What would you do if money wasn't a thing?

The question I ask everyone at the dinner table.

The vineyard of my dreams. Source: Pinterest

I don’t know when I started doing this, but recently, any time we have friends or family over and we’re sitting around the dinner table, I ask them,

“What would you do if money wasn’t a thing?”

And the answers have absolutely fascinated me. Why? Because most of the people I talk to, including myself, say they would do something that is inherently different from what they are doing at the moment. The answers range from giving up a job in banking to work in a bridal store, quitting a video editing job to open a coffee shop and collaborative space, to leaving the social media world (me) to own a vineyard. Some people have said that they would continue doing exactly what they are doing at the moment, but those answers were few and far between.

I’ve definitely noticed a pattern in the responses I’ve gotten.

The majority of people express a desire to leave the corporate grind behind. They dream of pursuing passions that feel more meaningful and fulfilling, activities that they believe would bring them joy on a daily basis. This is a stark contrast to the often demanding, high-pressure environment of corporate jobs, where the focus tends to be on productivity, targets, and bottom lines.

So, why do so many of us stay in jobs that don’t align with our true passions? The obvious answer is financial security. The corporate world offers stability, benefits, and a clear career progression that is hard to walk away from.

Most recently, when I asked a friend the question,

“What would you do if money wasn’t a thing?” she asked me back,

“What would you do?” and as I’ve hinted at, my response would be that I would own a vineyard.

She continued asking, “Why?”

For me, the appeal of owning a vineyard is multifaceted. Picture rolling hills blanketed with grapevines, each season bringing a new charm. It’s about being connected to the land, understanding the rhythm of nature, and producing something tangible and beautiful. There’s a romantic allure to the lifestyle, from early morning walks in the vineyard to evenings spent sharing your own wine with friends. For me, it symbolizes a return to authenticity, a slower pace, and a life lived in harmony with nature. It’s also about getting your hands dirty, seeing an end product—a stark contrast to my reality right now.

Once I had explained myself, my friend said,

“Okay, so what’s the MVP? Minimum viable product.”

A term (as you probably know) that is commonly used in software and product development. What she meant by that was, what is one small change I can make in my everyday life to provide me with these experiences that I am craving?

“Well,” I said, “I could grow fruit and vegetables on my patio, tend to them every morning and evening, and literally see the fruit of my labor when I harvest something.”

This conversation was truly eye-opening to me. Yes, I do believe that I want to make that dream a reality at some point, but until then, I don’t have to suffer and just dream. I can do something small that makes that dream a bit of a reality.

So, I encourage you to think about this for yourself:

What would you do if money wasn’t a thing? And what would be your MVP?

And—ask your friends and family the same question. It’s honestly such a fun topic and provides you with so much insight into the character of your loved ones.

Also, I am interested in hearing what you would do. Please share with me in the comments below.

If you are someone who likes exploring ideas similar to this, here is a link to my friend’s website.