We've all heard the saying "Do what you love and the money will follow" (if that's you're first time hearing it, you're welcome). So what happens when that day comes, but the money actually gets in the way? What do you do? Would you say "yes" to the money and in turn hav a miserable time or would you turn down the money, the sweet gig, and keep living your life the way you want?
For those who don't know, Andy Lewis was faced with that question almost two years ago.
Andy was asked to perform on stage with Madonna at the 2012 Super Bowl Halftime Show. He put together a simple routine and performed it flawlessly in what looked to be a dress, his failed attempt at being a Caesar-Socrates-slacker. This brought him and the sport of slacklining to the mainstream, 114 million people were watching.
Madonna even asked him to go on tour to perform with her, 105 shows in nine months with three months of rehearsal before the tour even began. Andy was offered $340,000 to go on tour and he turned it down. From the interview with Alison Osius in the December 2012 issue of Rock And Ice, Andy said the three factors that led him to his decision were: he's very impatient, can't stand being told what to do, and hates being trapped inside all the time. And to top it all off, he doesn't even like traveling.
Turning down $340,000 seems like a stupid idea, when he only makes up to $10,000/year from competing in slackline competitions. But would he be happy?
Obviously he would've been doing what he loves, slacklining, but he would've been in a situation that he would've hated. Not to mention he went on to say that he'd have to deal with all that money. Who do you think would be making all the beer runs and end paying for all the "fun" for him and his friends?
Andy made a tough decision, turning down all that money, but it turned out to be the best decision for him. After all the publicity, he set a couple new record breaking high lines in the Moab Desert, re-started Slackline Brothers with his girlfriend, and went to Brazil with his girlfriend and a couple of their buddies to shoot a new slackline movie.
Sure he turned down the big money up front, but he's still getting paid to do what he loves, and the money hasn't ruined his love of slacklining.
What would you have done if you were in Andy's shoes?
For those who don't know, Andy Lewis was faced with that question almost two years ago.
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| Andy Lewis at the Slackline World Cup |
Andy was asked to perform on stage with Madonna at the 2012 Super Bowl Halftime Show. He put together a simple routine and performed it flawlessly in what looked to be a dress, his failed attempt at being a Caesar-Socrates-slacker. This brought him and the sport of slacklining to the mainstream, 114 million people were watching.
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| Andy Lewis getting a kiss from Madonna on stage |
Madonna even asked him to go on tour to perform with her, 105 shows in nine months with three months of rehearsal before the tour even began. Andy was offered $340,000 to go on tour and he turned it down. From the interview with Alison Osius in the December 2012 issue of Rock And Ice, Andy said the three factors that led him to his decision were: he's very impatient, can't stand being told what to do, and hates being trapped inside all the time. And to top it all off, he doesn't even like traveling.
Turning down $340,000 seems like a stupid idea, when he only makes up to $10,000/year from competing in slackline competitions. But would he be happy?
Obviously he would've been doing what he loves, slacklining, but he would've been in a situation that he would've hated. Not to mention he went on to say that he'd have to deal with all that money. Who do you think would be making all the beer runs and end paying for all the "fun" for him and his friends?
Andy made a tough decision, turning down all that money, but it turned out to be the best decision for him. After all the publicity, he set a couple new record breaking high lines in the Moab Desert, re-started Slackline Brothers with his girlfriend, and went to Brazil with his girlfriend and a couple of their buddies to shoot a new slackline movie.
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| Andy Lewis highlining in Brazil |
Sure he turned down the big money up front, but he's still getting paid to do what he loves, and the money hasn't ruined his love of slacklining.
What would you have done if you were in Andy's shoes?
Love it, Justin! While many may offer lip service as to what they would or would not do in a case like this I reserve my attention only to those who've actually had the opportunity to make a choice like this. I'm seeing a similar crossroads coming up for my business and my passion for writing/speaking. Right now, I can do both but I'm not naive enoughtto think articles such as yours are merely a coincidence. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! Looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for you business.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he acted in clarity! Thinking about the big picture is so much more important than thinking about the new car you could buy RIGHT NOW with that kind of money :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more Rachel.
DeleteGreat message. It's a testament to the fact that there are people who believe that what is in their heart is more important than what is in their bank. We need more people who know who they are and what they want in their lives (and out of their lives) to set these examples. We could use some help from the media too. Could you imagine if one of the big news syndicates set out to find more people pursuing their passion, and turning down big pay checks because they didn't want to confine their dreams to someone else's expectations. These are true success stories! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt'd be awesome if one of the big news syndicates went on a search to find more people pursuing their passion, and turning down big pay checks because they didn't want to confine their dreams to someone else's expectations.
DeleteBut let's face it, that's not as interesting or entertaining as some of the things they put on the news nowadays. Unfortunately the news is now used to entertain rather than inform.
Thanks for the comment and new spin Chrissanne!