In the old game show, Let’s Make a Deal, host Monty Hall tempted audience members to trade moderate cash winnings for the opportunity to take home a much bigger prize, like a new car, by taking a risk on Doors #1, 2, or 3. But all decisions were final and those doors were equally likely to reveal worthless booby prizes like a goat, 100 pounds of baking soda, or a stack of old shoes. These ridiculously-outfitted contestants gambled and often lost because they had to take the whole deal or no deal at all.
There are lots of ways to be rich. One can be rich in free time, health, friends, freedom to do as one wants, power, admiration, love, and of course money. I left my very lucrative fortune 100 job in 2010, after 16 years, knowing I would be making about 1/3 as much just overseeing my small businesses. Since then, I've become much much richer in 6 of those categories I mentioned above. If I had stayed in my corporate job or similar for 13 more years, I'm rather certain I would have been sitting on the top floor in a corner office making a fortune yet I'd be much poorer on balance overall. Do I have any regrets - No. It's the best deal I ever made with myself.
There are lots of ways to be rich. One can be rich in free time, health, friends, freedom to do as one wants, power, admiration, love, and of course money. I left my very lucrative fortune 100 job in 2010, after 16 years, knowing I would be making about 1/3 as much just overseeing my small businesses. Since then, I've become much much richer in 6 of those categories I mentioned above. If I had stayed in my corporate job or similar for 13 more years, I'm rather certain I would have been sitting on the top floor in a corner office making a fortune yet I'd be much poorer on balance overall. Do I have any regrets - No. It's the best deal I ever made with myself.
This post was EVERYTHING!! Indeed, I posted a similar thought last month: https://substack.com/@duvayknox/note/c-41248578
Whenever I feel jealous of someone's career I remember to ask myself if I'm jealous of their entire LIFE. Can be two very different answers.
This really resonated with me. Something I needed to hear and very wise.
Love this article. Man, I wish I were you.