Moving For Money

I would say compensation, specifically financial compensation, is probably the most well-known, rousing, and understood extrinsic motivator to anyone and everyone. I myself am moving to an entirely different state to reap the benefits of a very well-compensated position. However, the compensation is just one motivating factor. Of course, there are obvious rewards such as being able to buy a property, presently invest in the market, and save for the future of myself and my family. But there are plenty of other motivating factors that go into such a decision, and I believe they are often overlooked to focus on the glamour that is financial success.

Americans have an issue, we love to consume. Many Americans can’t go a single day without grabbing that $12 coffee or energy drink, or maybe they go out to eat for every lunch break. For me personally, I do look at the short-term rewards of good compensation and think of all the cool things I can potentially buy or do. Although I believe that this and many other extrinsic motivators are simply a veil over what people truly desire. We have learned that extrinsic motivators do a fine job, but intrinsic motivators are what actually keep people engaged and moving forward. For some, that intrinsic motivator is being able to show all the people who hurt or teased them that “Hey, I have lots of money now!”. When a well-compensated position comes with an expenses-paid move, that intrinsic motivator might be “Hey, I can leave the place that has hurt me so much”. If I’m being honest, that isn’t too far off from one of the many reasons I decided to take my current position. Overall, financial compensation is great, but the emotion that comes with it is what really motivates people.