The Myth of "I'll Be Happy When I Make My Millions"
How many times have you thought, “Once I hit my financial goals, then I’ll finally be happy”? It’s a belief that so many women professionals have, whether they’re climbing the corporate ladder or building their own businesses.
It seems that financial success will surely bring fulfillment, but the truth is, making money and being happy are two completely different skills (yes you heard that right – being happy is a learned skill!). If you're unhappy now on the way to your goals, reaching them will likely not bring you the long-lasting happiness and fulfillment you expect. In fact, it could amplify feelings of dissatisfaction as you find yourself more deeply committed to a path that doesn’t truly resonate with you.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t pursue success or that money isn’t important. No, actually the opposite. Financial success gives you more freedom, opportunities, and ease, which definitely makes it easier to enjoy your time. But if you don’t know how to be happy, no amount of money will make up for a life that feels unaligned.
Why Money Won’t Automatically Bring Happiness
Let’s get one thing straight – having money does solve a lot of problems. It can help you afford better healthcare, travel more, provide for your family, and experience life in ways that wouldn’t be possible without financial stability. It sets the stage for a happy life. But does it guarantee happiness? Not necessarily.
Here’s why:
If you hate the process, you’ll resent the success.
Many of us busy women professionals push through burnout, believing that the end goal will be worth it. But if you’re constantly forcing yourself through work you don’t enjoy, growing your business will just mean doing more of what you already hate.
Money comes with its own set of challenges.
Making more money solves one set of challenges but presents others. Keeping and growing wealth requires planning and management, which can become its own full time job. On top of that, some people may start seeing you as a walking ATM. If you don’t have a clear vision for your dream life or aren’t happy within yourself, more money can feel like a burden.
It can be lonely at the top.
When your financial status changes, so do your relationships. Some people might resent your success, while others might try to take advantage of it. That’s why work-life alignment isn’t just about work—it’s about consistently surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support and inspire you at every stage of your growth.
The Real Key to Happiness: Career Alignment + Life Purpose
If money doesn’t equal happiness, then what does? Alignment. The women in business who feel the most fulfilled aren’t necessarily the ones making the most money. They’re the ones whose work aligns with their values, strengths, and life purpose.
And here’s the thing—when you have that kind of alignment, financial success often follows. Passion is a sustainable source of motivation and energy. It drives you to continuously improve, innovate, and deliver value in a way that feels natural and effortless. When your work is genuine and passion-driven, you don’t have to force yourself to be productive. You’re naturally obsessed with what you do, which makes you great at it. That’s why so many of the most successful women professionals’ main focus isn’t on chasing money, but on building businesses and careers that truly light them up. The financial rewards are simply a byproduct of that deep alignment.
Ask yourself:
Does my work excite me?
Do I feel a sense of purpose in what I do?
Am I growing in ways that matter to me?
Do I feel satisfied in my career and personal life?
If the answer is “no” to any of these, then financial success alone won’t fix it. Instead of only chasing money, focus on career fulfillment and work-life alignment. That’s where true satisfaction comes from.
How to Build the Skill of Happiness
(No Matter Where You Are Financially)
Now that we know happiness is separate from money, how do you actually create it? Here are some practical steps:
1. Define What Fulfillment Means for You
Forget what society says about success. What does your ideal life look like? Write it down. Be specific. The clearer you are, the easier it is to make aligned decisions.
2. Align Your Work with Your Strengths & Passions
You don’t have to love every aspect of your work, but you should at least feel connected to it. If your business or career doesn’t align with your passions, start making small shifts toward something that does.
3. Create a Life Outside of Work
Work satisfaction matters, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Prioritize relationships, hobbies, and experiences that bring you joy. When your life feels rich in other areas, work stress won’t weigh as heavily.
4. Surround Yourself with the Right People
Find a community of like-minded women professionals who share your values and vision. The right support system can make all the difference when it comes to staying on track with what truly matters to you.
5. Practice Gratitude & Mindfulness
Happiness isn’t about waiting for the perfect conditions—it’s about appreciating what’s already good. Take time daily to acknowledge what’s going well in your life, no matter how small.
6. Set Goals That Go Beyond Money
Financial goals are great, but they shouldn’t be your only measure of success. What do you want to experience? How do you want to grow? Set goals that include personal and emotional fulfillment.
The Bottom Line
Learning to make money and learning to be happy are two separate things. If you’re only chasing financial success without creating true alignment in your life and work, you might end up more trapped than ever. But when you focus on career fulfillment, work-life alignment, and surrounding yourself with the right people, both happiness and financial success become much more attainable.
If you're ready to align your business, career, and life purpose, join the next cohort of the DREAM Life Mastery Program. This program is designed to help women entrepreneurs break free from unfulfilling cycles and create a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.
Your Dream Life is about so much more than money (which you’ll have in abundance too!)—it’s about living in full alignment. Are you ready to discover what that looks like for you?
About the Author
Jen Katsev
Personal Development Coach for Busy Women Professionals
Founder of The DREAM Method
Jen Katsev is a Silicon Valley recovered people pleasing overachiever, serial entrepreneur of 7 businesses, #1 bestselling author, former real estate syndicator and founder of BACOMM Investment Club. Despite her outward success, she felt trapped by the reputation she had built. Seeking change, she moved to Bulgaria to start a honey company, sparking an unexpected five-year journey of self-discovery and transformation. Now happily married and loving her life, Jen combines her journey and 7 years of life coaching experience to help others find authentic fulfillment and work-life alignment through her innovative DREAM Method.
