Achieve Happiness, and Financial Success, By Doing What You Love

Achieve Happiness, and Financial Success, by Doing What You Love
By Charles Hebert

Growing up, many of us are advised to seek prestigious careers in such fields as medicine or law that require an extended level of schooling. Although these professions can make for highly rewarding careers, no one should pursue a career for the mere “prestige factor” that can be attained. Instead, we should focus on careers that we enjoy and love. I will attempt to make the case that those of us who wish to pursue our dreams in less lucrative fields can be financially successful as well.

Nurses, Teachers, Accountants, Engineers
Many careers requiring four years of college are wonderful and rewarding, but only command a middle class income. However, because these professionals complete their schooling many years sooner than their doctor and lawyer buddies do, they have a head start initiating their investment program. To illustrate the time advantage these folks have, consider this – if you are a teacher who begins working at 22 and plans to retire at 65, you need to invest $27 per week during your working years to accumulate a million dollar nest egg, assuming a 10% annual rate of return. THAT’S LESS THAN $4 PER DAY!!! If finding this tiny amount proves difficult, try bringing your lunch to work three or four times per week or, better yet, ditching that Starbuck’s cappuccino for a more reasonably priced alternative. The $4 will “magically” appear.

Computer Programmers, Draftsmen, LPN’s, PT Assistants
Professions that require two year associate degrees, such as computer programmers and LPN’s, can also be terrific career choices. Because less schooling is required compared with careers requiring a bachelor’s degree, these jobs will generally command lower wages. But these folks have the great advantage of a two year head start on the nurses and accountants with starting their investment program. For these folks to reach the million dollar mark at 65, they would need to invest a mere $22 per week, or $3.14 per day. For hourly employees, working an extra half hour a day should easily produce the money to invest.

Welders, Farmers, Musicians, Painters
Some careers that are available may not require any formal schooling beyond high school, but instead demand an exceptional level of skill. Because these folks can begin their careers immediately after completing high school, their investment program has a two year head start on the draftsmen, and four years on the teachers. For these folks to hit the million dollar jackpot at 65, their weekly investment would need to be $18, or $2.57 per day. Reducing your daily smoothie from large to small should generate the needed funds.

Summary
As was demonstrated through the examples above, anyone can achieve financial success, no matter their chosen profession. All that is required is a small, steady investment and lots of time. Once you are convinced that a successful financial future can be yours, you can focus on the more enviable task of choosing a career that will bring you joy for the rest of your working life.

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