Straight out of college, I taught at a Catholic high school for a two years. During a new-teacher orientation workshop, one teacher explained that he had left a high-ranking corporate position to pursue teaching. Despite the drastic reduction in salary, he had it in his heart to be an educator.

His employers were flabbergasted. “We’ll give you a raise, and additional stock options if you stay with the company!”

The corporate bosses didn’t understand: it wasn’t about the money.

This was about passion. Meaning. Teaching minds and touching the hearts of young people.

* * *

If one’s entire world is about spreadsheets and the bottom line, it might be difficult to understand such a life-changing, mid-career shift.

But for this teacher, “life-changing” wasn’t a reference to his financial situation. It was about everything else.