One Year Working For The Man

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Quote

“Money will buy a pretty good dog, but it won’t buy the wag of his tail.” - Josh Billings

Working For The Man

One year ago I wrote a piece called “Clocking In.” This post served as a way for me to get my thoughts on paper, and write down what really mattered to me before starting my corporate journey.

It was well received and I got a few messages from friends stating how they thought it was right on, and saying it helped them think about their careers.

I’ll leave the link below if you’d like to give it a read.

Now, after one year being part of the corporate machine, downing to many cups of office coffee, and becoming a wiz at managing emails, it’s time to circle back.

Here are three realizations I’ve had over the last 14 months that might help you navigate your career.

Work Won’t Stop

No matter what there will always be more work.

There will be another project to log hours on, another email you can send, another presentation you can volunteer to give.

At some point, you have to decide when is enough. This is true to not only make sure you maintain your life outside of the office, but also make sure you don’t bury yourself in so many tasks that you end up not getting anything done in the office.

The Eisenhower Matrix is a tool I’ve used to rank things that need to get done both at work and with side businesses. Would recommend giving it a try if you find yourself up to your neck in “to-do’s.”

Overtime Hours Isn’t A Flex

This is a new one, especially now that I’m out of school and around more folks that work full time. It’s amazing how often people brag about the number of hours they put into their job.

I get it, everyone wants to be seen as hard working. The thing is, how long you work doesn’t mean you work hard.

There are people who work twelve hours a day and sit on their tail, and there are people who work for six and get the same amount done. Challenge here, don’t connect time with productivity.

And definitely don’t use it as a flex. Unless of course you have an awesome gig where the extra time is worth it, then hats off to you.

Net Worth Builder: Engaged

In last year’s post I wrote the following about using your 9-5 as the bridge to financial freedom:

One year in and I can confirm this is the greatest benefit of having a consistent paying 9-5. You know what money is coming in, and can develop a straight forward plan for your investments. Plus, the notifications saying your 401k match has been invested are extremely satisfying.

If you haven’t developed an investing plan yet, take a look at this post about the 50-30-20 rule.

Side note: Having extra cash around to try other business opportunities is also a huge win. It’s easier to make money when you have money.

Conclusion

When you combine the benefits, consistent pay, bonuses, and even relationships that result from a good job you realize that corporate America isn’t as terrible as some make it our to be.

Especially considering that 9-5’s can serve as the bridge to financial freedom.

That is, as long as you work them, and don’t let them work you.

I’ll have the coffee ready on Monday. ~ Cade

Cade's Finds

Do This Before You Invest In A Roth IRA - YouTube video on HSA accounts and the argument for maxing it out before a Roth IRA. Worth the 10 minutes of your time.

Clocking In - Previous post on how a 9-5 can be both the creator and destroyer of wealth.

The Ultimate Productivity Tool - The Eisenhower Matrix forces you to differentiate between the urgent and the important in order to prioritize and manage your time more effectively. Print it out and slap it on your desk.

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Nothing in this email is intended to serve as financial advice. Do your own research. Thanks for reading, if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, etc. about the email don’t hesitate to send me a reply.