“Don’t be afraid to stretch yourself to make a better life for your family and yourself. You don’t have to be afraid, just prepared.”  ~ Dr. Charles Richards

In today’s job environment, most people are self-employed whether they realize it or not. You may have a traditional job, but you’re really more like a professional athlete. Your boss can fire you, trade you, or continue to hire you. 

You, the athlete, have the same options. You are the CEO of your life – responsible for your retirement, strategic planning and decisions, relationships, health, and investments. If you’re in a traditional job, remember – your boss doesn’t own you. Any perception, true or not, that you’re not bringing more to the table than you’re costing will result in you being cut free. Remember that and position yourself appropriately. 

You may have several jobs at the same time. For example: you may have a traditional job, but in addition, you have several rental houses, a part-time internet project, along with a partnership in a commercial investment.

Personally, I didn’t worry as much about the cyclical nature of any primary job because I had other projects that were also working for me, growing my passive income, and growing my net worth. Remember, it’s your job to make your life work. Viewing your employer as devoted to your success is a dangerous illusion. A simple change in management or its philosophy can cut you off at the knees when it’s difficult or impossible to recover. I observed this with others over and over for decades. 

Don’t let it happen to you. Yes, it’s more work and unpleasant taking on additional responsibilities, but it’s better than eating ramen when you retire because you’re broke. It’s not your employer’s job to make a wealthy life for you. They are looking at shareholder profit. It’s your job to be the CEO of your life and all that goes with it. And that’s good news, because you can’t control your boss, but you can control yourself! Have a variety of work and investment options. Don’t be afraid to stretch yourself and exercise them.

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion’.”  ~ Muhammad Ali