Recently, I embarked on a new stage in my academic life. I applied to go to graduate school, hoping to do a Master’s degree in Criminology.

There is no such program in Manitoba, so to achieve this goal I will be forced to go outside the province for education. With so many factors influencing this decision, it’s hard to make the “right” decision, and at this point I’m not even convinced there actually is a right decision.

How does one decide which school to go to? Closest or furthest away from home? Best program? And how would a person know which one is the best to start with?

Many students have these decisions to make, whether it’s regarding taking a job, going to graduate school or other post-graduation career decisions.

Should other people influence the decision? How much should parents, friends, colleagues or professors influence what you decide upon?

Ultimately, these decisions are made individually and for a variety of different reasons. But something that plays more of a role is money. Accepting a job because it pays better, even though it’s not what a person originally wanted, or going to graduate school close to home because going abroad is too expensive are common occurrences because financial limitations often control lives and influence many important decisions.

But should they? To some degree, of course; living beyond one’s means is never a great idea – just look at the financial crisis – but I’m not sure that it should get in the way of dreams and goals either.

There is an old expression asking, “Would you rather be poor and happy or rich and miserable?” It’s a safe bet to say that most people would choose to be happy, yet in practice people often find themselves choosing some version of the rich and miserable dynamic, or at least the pursuit of money over dreams. Money worries are one of the leading stressors in the lives of those over 18, and is often a major factor in divorce and health problems.

It’s never beneficial to worry, especially about things that are more often than not preventable.

I hope that after reading this people stop for a second and look at the big picture. Is it OK to let money get in the way of all the hopes and dreams, goals and potential accomplishments that one could otherwise achieve?

I’m not saying to go out and spend wildly without cause, or to disregard financial limits. But if there comes a time to choose between two options, one that costs more but entails financial benefit in the long run – in whatever sense that means – or being less “financially successful” but having more time at home with family – or whatever entails being content with your situation – think a little longer and harder about the latter option.

It may just be worth more in the long run, and that just makes sense.

Melanie Murchison keeps telling herself that the financial costs of moving away for school will be worth it for the utter joy of learning.

Published in Volume 64, Number 19 of The Uniter (February 11, 2010)