To think that health is the real wealth?

[BluntLilacGuide]

People focus so much on making money, climbing the career ladder, and accumulating assets but what’s the point if you’re too burnt out or unwell to enjoy it? It seems like many people only start prioritising their health when they’re forced to. AIBU to think that good health is the most valuable thing we have and we should treat it as such?

I agree with you a million percent.Without good health you have nothing.

Yes - and that includes mental health.

💯 true

I do agree completely.

I was so burnt out in my last job, I had no time or energy to focus on my health and the weight crept on.

I’ve taken a step back professionally and it’s the best thing I e ever done, I’ve lost 13lb and I’m going to the gym 3-4 times a week.

Absolutely - we are lucky enough to be pretty comfortable, but DH’s health isn’t 100% and I’d trade every penny to be back how we were in our 20’s.

But it’s not really work that’s caused his ill health, curse those bad genes!

You’re presenting a false dichotomy though- most of the wealthiest people I know, including those working long hours in stressful jobs, have the best health, including mental health. I’m not sure there’s any evidence that “climbing the career ladder” leads to poorer health outcomes- in fact more evidence for the opposite.

Good health and mobility are so important.

Ah, @BluntLilacGuide- it goes slightly further than that. If you ever find yourself visiting someone you love in hospital over several months, you’ll soon reach the conclusion that the real aristocracy in this world are those fortunate people who are visited by friends, relatives, colleagues. And that there is nothing more sad than to be there alone.

Agree completely. And while they are linked and impact each other, mental health before physical too.

@DisneyHag I couldn't agree more. My elderly dad spent a few times in hospital in the last years of his life - he had visitors every day & evening. It was so sad that some people had not a soul visiting them, we always made the effort to chat with them too but it was so sad - we almost felt guilty sometimes for having a laugh with dad ...

Absolutely. I made money and I married money. We have multiple homes and enough money to keep our grandchildren in 1% without them needing to lift a finger, etc.
And then I got cancer, lost many parts of my body, I’m still in danger zone for the cancer coming back and to top it all off, I also developed a life limiting chronic condition.
I will give all of it away if it meant having my health back to enjoy life and not worry if I’m going to see my kid growing up. So yeah. Health is far more important than wealth.

I just wanted to say I am so sorry you are suffering. I wish you peace x

For sure