Inquisitive.me

That’s a question Ali Abdaal once asked his seniors back when he was working as a doctor. And it’s a question he kept asking himself — probably one of the reasons he eventually quit medicine.

Some colleagues said no way — they wouldn’t stay doctors if money wasn’t a factor. Others said they’d still do it, but part-time. The only thing keeping them from that already? Money.

So: if money was no object, would you still be doing what you’re doing right now?

I ask myself this question every now and then. It’s a way to check in — am I genuinely happy with my work, or am I just doing it for the money?

There’s nothing wrong with working for money. We all have bills to pay. But if money is the only reason you’re doing something that drains you… is it worth the sacrifice? At that point, shouldn’t we consider changing something? Maybe start a small side project. Pick up a book for fresh ideas. Take an online course to learn new skills or deepen existing ones.

You don’t have to quit your job tomorrow. You can work toward something new alongside it. Yes, it’s hard to sit down in the evenings after a long day and learn. But doing so opens a new world — makes you more valuable, whether in your current job or a future one — and lets you test if that skill actually sparks joy.

And no — this isn’t about turning your hobby into a business. Not necessarily. But in a world where knowledge is everywhere, and anyone with basic computer skills can learn and grow, choosing not to develop yourself is risky. It could keep you stuck in a low pay grade or make you vulnerable if your job disappears.

So I routinely ask myself: If money was no object, would I still work as a physiotherapist?

The honest answer? Yes. Even though I’m struggling with heavy workload and some mental exhaustion, I love what I do. I love making a difference in people’s lives. I love their gratitude when I help them understand a diagnosis, when I give them the tools to care for themselves. I love giving hope — showing that movement can heal, and seeing patients pain-free after a long recovery.

But — there has to be a but — I wouldn’t do it full-time. Not because I don’t want to work 40 hours a week for balance, but because right now I don’t have enough time to learn, and that bothers me. Evenings and weekends are filled with workouts, socializing, office work, time with my dog, and writing.

That leaves little room for learning — even though I want to. Instead, I sometimes reward myself with quick dopamine: social media, gaming, binge-watching. Not ideal, but that’s where I am right now.

Last year was different. I guided fewer patients, which left me enough energy to learn and sharpen my skills — not just for me, but for my patients. To communicate better, make smarter treatment decisions, improve diagnostics… in short, to become better at my craft.

So why am I not doing that now? Why do I crave quick dopamine instead? I know it has to change. I want it to change. But money matters.

This year, my patient numbers increased because demand grew. They ask for help, and I say yes — not fully realizing it’s getting over my head, and yes, because I need the money. Exhaustion creeps in, along with a sense of dissatisfaction. I want to read, learn, and grow in the evenings, but my free time is limited. And sometimes, I just want to sit on the couch, binge Gilmore Girls for the millionth time, or enjoy another great show — a little comfort before I recharge.

If money was no object, I still wouldn’t quit physiotherapy. But I would cut back to 20–25 hours a week. That would leave time for other projects: hosting workshops, writing blogs, maybe even teaching. I’d finally have the space to learn, grow, and develop as I want.

And I’d spend more time at home with my dog — something that helps me recharge as an introvert. Because no matter how lovely people are, being around them still drains me.

Right now, time is limited — so money does matter. But this question gives me a goal to aim for.

So now I ask you: What would you do if money was no object?

Some might say, “I’d lie on a beach and enjoy life.” Sure, that sounds great — for a few weeks. But months? Years? Others might say, “I’d write a book.” Then… why not start now? Or, “I’d build a house.” And then? What comes next?

We humans need purpose. We need something to work toward, or we lose meaning. I’ve seen it happen— especially after retirement, when people suddenly lose structure and goals. Without that sense of purpose, they often stop caring for themselves.

So — what would you really want to do if you didn’t have to worry about money?

🧪 Let’s Experiment

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Your future is waiting — if you’re willing to take small steps toward it.

Although that question might seem easy at first, if you really sit with it, it’s surprisingly hard to answer. Whatever your answer is could open up a whole new future for you. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn a new skill, pick up a language, build a side business, write that book, or leave something meaningful behind for future generations.

🎯 Try This:

Start small. Spend just 15–30 minutes a day learning, creating, or working on something that nudges your life in the direction you want. It might feel insignificant at first — like it won’t make a difference — but that’s exactly where we’re often wrong.

There’s a principle called The Rule of 100: invest roughly 18 minutes a day, or 100 hours a year, into any skill or project, and you can rise into the top 5% of performers worldwide. Imagine what that could mean for your future.

🧠 Final Thought:

Progress doesn’t require massive leaps. Tiny, consistent steps compound over time. Pick one small action today, do it consistently, and watch how it transforms your life — one deliberate choice at a time.

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Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.

Take care,

Carina 🦊