Matthew McConaughey turned down a $15 million role to prioritize his happiness: "The decline in residuals reflects the importance of quality of life."
While Matthew McConaughey acknowledges that success often results in substantial earnings, he asserts that the two concepts are not interchangeable.
On the Modern Wisdom podcast this week, a 55-year-old man discussed why he believes money and success are not the same, even though many people commonly equate the two.
"Currently, success is defined as having more money and fame, according to him."
McConaughey stated that he aims to generate a "profit" in his life, not just in his bank account.
"He believes that success and profit are not the same, and that profit is what ultimately compensates you."
"He continued, "I love money and I'm all for it. I see a lot of one-way tickets that say 'You can be successful and have more money, but not be making a profit in your life.'""
He stated that he knows many wealthy men who have pursued success and relevance through amassing wealth, but who are not content with their lives.
"They were bewildered, lost, had no relationships, and lacked purpose. They simply chased the dollar," he said. "They were skilled at it. They couldn't necessarily identify their skills, just adept dealmakers who made the right decisions."
In 2012, McConaughey revealed his intention to stop doing romantic comedy films, despite their financial benefits, in order to find greater fulfillment.
""I didn't know if I wanted to do any more, so I decided to sit out. Another one comes with a big old paycheck, but I had to say no. I was looking for something to be turned on by," he told The Guardian at the time."
In 2008, McConaughey rejected a $15 million offer to star in a "Magnum, P.I." film, but later agreed to do "Dallas Buyer's Club" for less than $200,000. This decision would ultimately lead to an Academy Award win and a new, successful phase in his career.
McConaughey stated that he has no regrets about not possessing additional millions in his bank account.
"If I had only a 50th of what I have now, I would still be just as happy. There's no way I could be any less content," he stated. "The decline in quality of life is negligible."
Earn more money at work by taking CNBC's online course on negotiating a higher salary. Expert instructors will teach you the necessary skills to increase your paycheck, including how to prepare, build confidence, communicate effectively, and craft a counteroffer. Start now and use the coupon code EARLYBIRD for a 50% discount through November 26, 2024.
Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.
Make It
You might also like
- The Gen-Z duo took a risk and started a pasta sauce brand that generates $1 million in monthly revenue.
- How to increase your chances of getting more money at work, according to a former Google recruiter.
- The maximum amount you should spend on housing if you make $80,000 annually.
- He bought a sandwich shop for $125,000 at the age of 17 and sold it for $8 billion.
- Now worth $633 million, the 33-year-old's robotics startup was once funded through 100-hour workweeks.