As we hurtle toward the end of the 21st century, it is tempting to think that we know everything there is to know about work, wealth and happiness.

This isn’t surprising when you consider how much time we all spend at work. For centuries, how individuals earn their livelihood determined their standard of living and quality of life.

In fact, most people today spend more time working than they do on any other activity. From the industrial revolution to the age of digital transformation, our way of life has been transformed almost beyond recognition.

The way we work, generate value and create wealth is being redefined. People are under pressure to work harder, faster and longer to advance their careers or succeed at work. The constant stress of juggling work and personal life can take its toll on anyone.

“Most people spend the greatest part of their time working in order to live, and what little freedom remains so fills them with fear that they seek out any and every means to be rid of it,” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said.

Inventions and innovations have significantly impacted our working practices, living conditions and personal relationships. And yet modern society is still facing a triple crisis of work, wealth and happiness.

Modern society is obsessed with work. Everything we do seems to be related to work in one way or another — even our leisure activities are typically associated with some kind of cost, monetary or otherwise.

In our society, work is the ultimate symbol of identity. It’s often touted as the source of fulfillment and happiness for many people.

We are defined by what we do and how much we earn. Work has always been a fundamental part of human life, as it provides us with money and a sense of purpose.

Not coincidentally, surveys show that people with meaningful jobs are happier than those in less-fulfilling roles. But the relentless pursuit of money and career success above all else has left many feeling hollow and unfulfilled.

“You should not confuse your career with your life,” says Dave Barry.

Whether it’s a side gig for some extra cash or a full-time position that will hopefully lead to a prosperous future, finding the right work is essential to living a good life.

Today we work longer, harder and more intensively than ever before. But have we become happier as a result? Or has pursuing wealth and a career brought us to an existential crisis?

Work, wealth and happiness have become the holy grail for many. But why are these three things so important to us? What is the link between work, wealth and happiness?

Wealth and happiness are two things that people often strive for. However, how much of an impact do they have on our day-to-day lives?

“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life,” says Henry David Thoreau.

As many previous studies have shown, money can’t buy you happiness. But does that mean wealth doesn’t increase your sense of well-being?

The three crises of work, wealth and happiness are closely linked. As income inequality grows, so do unhappiness and stress.

We are working more than ever, yet we are less well-off than ever before. We are living longer than ever before, but we are also experiencing greater levels of stress, anxiety, depression and burnout.

We have always had to work hard to make money and live comfortably, but today these goals are sometimes at odds with each other. Working too much can lead to stress and burnout.

Pursuing money alone (or for its own sake) can lead to social isolation. And having both high expectations for yourself and low expectations for others can leave you feeling frustrated and empty.

The secret to a more satisfying life

“There is no such thing as work-life balance. Everything worth fighting for unbalances your life.” ― Alain de Botton

A considerable body of research shows that work satisfaction and wealth are related. The more satisfied people are with their jobs, the more likely they will be financially comfortable and happy. And the more wealth a person has, the less likely they will be dissatisfied with their jobs.

Many factors contribute to work satisfaction, but one of the most important is job security. People who can count on a steady income are far less likely to feel like they’re working for “life’s necessities” than those who can’t afford basics like rent and food.

Not surprisingly, some low-paying fields attract a disproportionate number of unhappy people because they don’t offer stability.

Other factors that affect happiness at work include job security, income level, autonomy, strong social support from colleagues and managers, flexible hours and work environment.

In the past few decades, it has become clear that money and wealth alone do not guarantee happiness. While some wealthy and financially secure people experience joy in their lives, others struggle to find meaning.

Many feel anxiety or despair and cannot fully enjoy the good things life has to offer. And while there is no single explanation for why some people fare better than others when it comes to happiness, there are a few key factors.

First, wealth and financial security do not necessarily equate to happiness. The key to happiness is to find meaningful work — that could mean doing something outside your real source of income that guarantees fulfillment and happiness.

When you find a job that matters to you, everything else falls into place. It becomes so much easier to deal with difficulties because your work gives you meaning and purpose in life.

“This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play,” says Alan Watts.

The second is access to good health. Poor health can lead to depression and a sense of meaninglessness in one’s life; on the other hand, good health can lead to a sense of purpose and excitement.

“The first wealth is health,” Ralph Waldo Emerson said.

The meaningful life advantage

Bill Watterson was right when he said, “To invent your own life’s meaning is not easy, but it’s still allowed, and I think you’ll be happier for the trouble.”

Happiness and meaningful career success go hand in hand. The ability to find meaning in your work can be the difference between a fulfilling life and one that is merely existing.

But happiness is a subjective experience that cannot be measured directly. However, numerous research studies have provided insights into the relationship between work and happiness.

In fact, there is even a new subfield of happiness economics that looks at how people’s subjective well-being impacts economic outcomes.

While financial wealth does not guarantee happiness, it does provide the foundation for a quality life. By embracing lifelong learning and meaningful work, you will be well on your way to success in life.

“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action,” argues William James.

Above all, remember that you are entitled to be happy — it is your right as a person — so don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Define meaningful work in your own way, build wealth without losing your mind, and do more of what makes you come alive; your happiness depends on it. And remember what Ayn Rand said, “Learn to value yourself, which means: fight for your happiness.”

This article originally appeared in Medium.