For the Love of Money

"For the love of money

Don’t let, don’t let, don’t let money rule you

For the love of money

Money can change people sometimes

Don’t let, don’t let, don’t let money fool you

Money can fool people sometimes

People! Don’t let money, don’t let money change you,

It will keep on changing, changing up your mind." — The O’Jays

A reporter from the New York Times has been reaching out (one too many times) requesting a conversation about someone currently in the headlines. Those calls stirred a deep reflection on a time in my life when I compromised on one of my core principles: never chase money.

I've always believed that opportunity—and the creative spark it ignites—should lead my decisions, whether it's taking a new job, switching industries, or moving across the country. This belief has allowed me to chart a wonderfully non-linear professional journey across industries, driven not by a paycheck but by purpose.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

In Matthew 6:24, we read: "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

It was 2008, and the world was staring down the barrel of a deep recession. Jobs were disappearing overnight, and panic was at an all-time high. In that moment of fear, I went against that core principle and accepted a role I didn’t need, chasing a paycheck rather than purpose. I had a severance package from my previous company that could have sustained us for several years, but fear drove me to make a decision that remains one of my biggest missteps.

In my first year working for this person/company, I earned more money than I ever had in my career—seven figures, to be exact. I don’t share this to boast, but to make a larger point: I would have given it all back in an instant. That year was the darkest of my life, filled with fear, anxiety, and a profound sense of spiritual unrest.

Even in that darkness, I was shown an undeserved mercy. After 2 agonizing years, I stepped into a new role earning just a quarter of my previous salary—but it was worth every cent. My peace, happiness, and sense of purpose were restored. The crooked road was made straight, and today, I continue to reap the blessings of that unconventional pivot—my third industry shift—by serving as an Independent Board member of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

When Is Enough, Enough?

Let me be clear: the ability to provide for yourself and your family is essential. But here’s the food for thought I want to present this morning—is the pursuit of money leading you, and is it leading you into the lion’s den?

I remember asking my boss this very question early in my career in the recorded music industry. I was surrounded by incredibly wealthy and successful individuals who, despite their accomplishments, seemed perpetually stressed and unhappy. My boss, a very wealthy man himself, acted as though he never had “enough.” So one day, I asked him, “When will you know that enough is enough?”

He looked at me, unable to answer that simple question. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

You Are More Than Your Job

I know many of us today are facing challenges and decisions that feel insurmountable. The climb seems endless, and the summit, impossible. But I promise you—you will make it to the other side and likely have more often times than you realized.

Perhaps it’s time to explore considerations you may not have before. It’s okay to take a lateral move. It’s okay to pause and realign. It’s okay. If there is someone you want me to connect you with, ask. I’m not just rooting for you—I’m standing in the gap for you, just as many have stood in the gap for me throughout my career and life.

I recently spoke with a friend navigating his next career step. He’s up for a role that isn’t in the C-suite, doesn’t come with the salary he’s used to, and frankly, he was torn. The root of his frustration? “What will my friends think?”

I told him, “Who cares what anyone thinks? Titles are rented space. Jobs are rented space. If this role serves your needs, accept it with grace and gratitude. The world will try to convince you that your value is tied to your valuables—reject that lie. You are not defined by your job or the material things money can buy. You are more dynamic than that.”

Maybe, just maybe, it’s time for some of us to untether ourselves from what we do and start anchoring ourselves in who we are. For me, the verse from the book of Matthew anchors me every day.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you." — Matthew 6:33

Go forth, my beautiful Muse, and be the way. I always love hearing from this incredible community. If you have questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to reach out using this form. Let’s continue walking this journey together.

With grace, gratitude, and love,

Amani D.