Money is the root of all happiness.... wait, that doesn't seem right?

This past week while at work I came across a man who disagreed with my career of choice. I would be lying if I said this hasn't happened before, but for some reason this man was extremely insistent and got on my last nerves. Upon finding out that I had just graduated he asked me politely what my plans were and what my major would be in college. I quickly and proudly told him I was headed up to SUNY Fredonia to be a music performance major.

Not unlike others he gave a surprised look. He, however, seemed upset by my response. He immediately asked me,"Well are you smart?" (No joke, that is exactly what he said!)

I had to laugh. What kind of response was this? I told him I had done well in high school and I enjoyed learning and working hard. He then asked,"Well then why do you want to be a cellist?" REALLY? Did that just come out of your mouth? I told him that I loved cello, and there was nothing else I'd rather do. My answer was simple but it was the truth.

He then asked,"Well, is there any money in it?" I felt like I was being tested by this man and I was frankly shocked that he was still carrying on. Explaining to this man my opinion was not going to be easy. But money is NOT why I want to become a cellist.

Being an engineering professor he told me that I shouldn't be a cellist, but an engineer. I could make good money, and then cello would be better as a "hobby." We argued back and forth for a while about this and out of pure frustration I told him,"I do believe that I am fairly intelligent. I work hard and I love to be challenged and that is just it. I could be an engineer. Sure, I would make good money but I do NOT want to be bored all of my life. Cello is the only thing that I can find a daily, everlasting challenge in."

It shut him up and he walked away. But this whole experience got me thinking. Of course this is an age old idea, but people really should do what they love. I wouldn't find it challenging to be an engineer. Not because it isn't a hard career, but when you have passion for something, you seek the challenge. It becomes an obsession. You think about new ideas and ways to further that field. Not to say you can't commit yourself to something that isn't your passion, but I don't believe it will ever truly be the same.

Of course there is nothing wrong with wanting to make a good living. In fact, sometimes it goes hand in hand with your passion and love. I know that my career isn't the most stable but I know plenty of musicians that are perfectly contented. So that is what I strive for in my life. The fact that this man believes money is the root of all happiness is sad. I don't believe that is how that proverb goes. Isn't it "money is the root of all evil."

Again, there is nothing wrong with making a good living. I am NOT demonizing the choice to make money. That is a choice. That is why someone should be able to decide what career path would be best for them. Deciding on priorities and doing what is best is extremely individualized.

On the other side of the spectrum I met a lady who asked me a very similar question. She was an extremely pleasant German lady. She asked me what my plans were for college. After I told her I had long ago decided I wanted to be a cellist she too seemed skeptical. She asked me,"Do you love it?"

Her question startled me. I had NEVER been first asked if I loved cello by a stranger. That was something I had always needed to offer. It took me a moment to respond but once I told her that I loved cello very much, her face lit up and she said,

"Than you are doing the right thing."