How Are You Managing Your Earnings? The Question That Sparks Endless Evasions

Two Monks on a Motorcycle: Corporate Zen Stories

Day 116

If there’s one question that instantly drains the color from my face and sends my brain spiralling into a flurry of excuses, it’s this gem:

"What are you doing with the money that you earn?"

It’s not just the question itself—it’s who asks it. My boss, during a casual coffee break, with that unmistakable hint of curiosity. My peers, with raised eyebrows, as if they expect I’m building a secret spaceship. Or worst of all, my relatives, who lean in conspiratorially as if expecting me to confess to funding an underground alpaca farm.

The Art of the Dodge

Let me tell you, answering this question is a delicate dance. You can’t sound too frivolous (“Oh, I spent it all on the Green Diet and a premium Coffee subscription”), but you also can’t sound too uptight (“I’ve invested in 37 mutual funds and live off boiled lentils”). The goal is to strike the perfect balance between responsible adult and relatable human.

For instance, in my previous company when my boss casually dropped this question during a team dinner, I instinctively panicked and said, “I’m saving up to buy a small island. You know, just a backup plan in case this strategy doesn’t pan out.” The table erupted in laughter, but I could feel his gaze trying to calculate whether I was joking or secretly a tech billionaire.

Family Interrogation: The Next Level

Relatives are a different breed. At a recent family gathering, my aunt cornered me near the dessert table. After the usual pleasantries, she zeroed in like a heat-seeking missile.

“So, what are you doing with all the money you earn?” she asked, spoon poised over a bowl of trifle.

“Investing in my happiness,” I replied, hoping she’d drop it.

Her eyes narrowed. “Does that mean travel, fancy gadgets, or something else?”

Before I could answer, my cousin chimed in. “Probably funding some app idea or a startup.”

“Actually,” I said, grasping at straws, “I’m training carrier pigeons for a side hustle. It’s the future of eco-friendly delivery.”

The room erupted in laughter, but the question lingered like the faint smell of burnt toast.

Peers: The Silent Competition

Peers, meanwhile, don’t ask out of curiosity—they ask to compare notes. One colleague recently approached me with the air of someone about to share classified information.

“So,” he began, “what are you doing with your money?”

My first instinct was to deflect. “You mean after taxes, bills, and the occasional impulse purchase?” I asked.

“Exactly,” he said, leaning in closer.

“I’ve been thinking about it,” I said, pausing dramatically, “and I’ve decided to spend it on experiences.”

He nodded approvingly. “Like travel?”

“Not quite,” I replied. “I’m thinking more along the lines of Extreme Ironing or Dahi Handi breaking competitions. You know, life-changing stuff.”

He stared at me for a moment before bursting into laughter. “You’ve got to be kidding!”

I wasn’t, but he didn’t need to know that.

The Truth Behind the Question

Here’s the thing: no matter how you answer, this question feels like a test. Are you saving enough? Spending wisely? Planning for the future? It’s as if the person asking holds a secret checklist of “acceptable” answers, and your response will determine whether you’re a financial genius or a reckless spender.

But what I’ve learned over time is that it’s okay to have your own priorities. Some people save for retirement; others splurge on things that bring them joy. And some of us? We spend on books we’ll never finish, gadgets we don’t really need, or hobbies we pick up and abandon in a week.

So, the next time someone corners you with that dreaded question, embrace the moment. Throw in a twist of humour, deflect with a clever story, or answer honestly if you feel like it. After all, what you do with your money is your business.

And if all else fails, just say, “I’m saving up for a lifetime supply of sarcasm.” It’s priceless.

Discover my Amazon Bestseller Beyond Paychecks – Corporate Insights, Stories & Strategies. Packed with powerful career insights and leadership lessons from real corporate episodes, it offers practical wisdom and inspiring stories to help you thrive in work and life.

Book?Order Links: Amazon IN: https://lnkd.in/g3gSWDB2

Kindle: https://lnkd.in/gEkJF85p

Flipkart: https://lnkd.in/ghsRbpWv

Google Play: https://lnkd.in/g6rkSq3b

Google Books: https://lnkd.in/gCW7823C

LLPStore Paperback: https://lnkd.in/gmHzBb7F

?