During the summer, I often take on various odd jobs. It’s a reminder of the value of hard work and helps me appreciate what I have.
Since launching Financial Samurai in 2009, some people have said I’m out of touch, living in a bubble. Despite growing up in a middle-class family, attending public schools, and being a minority who immigrated to America at 14, some still see me as privileged. I understand this perspective, but I also believe in the power of perseverance and dedication.
Summer Jobs Before And After Children
Before my son was born in 2017, I worked summer jobs for three years, earning between $15-30 per hour. These jobs weren’t about the money; they were about connecting with different people and getting a deeper understanding of the San Francisco economy.
After my daughter’s birth in 2019, and especially during the pandemic, I stayed home more and focused on writing my book. Ironically, the hourly wage from writing turned out to be even less than what I made from driving for Uber.
The Decision To Put My Boy To Work At A Young Age
A big fear of mine is raising children who don’t appreciate their blessings. This worry isn’t unique to me; many parents share it. By the time he was five, in 2022, I had my son help with pulling weeds at a rental property. This wasn’t just about avoiding conflict with tenants who neglected their maintenance duties; it was about instilling a work ethic.
By the time he turned six, I had him help with landscaping at a property I was fixing up. I believe manual labor is invaluable in appreciating less physically demanding jobs.
Saving $5,000 Or Making $7,000
My neighbor spent $5,000 on landscaping, which inspired me to consider doing the same. Instead, I saw it as an opportunity to “earn” $7,000 by doing the work ourselves. When my son doubted how we could handle such a task, I encouraged him by saying, “One plant and rock at a time.”
The Landscaping Process
The process involved several steps, from removing dead plants and digging out roots to choosing and laying out materials like eco-friendly mulch and colorful pebbles. We also invested time in installing a weed blocker to minimize future maintenance.
Life Lessons From The Landscaping Project
1) Do it yourself: The more you can do on your own, the better. Whether it’s changing a tire or managing investments, being self-reliant saves money and avoids headaches.
2) Lead by example: Telling others to work hard doesn’t resonate as much as showing them through your actions. As a former tennis coach, I found that actively participating in practice sessions garnered more respect and effort from my students.
3) Persistence pays off: Big tasks might seem daunting at first, but with persistent effort, they can be completed. This principle helped me renovate a run-down property into something admirable, despite the delays caused by the pandemic.
4) First impressions matter: A well-landscaped front yard significantly boosts a home’s curb appeal and can make a lasting impression on potential buyers.
5) Maintenance is continuous: Just like weeding, life requires regular upkeep whether it’s personal health, education, or home maintenance.
Summer Jobs And Teachable Moments
Looking ahead, I plan to continue teaching my children valuable life skills through practical work, from gardening to home improvement. I believe that these experiences will not only build their character but also help them value their achievements.
As for myself, I continue to write and share insights on Financial Samurai, hoping my journey can inspire and educate others on financial independence and prudent living. Whether it’s through landscaping or writing, the goal is to prepare my children for a financially sound future where they can pursue their dreams without undue stress.
