Comment on What Do You Do For a Living? by Financial Slacker.
A few months ago, I sat on a jury for a murder trial. It was my first experience with the legal system (I am happy to say), and it was quite an experience.
Apart from the details of the case, which were incredulous and I could see it being made into a movie at some point, the other thing that really stood out to me was the professionalism of the lawyers on both sides.
As I sat watching the trial, which lasted nearly two weeks, I couldn’t help but think about how much time and effort the lawyers had spent preparing for the trial and then thinking that these same lawyers probably had many, many other cases back in their offices that they were also preparing for.
It’s hard for other people to really know what someone does and how hard it can be sometimes. But I walked away from the trial with a great appreciation for the participants in the legal system and what they do to protect everyone involved (including defendants) and keep society running.
Financial Slacker Also Commented
What Do You Do For a Living?
You’re definitely not alone on this, Paul.
I actually haven’t shared with too many of my friends or colleagues that I run this site. The people that know about the site and me are mostly people who I didn’t know before. Although, I have been considering opening up a little more.
Maybe I’ll write about it and get some feedback from the community.
What Do You Do For a Living?
I just think it’s such an unusual thing to see someone at a young age financially independent. Unless they’re an entrepreneur.
How many financially independent people under the age of 40 do you really know?
What Do You Do For a Living?
Just answer, “I’m in real estate.” As much as it drives me crazy, it’s an easy response that most people will accept. And it sounds more reasonable than, “I live off my dividends and bond interest.”
Since they’re asking that question anyway, they probably don’t really care what you do, they just want to one-up you.
Recent Comments by Financial Slacker
Buying a Business Requires Life Changes
Thanks for commenting and the compliment, Mr. Prairie FIRE.
In my experience with small business owners, most are welcome to hearing purchase proposals so long as they are legitimate. But while they are open to hearing what you have to say, they are also hesitant to admit they would consider selling if they think word could get out to their employees, customers, vendors, or others.
One approach is to begin building a relationship with the owner. Start using the company on a regular basis. Strike up a conversation with the owner. Ask questions about the business. How did they get started? How long have they been in business? What are some of the challenges they face – getting customers, keeping staff, etc?
This approach may not yield immediate results, but in relatively short time, you should be able to introduce the idea of a sale and get a feel for whether the owner is interested. And even if they’re not interested at the moment, they may be in the near future.
Thanks again for commenting and please let me know how it goes.
Creating a Better Life By Spending Less Not Earning More
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, ZJ.
It has taken me 20 years to get to that point where I only take on the business that I choose. In additon to getting to a financial place where I can be selective, I’ve spent a large portion of that time figuring out what it is I want to do and what type of client I want to work with.
I wish you the best in your journey.
Confidence Can Be Learned
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Sam. I always love your perspective and your words tend to get me thinking.
I haven’t been away from the corporate world quite as long, but after over two years away, I am starting to gain confidence in this new lifestyle. It has taken me a while as the corporate life was what I knew for 20 years. And in that world, your schedule and priorities are mostly dictated by the company you work for.
But when you’re on your own, you start realizing that the best person to rely on is yourself.
Thanks again.
Creating a Better Life By Spending Less Not Earning More
That’s the decision we all make whether it’s intentional or not. Freedom in the future or discretionary spending today.
Avoid the Home Warranty Repair Scam
My only other appliance repair was actually a dishwasher that I tried to repair myself. Unfortunately, after ordering and installing the wrong part, I did finally get the correct part installed. But the new part didn’t fix the problem.
I’ve been working around the issue but at some point, I’ll probably need to bring in someone to actually repair it.
And I still don’t think it will cost $500 to repair.
