I can’t get rich at my day job.
For the past 15 years of my life I have been working for the man, and getting by pretty well. I work hard, and I am well compensated for it. I have a great house, couple of cars, and (judging by my waistline) all the food I need to survive. I can’t complain.
Now don’t get me wrong here - it’s not with lack of appreciation that I make my next statement, but more with optimism. Here it is: I can’t get rich working my day job. I know this isn’t an earth-shattering revelation for most; It’s not even news to me. But, lately my intellectual knowledge of this statement has been morphing into understanding.
Sarah and I went to Hawaii in June of 2007 to celebrate our ten year anniversary. We both agreed that it was the best trip either of us have taken. We spent a day hiking in Haleakala National Park; half a day snorkeling at Molokini; drove the Road to Hana; and spent a few days soaking up the vitamin D. While laying on the beach I went down the following path (neurologically speaking):
- I love Hawaii and want to come here every year.
- Many people DO spend time in Hawaii every year.
- What do those people have in common?
- What do I have to do to become one of those people?
Here is my answer… investments. I have a 401k through my employer to take care of retirement. These investments will be for things I want in life that my day job can’t provide. My plan is to invest until I have enough of a base that I can scrape from the top, and not significantly impact the investments. I don’t actually have the details here, and I know this won’t happen over night, but it’s possible. It may take years, but it’s possible. It’s possible, right?