We’ve all heard the saying that money can’t buy happiness. While it’s true that many of life’s greatest joys are free and that numerous lottery winners have faced unexpected challenges, there is a nuanced perspective worth considering. I’ve witnessed plenty of wealthy individuals enjoying rich, fulfilling lives, which suggests a potential link between financial resources and overall well-being.
While stories abound of people accumulating material possessions in pursuit of satisfaction—often to no avail—it’s essential to recognize that money can also be a tool for buying time. A recent study, which could have easily appeared in a cheeky publication, rather than the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlighted that spending money on time-saving services led to greater happiness compared to expenditures on physical goods. To put it simply, hiring someone to do your grocery shopping can be a much happier experience than just buying groceries yourself!
I can’t be the only one who has wished for a couple of extra hours in the day. A few months ago, I decided to hire a cleaning service every couple of weeks. While I typically manage day-to-day cleaning in my modest home, the larger chores tend to pile up. Tasks like mopping and deep-cleaning often get postponed until I find myself needing an entire weekend to catch up—time that I rarely have, especially with a busy family.
So, I brought on a wonderful cleaner named Sarah to help manage the tasks that often slip through the cracks. With her help, I’ve avoided the stress that used to accompany the thought of a messy home. On weeks when I’m juggling sick children or battling my own health issues, like a recent stretch of migraines, I no longer feel overwhelmed by the growing list of chores. Sarah comes in every two weeks to reset my space, and the knowledge that my home can only get messy for a maximum of two weeks has lifted a significant burden off my shoulders. This newfound peace translates into increased patience and happiness, benefiting both my family and the wider community.
Here’s the kicker: I genuinely dislike cleaning. I don’t wake up eager to tackle dust bunnies with my favorite cleaning spray. I’d much rather spend my time on activities I enjoy, such as exercising, relaxing with a book, or playing with my kids. By outsourcing tasks I find tedious, I free up precious time to engage in the things that bring me joy, thus enhancing my overall happiness.
It’s perplexing that many who can afford to buy time often refrain from doing so. Common reasons include a belief that it’s wasteful to pay someone for work you can accomplish yourself. But if you think about it, many of us would pay good money for a few extra hours in our day. That’s precisely what outsourcing services like cleaning or lawn care provides. We readily embrace time-saving appliances like dishwashers and microwaves, but when it comes to hiring people, we often label it as lazy or entitled behavior.
Whether it’s hiring someone to clean your home, do your laundry, or mow your lawn, you are effectively purchasing your time. That time can be redirected towards activities you genuinely enjoy. I struggle to believe anyone on their deathbed wishes they had spent more time scrubbing floors.
Even opting for a simple “Let’s order pizza” on a particularly exhausting day can elevate your mood. Not only does it save you cooking time, but it also spares you from the dreaded kitchen cleanup.
Your time has intrinsic value—one that can be quantified in dollars. While it’s true that the best things in life may be free, if you find yourself constantly bogged down by activities you dislike, it doesn’t matter if those joys are free or costly; they become out of reach. Therefore, I prioritize freeing up my time wherever I can, allowing me to spend it with the people I cherish most.
For more insights on managing your time and resources, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re looking for tools to enhance your journey, consider exploring this fertility booster for men that can offer additional support. Also, to learn more about our privacy practices, visit this link.
Summary
Money can enhance happiness when used to buy time-saving services, allowing individuals to engage in activities they enjoy rather than chores they dislike. Outsourcing tasks can relieve stress, promote well-being, and free up time for meaningful relationships.