Some years ago, an interviewer asked me: “If you had so-so amount of money, would you still continue working?”
I smiled and responded, “Based on my belief, God is still working. If the owner of the whole universe is still working, who am I? I will definitely continue working because I hate living a sedentary lifestyle.”
That question was meant to test my drive, and I got an appointment letter few days later. But over time, I’ve realised that the real question isn’t if you will keep working—it’s where you will be working and why.
The Follow-Up That Changes Everything
If I were to ask someone that same question today, I’d add a follow-up:
“Where will you be working?”
If they say, “I’ll continue working with you,” two things could be at play:
- My vision is big and fulfilling enough to make them reconsider leaving.
- They haven’t yet figured out what to do with their money.
And if they choose to exit, I’d conclude that their aspirations require more of their time elsewhere.
If I were asked such follow-up question, I’d say: “I will invest in your business because I can see it’s already working. I will safeguard some with tangible assets. Then, I’ll leave and roll out the products I’ve kept to myself for years.”
None of these answers is wrong. The depth of a decision often comes from asking the right follow-up questions.
Why Some Questions Don’t Need Answers
In business and life, we often search for immediate answers. But sometimes, the smartest response isn’t an answer—it’s a counter-question.
I once asked someone: “If you have so-so number of bulk buyers purchasing so-so units from you every year, will you still continue running this small retail shop?”
“No.”
I didn’t need to say anything else. The realisation spoke for itself.
You Can Outgrow Roles, But Not Purpose
Life moves in phases. The things you do today may not be part of your future. Your job, your business, even your current ambitions—these may evolve. But one thing doesn’t change: purpose.
A strong purpose doesn’t fade with time or achievement—it only gets stronger. It’s what keeps you going when money is no longer the motivation. It’s what makes work feel less like a task and more like a calling.
So, the real question isn’t whether you’d keep working if you had all the money in the world. The real question is:
“Would you still be doing what you’re doing if success didn’t require it?”
If the answer is yes, you have already found your purpose. But the real magic happens when your purpose not only drives you but also sustains you—when what you love to do also creates value and rewards you in return.
Stay purpose-driven, Huggers.
Personal Story: A.O. Peter
