Is Your Life Worth $18?

Years ago, fresh out of college with an English degree and a backpack full of optimism, I set off on a solo adventure across the Middle East and Europe. After a few weeks volunteering and exploring Israel, I made my way to Dahab—a Bedouin village on the Sinai Peninsula—following the advice of other travelers who called it a must-visit.

I was traveling solo, on a budget, and cautiously open to spontaneity. One evening, a local I’d gotten to know offered me a ride to Cairo with a few friends. It sounded like a perfect travel hack - I could skip the bus, save time and money, and get to see more of the region from the road.

Still, something didn’t sit right.

I asked around. The bookseller I’d befriended gave a sharp warning: “That guy? He’ll try to sell you.” I was stunned. What did that even mean? I couldn’t quite process it, but I asked another traveler at my guesthouse—a seasoned American who looked like he’d seen his share of questionable travel scenarios.

He asked one question:

“How much is the bus to Cairo?”

“Eighteen dollars,” I replied.

He paused. “Is your life worth $18?”

I took the bus.

Flash forward. Years later, I sat in a “critical business update” Zoom call, waiting to be laid off. I knew it was coming. I had a strong resume, good network, and marketable experience—but this time felt different. The job market was shifting. I took the first offer that came. It was a pay cut. A significant one.

Why did I say yes?

Because I’ve asked myself that same question again and again, in different forms:

• What’s this decision really costing me?Is the short-term sacrifice worth the longer-term gain?

• What’s the value of safety, mental clarity, and space to learn?

It was more than $18. But it bought me time, balance, and the ability to chart what’s next with more intention.

Takeaway: Not every decision is about money. Sometimes it’s about the cost of staying stuck or the value of a shift. When things feel unclear or risky, the better question might be: What’s this worth to me, really? And most of the time, the answer is still: I’m worth it.