Very often, “Things done for money have little value, while things done with love are priceless.” (Karim Kadiri)
This is true whether we’re talking about a work of art or a meal lovingly prepared to share with family and friends.
The same principle applies to our professional lives. There is a world of difference between working solely to earn a living and doing work that genuinely excites and fulfills you. Cooking with passion often results in unforgettable masterpieces. Teaching with genuine care has a far greater chance of changing lives for the better.
We only live once—so why spend that one opportunity doing work that brings us no joy?
Of course, some people never had the privilege of choosing their career because of difficult family circumstances or other constraints. That is a reality. However, this article is addressed to the many people who do have the ability to choose but never truly consider it.
We often forget that there is money to be made in every profession.
People frequently say that certain careers “pay well.” In reality, financial success is usually the result of mastering your craft. Whether you’re an outstanding plumber, designer, caterer, or entrepreneur, excellence almost always leads to financial rewards.
A doctor can earn less than a hairstylist. An industrial company owner can earn less than a singer. A bank CEO may earn less than a gardener who knows how to manage a successful business and secure large contracts.
The truth is simple: there is money everywhere—even in selling garbage.
We are surrounded by countless success stories in every imaginable industry, yet we often fail to notice them because we’ve been conditioned to believe that wealth belongs mainly to people with prestigious degrees, executive positions, or professions such as medicine.
Through my work in training and consulting, I have met many Moroccans who achieved the professional success and financial goals they had always dreamed of—only to discover that they were deeply unhappy.
Many devoted their entire lives to career advancement and financial success while ignoring their true purpose. That deeper calling remained buried beneath the surface, quietly eroding their sense of fulfillment over time.
Others spent years working in jobs and environments they disliked. In the end, they failed on both fronts: financially and emotionally. Sadly, these cases are extremely common because it is very difficult to excel at something you genuinely dislike.
I’d like to conclude with a story shared by actor Jim Carrey.
He once explained that his father dreamed of becoming a comedian but chose the safer path of becoming an electrician instead. When the company he worked for eventually went bankrupt, he lost everything and found himself living in a van with his family.
That experience inspired Jim Carrey to fully pursue his own dream, saying:
“You can fail at what you don’t love, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”
— By Karim Kadiri