is not what people expect of me, especially my family. Having been successful in school, my friends must have always assumed that I would be the "successful" person in the future with big house, fancy cars and fat pocket. Well, I don't really care about how rich I'm gonna be. I don't want to compare my wealth to any of my friends' or anybody's. I don't think a successful person should always be the one with the most money. People can be considered successful if they have reached their goals, no matter what the goals are. Isn't that the thing about success? You set a goal and you become successful when you've finally reached it. I guess some people in this world do not really wish to be wealthy. Everybody is in their own pursuit of happiness. And all those goals they set, I believe, have happiness as one of the underlying reasons. And money is not always the "top" priority in someone's happiness.

Therefore, with this thought I obtained when making my bed, I'm definitely telling my future children to be whatever they like. If they wish to be a street vendor even, so be it. Because when someone does something with passion, he will give it the best that he has, and it will not end up with just ordinary results. Being a tukang es batu (ice vendor) does not really sound convincing for a "bright" future. Nevertheless, my brother once told me that he had a friend whose brother was an ice vendor and his wealth was beyond anyone's expectation. He's wealthy because he doesn't only sell his ice to a few small restaurants, but he also sells it to most big restaurants in the country. So why can't a street vendor be rich just like this inspiring ice vendor?

Besides, telling children to have a certain profession might show them stereotypes that being a clown is not worthy, a cleaning service is a lowly job, etc. Growing up, they'll know what they need and what they want. I will let my children start low if they want, though. They can be a cleaning service at the start of their career, and if they think it's enough for them to live happily, then fine. It doesn't matter. I don't want to give them the burden of having obligation to pursue a particular career. I think they'll figure it out by themselves. And my job will be only to guide, inspire and help them to reach their dreams. (why am I planning about it already -_- I'm still 19)

And as for myself, I believe I'll be "successful" in my own terms. Stop judging people by their wealth or occupation. Any occupation should not be less respected than others. Even a boss should also be respectful to his office boy. No matter what your job is, be proud because you're earning money by your own hard work. Should you feel like you need more, do not complain or blame others. The choice is always in you. Obtain more, or simply be happy with it.

Well, actually my brain's still branching its ideas everywhere in my head. It's too much, though, so I may write it later one day. Happy Thursday!