The Mercenary Mindset: When Money Matters More Than Family
Some people go through life seeing relationships not as meaningful bonds but as opportunities for financial gain. Their actions are dictated by self-interest, with money and status taking precedence over love, family, and loyalty. When you step back and observe their behavior, a pattern emerges—one that prioritizes taking over giving, benefiting over contributing, and convenience over genuine connection.
A glaring example of this behavior was his attitude toward financial responsibilities, even in moments that should have been about family, not money. At his own father’s funeral, rather than stepping up, he expected his brother-in-law to pay. When it came to his daughter’s wedding, he stood back and let his ex-wife cover most of the expenses. Money was something he wanted to accumulate, not spend—especially not on family.
His reluctance to engage in meaningful relationships extended beyond finances. He would never visit his daughter or son on his own, always wanting me to accompany him as if he couldn’t manage those connections without support. No matter how hard I tried to encourage him to visit his grandchildren, he showed no interest—unless, of course, there was something in it for him. It was never about love or family; it was always about personal benefit.
Everything revolved around money. His admiration wasn’t for character or kindness but for wealth and status. Expensive cars, high-net-worth individuals, and those who exuded financial success were the people he gravitated toward. He was always looking for ways to associate with those who had money, hoping to climb the social ladder, but his motives were never about building real friendships—only about what he could gain.
This kind of mercenary mindset is deeply revealing. It shows an emptiness where there should be love, a selfishness where there should be generosity, and a transactional nature in relationships that should be built on trust and care.
But real wealth isn’t about money. It isn’t about status, power, or possessions. It’s about love, loyalty, and the people who stand by you—not because they expect something in return, but because they truly care. Those who live their lives trying to extract value from others may think they are winning, but in the end, they are the ones who lose the most.
For those of us who have experienced this, the lesson is clear: true wealth is found in the people who love us unconditionally, not in the ones who see us as a transaction.
