Believing that you deserve more money is crucial if you want to increase your wealth. There’s an abundance of money out there—trillions, in fact—so why shouldn’t you, as a talented and diligent person, claim a share of it?
My outlook changed after observing CEOs who drove their companies into the ground yet still pocketed millions. Once I acknowledged my own worth, my confidence soared, and so did my earnings. For instance, back in 2015, the CEO of IBM received a $100,000 raise, bringing his salary to $1.6 million, despite the company’s stock underperforming by 60% compared to the S&P 500. If they could earn that much, why couldn’t we perform just as well for half the price?
On a more relatable note, I’ve often seen unqualified individuals land high-paying jobs with substantial stock options. Every time it happens, I’m left wondering how they even got there. It made me question: if they can do it, why can’t I?
Initially, I thought only the finance sector paid well. After college, finance analysts start with salaries around $80,000, not counting bonuses. But when I left finance in 2012, I was amazed by how generous the tech sector was with its compensation, even if it wasn’t quite as high as finance. This realization pushed me towards focusing on my online media endeavors instead.
Eventually, I discovered that Chief Content Officers at major companies earn between $200,000 and $300,000 in base salary, with substantial stock options. This potential income made me reconsider my initial hesitations about returning to full-time work, especially if I could land a C-level position that allowed me to drive positive changes.
As I got older, I realized job opportunities do not become scarce just because of age; the role of a Chief Content Officer became particularly appealing, even though I once thought I didn’t meet the typical qualifications. This role involves leading a team of content creators and potentially editing content, rather than creating it, which aligns with how leadership typically operates—those at the top often direct others and take the credit.
Reflecting on my career, I should have aimed for the Chief Content Officer position at Personal Capital in 2015. Had I secured that role and stayed on, I could have gained significant stock value, especially after the company was acquired for a substantial sum.
For six years, I’ve run my own online media company, creating most of the content myself, which has been incredibly rewarding. Not many Chief Content Officers can claim to have built a profitable media presence from the ground up.
Instead of doubting your ability based on conventional standards—age, experience, or fit—ask yourself, “Why not me?” If you truly believe in your capabilities, there’s no reason not to aim for the roles and salaries you desire.
If you’re unsure about your qualifications, make a list. You might be surprised by how much you actually deserve. And remember, sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands and start your own venture. It’s more feasible than ever to create a business with minimal initial investment.
Managing your finances effectively is key to financial independence. Tools like Personal Capital help you consolidate your financial information in one place, allowing for better money management and investment fee analysis. They even offer a retirement planner that uses real data to project your financial future, helping ensure your retirement is on track. Starting is simple and free, and it’s a powerful tool to help secure your financial freedom.
