$100M Job Satisfaction Test

A simple but powerful test to evaluate if you're doing work you truly enjoy by asking if you'd continue doing it with $100M in the bank.

The Core Test

• Ask yourself: "If you had $100M in the bank, would you still do this work?"
• Helps identify if you're doing something just for money vs genuine interest
• Reveals whether you're telling yourself stories to justify current work

Real World Example

• Story of meeting with a Twitch employee post-acquisition
• Employee claimed to love his job but failed the $100M test
• Meetings observed weren't actually enjoyable
• Employee admitted he would do something different with $100M

Why It Works

• Forces honest evaluation of work satisfaction
• Removes financial motivation from decision making
• Helps identify what you genuinely want to do
• Exposes rationalizations we tell ourselves about work

Application Beyond Jobs

• Can be applied to any regular activity or commitment
• Useful for evaluating business opportunities
• Helps with career planning and transitions
• Good framework for making long-term decisions

Key Insights

• Many people justify current work because of money
• True passion projects are ones you'd do regardless of pay
• Example: Podcast hosting - would do it for free or at a loss
• Important to find work that aligns with genuine interests

Warning Signs

• If you wouldn't do your current work with $100M
• When you need elaborate justifications for staying
• If you're only there because of previous decisions/momentum
• When financial incentives are the primary motivator