When asked, “What makes the world go ’round?”, some people will empathically answer “Money!” while others will firmly declare, “Love!” It’s been said that “money can’t buy love,” but there is also wisdom in the concept that “it takes cash to care.”

Many people think that it is impossible to actively pursue love and money at the same time. A job, the main source of income for most persons, is seen as a tedious chore that is only tolerated because it pays the bills. The idea of working for love seems like a childish fantasy.

Others are so obsessed by the need to amass riches that they will sacrifice human kindness to gain a dollar. In their greed for money, they will abuse and take advantage of people; and cheating and corruption often become necessary evils in their pathway to progress.

Balance love and money

While there may be conflicting views on whether love or money is more important for happiness, it could be argued that having material and emotional wealth is necessary for us to enjoy all that life offers. I believe that both elements are vital to achieving personal and financial success.

The key to balancing love and money is to understand how they can intersect to make our lives more fulfilled. Aspiring to become wealthy from your work is an admirable goal, while it is absolutely possible to become a ‘compassionate capitalist’ in your business activities.

Discover your passion

If money was no option, what type of work would you want to do every day? Your answer will give you insight into your true passion, your purpose in life. Many people experience job dissatisfaction because they work in fields that are not in keeping with what they truly desire.

If you’re working outside your passion, you may not be able to immediately change jobs. However, you can still look for opportunities to get involved in your desired area. For example, if you love teaching, you can offer extra lessons part-time, or volunteer for Sunday school at your church.

If you’re not sure what type of work would give you satisfaction, think about your hobbies that excite you and allow your creativity to surface. Ask your friends and family to tell you what they think you do best, and consider activities in which you are always receiving compliments.

Turn passion into profit

The next step is to figure out how to make money from doing what you love. If necessary, pursue the qualifications required to switch professions into your area of interest. You can also increase the earning potential of your passion by using innovation to create a niche for yourself.

For example, if you’ve been told that you have a wonderful speaking voice, think of how you can use this asset to earn. You could approach a company that produces commercials and become a voice talent. You could also look at a career in broadcasting, or even voice audio books for writers.

Maya Angelou said that people can only become successful doing something they love. “Don’t make money your goal,” she advises. “Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” This is how you get rewarded for your passion.

Enhance the bottom line with love

Some business owners think it’s a sign of weakness to display a loving attitude at work. However, it is possible to be successful in business while exhibiting care for others. One way is by establishing staff welfare plans that can help the company’s employees to become more productive and loyal.

Social entrepreneurs make a business of finding solutions that benefit disadvantaged persons. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus started an innovative micro-loan business to help the poor in Bangladesh. His successful micro-credit system has been replicated all around the world.

Many of the most successful corporations are based on a solid tradition of philanthropy. Microsoft’s Bill Gates, investor Warren Buffet and Jamaica’s Ferdinand Mahfood of Food for the Poor all demonstrate that caring for the less fortunate and giving to charities can be a profitable strategy.

Put people ahead of money

Whether you’re an employee aspiring to work for love and money, or a business owner wishing to make your money show your love, remember the true value of money. It can sometimes be tempting to place wealth on a pedestal and forget that it is only a means to an end.

In our increasingly materialistic world, more people are idolising the trappings of wealth. Money is seen a symbol of a person’s power, status and influence. Some people believe that they need to be rich to be respected, and show love to others according to their level of wealth.

Do you judge people according to the clothes they wear or the cars they drive? Do you think that the wealthy are more important than those with few resources? Don’t make money an indicator of a person’s true worth; treat everyone with the respect and love that you would like to receive.

Copyright © 2013 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.

Originally published in The Daily Observer, February 14, 2013

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Cherryl is a money coach and business mentor, and founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. See more of her work at www.entrepreneursinjamaica.com and www.financiallysmart.org. Contact Cherryl