Question:
I was just offered a huge promotion at work and I’m very excited about this, but I’m anxious about the effect it might have on my home life, my children and my relationship. I know I'm going to have to put in more work hours, but I'm already struggling to balance my career with the needs of my family.

However, I don't really have a choice. I need the extra money. We recently moved into a bigger house and I usually replace my cars every few years. The bills also seem endless. All these things are forcing my hand. I don't know what to do!

Answer:
Close your eyes and imagine yourself lying on a hospital bed. You are surrounded by friends and family. You're death is imminent and your life flashes before your eyes. What are your regrets?

It's likely that you're wishing you spent more time with your children when they were small. One thing you're most definitely not thinking is 'Oh, how I wish I spent more time at work!'

Many South Africans aspire to owning bigger houses and flashier cars, believing it will make them happy. I believe the opposite is true.

Slaving away in order to afford material possessions we wrongly believe we need hinders us from living the good life.

Spending more time with friends and family will make you happier than driving a new car or living in a larney house.

To me it's obvious that having a healthy family and social life is a vital part of being happy. Striving for materialistic goals ('…the bigger house, new cars, the seemingly endless bills…') will make you less happy, less healthy and more likely to become afflicted with a psychological disorder.

If I, dear reader, were you I would not take the job. I would move into a smaller house, sell the cars and buy two clunkers. I would be very careful how I spend my money.

On your deathbed, will you regret not replacing your car after four years, or taking the job that had you spending less time with your loved ones?

Do you have any advice that would help? Leave a comment below...

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