Normally I wouldn’t have occasion to link back to Cary of “Ask Cary” on salon.com, but today he answers a question that is actually quite related to personal finances. For those who don’t know me personally, I actually started this blog in homage to Cary, hence the ever so creative name AskDong.  I also wanted to answer relationship questions, but that’s a story for another day.

If you get a chance, read the actual letter, Cary’s response, and comments.  All three usually make a good read.  However, in synopsis; the letter writer is a 50 year old jazz pianist, accomplished but not a success, and barely scraping by. He’s been doing what he loves, but wants to at this point in his life to make some money. Who can blame him, the life of a musician is hard. The industry is super competitive, and the pay generally stinks unless you’re famous.

I know I often like to say, “Do what you love, and financial success will find you.” However, if I had complete faith in that I probably would’ve studied something else other than economics in college.  I value a measure of a security, and I realize there are tradeoffs for many people between financial rewards and personal job satisfaction.  The lucky few have both. Finacial Zen discusses at his blog his own career path and job choices and doing what you love (and how one can kill the other).  But the question remains, do you believe if you do what you love, enough rewards will come?

{democracy:4}

p.s. If you get a chance comment on Salon, the letter writers often read the comments, and are generally appreciative of good advice.