Breaking Free from the Golden Handcuffs: A Journey to Authenticity

Isn’t it strange how conventional success is so centred around money?

Think about it.

From an early age, most of us are taught to pursue good grades, attend a reputable university and secure a well-paying job - all with the goal of achieving financial security and comfort.

I followed this roadmap diligently, graduating with a degree in Chemistry and entering the world of medical sales.

I worked for several high-profile companies, most recently for Smith + Nephew, one of the world's largest medical companies in the world.

With a generous salary, the potential for substantial bonuses, a company car, private healthcare and a solid pension, I had seemingly achieved the gold standard of success.

Yet, once I reached this milestone, I didn’t get that sense of completeness I thought I always would.

I brushed it off for as long as I could. After all, who was I to complain when I had a career and a life that many people love to have?

But I couldn’t shake it off, and the inevitable question came up - what next?

I could continue to climb the corporate ladder, but to what end? To pay off my mortgage a little quicker? To have more disposable income after paying the bills?

Would these material accomplishments truly bring me happiness?

Shifting my focus

My relentless pursuit of wealth had become a shield, protecting me from confronting the reality that I was investing time and energy into things that didn't truly matter.

"If only I had more money" was my go-to excuse for most of my problems.

However, it also acted as a distraction. It obstructed my view and prevented me from realising how useless it was to amass more wealth.

My perspective began to shift dramatically when a coach I was working with asked me a simple yet profound question,

"If you had all the money in the world, what would you be doing?"

From Wealth to Purpose

This question challenged me to look beyond material possessions and consider how to use my time and energy once all my bucket list goals were achieved.

I started to realise that what truly mattered wasn’t the pursuit of wealth but the pursuit of something meaningful, something that could make a positive contribution to people's lives.

That 'something' for me was coaching.

The fulfilment I felt from guiding my clients towards meaningful and impactful careers far outweighed the satisfaction I received from any monetary gain or deals I closed.

The Trade-Offs of a High-Paying Job

Life has a funny way of testing you when you decide to commit to change.

As I came to the realisation that I wanted to take my coaching full-time rather than part-time alongside my sales role, I received a call from a Head-hunter.  

An opportunity arrived that would have doubled my income, and I was the preferred candidate.

The financial freedom that this role promised was initially very tempting.

It would we could massively reduce the payments on our mortgage, go on more extravagant holidays and even have money left over in additional income streams.

However, the position also demanded spending far more time in hospital operating rooms, working long hours and weekends and commuting over vast geographic areas.

The costs to my life - reduced control over my diet, disrupted gym routine, limited time with my wife and family, and less rest - far outweighed the increased income.

Is the money worth it?

When considering a better-paying job or promotion, it is essential to weigh the consequences.

Does the extra income allow you to do something you currently can't?

Are you committed to taking the necessary steps, such as learning new skills or networking, to justify the pay increase?

Most importantly, are you willing to struggle for more money if it means sacrificing your time, hobbies, personal interests, and health?

Leaving my job to take my coaching practice full-time wasn't a difficult decision. No amount of money could provide the satisfaction that I derive from coaching.

This journey has taught me that money feels like everything until we reach financial safety and security.

After that, it simply provides more choices.

Lessons Learned

My journey wasn't easy, but it was worthwhile. What I’ve learned is that authenticity is the key to personal and professional satisfaction.

We can have a successful career and still remain true to our passions and values.

I am a testament to this.

Breaking free from the golden handcuffs wasn’t about dismissing the importance of financial stability. Instead, it was about recognising that pursuing money for money's sake doesn’t lead to long-term satisfaction.

It was about shifting from a life centred around financial gain to a life focused on purpose and positive impact.

This shift requires self-reflection, courage, and, often, a drastic revaluation of what success means.

For me, it has been a journey towards authenticity.

A journey where the measure of success is not the size of my bank account but the size of the impact that I make.

What about you?

Who’s version of success are you truly pursuing?

What is the real reason that you work, and how has that definition changed?

I encourage you to question, to reflect, and most importantly, to act.

Don't be confined by the Golden Handcuffs.

Don't trade your authenticity for comfort and security.

Dare to break free, dare to pursue a fulfilling career and life, and dare to live authentically.

P.S.

If you are ready to break away from the Golden Handcuffs and want to explore what an authentic career would look like for you, I have a set of questions to help you figure out what an authentic career would look like.

Feel free to send me a message and I will share the tool with you.