It’s a saying laced with regret and realism. We often chase what looks better—greener pastures, shinier titles, more prestigious companies. The promise of success or happiness somewhere else draws people in, sometimes without fully understanding what they’re leaving behind.
He made the jump. Maybe it was a new job, a different city, or a lifestyle that promised more—more money, more recognition, more growth. But things didn’t pan out as expected. The “greener” grass turned out to be astroturf: artificial, unfulfilling, demanding in all the wrong ways. Maybe he lost the sense of purpose he once had, or perhaps the culture clashed with who he was. Either way, it became clear that what he had left behind wasn’t so bad after all.
But—he got paid. And sometimes, that’s the only real consolation. The money didn’t bring happiness, but it cushioned the fall. It paid the bills, maybe bought him some time, and offered a buffer while he figured out his next move. It doesn’t make it all worth it, but it keeps it from being a complete loss.
The lesson? Don’t assume what glitters is gold. Career moves, relationships, and life decisions deserve more than envy-fueled leaps. Sometimes, stability and quiet satisfaction beat flashy uncertainty. And if things don’t work out, hopefully you’re wise—or lucky—enough to land with something to show for it.
At the very least, he got paid. That, too, is worth something.
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