Monday Musings: Let’s Normalize Talking About Money
Recently I congratulated a friend who is running an exciting startup. She just got recognized by a prestigious society magazine as a female leader and placed in a startup pitch competition in Singapore. There are a few things I enjoy more than seeing women I admire win. I know exactly how much work it takes to get recognized, and seeing someone deserving finally getting their flowers, well, it’s a win for all of us strivers. After I congratulated her, my friend said something that’s been stuck to my head since then.
She said, “Recognition is good, but I need money.” To which I replied something along the lines of, well, recognition usually leads to money. But is that really true?
I think money is one of the most important conversations we can have with the people in our lives. Yes, it’s considered gauche to talk about numbers but why is that? I believe it has much to with shame. Shame that we don’t make enough money, and sometimes even shame that we have money as if it’s a dirty little thing. No one likes to be seen as a money grubber - greedy, unethical, single-minded in their pursuit.
Money often feels like this taboo topic, yet it underpins so many aspects of our lives. We shy away from discussing it, perhaps out of fear of judgment or the discomfort of revealing too much about our financial situation. But the reality is, whether we like it or not, money is a fundamental part of our existence. It's not just about the material things it can buy, but about the security, freedom, and opportunities it provides.
My friend's comment made me think about the delicate balance between recognition and financial reward. While recognition is undoubtedly gratifying and can open doors, it doesn’t always translate directly into financial gain. We see it all the time, don’t we? People who are incredibly talented, hardworking, and deserving of success, yet they struggle financially because recognition alone isn’t enough to sustain them.
The truth is, in many industries, especially for women, recognition can be a double-edged sword. It’s an acknowledgment of our efforts and achievements, but it can also come with the expectation that we should be content with the praise and not seek more tangible rewards. This is where we need to be bolder in advocating for ourselves, understanding our worth, and not being afraid to ask for what we need—be it a raise, investment, or a better deal.
At the end of the day, money gives us choices. It allows us to live life on our own terms, to support our loved ones, and to invest in our passions. We can’t live on recognition alone, no matter how fulfilling it might be. We need to normalize talking about money, negotiating for it, and most importantly, feeling deserving of it.
So next time someone congratulates you on your achievements, don’t be afraid to say, “Thank you, now let’s talk about the money.” Because as much as recognition is a sign that you’re on the right path, financial stability is what allows you to keep walking down that road. And every woman, every person, deserves that stability.
