In today’s society, one thing seems to dominate people’s focus: making money. While money is undeniably essential—you need it to provide for yourself and your family, pay bills and taxes, and afford things you want—what happened to childhood dreams? What happened to achieving personal goals or seeing the world?

When did we decide our dreams weren’t worth pursuing?

A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 45% of Americans are unhappy in their jobs—many citing a lack of purpose as the reason. If that’s the case, why aren’t more people choosing careers that give them meaning?

On the campus of Indiana University, several people were asked what they would do if time and money were no object. Here’s what they had to say:

“I would love to go into neuroresearch,” said IU student Lana Salahieh. “I feel like I can’t do that with the resources I have now, but I have a lot of interest in it.”

“Traveling a lot more,” said Kendall Blinn. “If I had all the time and money to have that availability, I would like to see as much as I can without having the pressure of school and worrying about work.”

Incoming freshman Judson Quinn shared a similar desire. “I want to be staying in a new city every night, never stopping for too long,” he said. “I want to see South America and then Asia next. I think memories are worth more than anything.”

Another student, Nicole Miblui, said, “I’d want to be traveling and evangelizing and going to countries to help underserved communities.”

But not everyone would change their current path—even without time or money constraints.

“Oh, I’m doing what I want to do,” said Vicka Bell-Robinson, who works in student life at IU. “I believe in higher education, and I like to be part of a college campus community. I like leadership and helping leaders be successful.”

“If time and money didn’t matter, it would make me want to be a doctor even more,” said pre-med student Aaastha Sharma. “I love science, and I want to help people.”

While some individuals seem happy with their direction, many others still feel disconnected from their purpose. If nearly half of Americans are unhappy with their work, perhaps it’s time to reexamine what really matters.

Does happiness outweigh financial security? Should passion come before a paycheck?

These are questions more and more people may start asking as they navigate their futures.