If you’re worried you’re not saving enough or earning enough compared to others, especially after browsing personal finance sites, you’re not alone. It’s like feeling ugly after flipping through beauty magazines. But here’s the thing, just by reading about personal finance, you’re already doing more than most.
Originally, I planned a gentle reminder that it’s okay if you’re not maxing out your 401k or making every dollar stretch. Life’s for enjoying too! But I’ve shifted gears. We’re fortunate enough to live in a first-world country, so why the constant complaints?
Suffering, believe it or not, is part of growth. Take Daniel Cabrera, the nine-year-old Filipino boy in the photo above, studying under a streetlight. His discipline is something many of us take for granted. Despite tough beginnings, I’d bet on Daniel to succeed brilliantly in life. Like Daniel, many of us have done minimum wage jobs during our youth. It’s nothing special. It’s part of learning the value of hard work.
The backlash against Amazon’s tough workplace reminds us of two things: First, journalists have their angles, so be cautious with the media. They might twist your love for fluffy cats into something sinister. Second, workplace challenges are not unique to Amazon. We’ve all faced tough bosses, long hours, and intense environments. If Amazon’s biggest issue is making people cry, maybe we’re getting a little too soft.
During my time at Goldman Sachs, starting early and finishing late was just part of the job. It was a rite of passage. If you didn’t face some hardship, you probably weren’t pushing hard enough. If you dislike your job or the organization you’re part of, you always have the choice to leave. Complaining or bad-mouthing your company isn’t the way to go.
There’s a reason ex-military and athletes excel in tough corporate environments—they know how to handle stress and challenge. They’ve been through rigorous training and understand the value of pushing through adversity.
Wall Street might be softening up, trying to retain talent with perks and less brutal hours. But every startup CEO grinding through 100-hour weeks probably wishes their team did the same.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by hard work or high expectations, consider this: challenges are opportunities to prove yourself. Visit places that struggle with basic necessities to gain perspective, switch jobs if you’re unhappy, or try starting your own business to understand the grind truly.
To manage your finances better, consider tools like Personal Capital to get a clear view of where you stand financially through detailed assessments and projections.
Lastly, remember, it’s okay to strive for comfort, but growth often comes through discomfort. Embrace it, and keep pushing forward.
