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I ended my career earning over $135,000 as a 35-year old.
Here's exactly what I did to get there.
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Here's exactly what I did to get there.
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1: I followed my strength, not my passion.
Photography is my passion. But, I didn't make my passion my job.
I chose a career with historically high pay and good job prospects.
I spent 14-years as a software developer.
Photography is my passion. But, I didn't make my passion my job.
I chose a career with historically high pay and good job prospects.
I spent 14-years as a software developer.
2: I didn't hang around losers.
Sounds harsh, but it works.
I ignored coworkers that were dead weight. I didn't want to be associated with them.
Sounds harsh, but it works.
I ignored coworkers that were dead weight. I didn't want to be associated with them.
3: I never said, "I can't do that".
It didn't matter whether I knew how or not.
Whenever I got an opportunity (job, project, customer, etc), I said yes.
Then, I figured out how to not fuck it up on my own time.
THIS WORKS, but only if you back it up.
It didn't matter whether I knew how or not.
Whenever I got an opportunity (job, project, customer, etc), I said yes.
Then, I figured out how to not fuck it up on my own time.
THIS WORKS, but only if you back it up.
4: I asked for raises.
When I could back it up, I never hesitated to ask for more money.
I backed my argument up with:
- Tangible accomplishments
- Overtime hours, nights/weekends worked
- Positive customer feedback reports
When I could back it up, I never hesitated to ask for more money.
I backed my argument up with:
- Tangible accomplishments
- Overtime hours, nights/weekends worked
- Positive customer feedback reports
5: I looked for opportunities.
If I was doing the same job I did a year ago, that was a failure.
I always kept moving. Trying new things. Volunteering for something different.
This exposure kept me learning, improving, and succeeding.
If I was doing the same job I did a year ago, that was a failure.
I always kept moving. Trying new things. Volunteering for something different.
This exposure kept me learning, improving, and succeeding.
6: I switched companies five times in 14 years.
New jobs are PERFECT opportunities to boost your salary.
Even if I was "happy", I still kept an ear open. I never let an opportunity pass without at least a little exploration.
This is the 'Easy Button' to more money.
New jobs are PERFECT opportunities to boost your salary.
Even if I was "happy", I still kept an ear open. I never let an opportunity pass without at least a little exploration.
This is the 'Easy Button' to more money.
7. My bosses TRUSTED ME.
I was often the most reliable person in the office.
Not necessarily the smartest, but I showed up every day, did my job, cared about my work.
It shows when you give a shit.
I was often the most reliable person in the office.
Not necessarily the smartest, but I showed up every day, did my job, cared about my work.
It shows when you give a shit.
8. I kept in touch with productive coworkers.
Whenever someone left for a better position elsewhere, I stayed in touch.
I put myself into the position to be offered opportunities.
If a rockstar employee left, I DAMN WELL made sure to exchange contact info.
Whenever someone left for a better position elsewhere, I stayed in touch.
I put myself into the position to be offered opportunities.
If a rockstar employee left, I DAMN WELL made sure to exchange contact info.
9: I listened more than I spoke.
I learned from those around me (even if what I was learning was what NOT to do).
I took note of every decision. Every move.
The smarter they were, the more likely it was that I was watching.
I learned from those around me (even if what I was learning was what NOT to do).
I took note of every decision. Every move.
The smarter they were, the more likely it was that I was watching.
