Brothers, let’s gather around the digital campfire for a straight-talk session about value, reality, and getting what you’re worth. The world's not a place for the faint-hearted; it's a dangerous jungle where only the strong, smart, and adaptable survive.
But here's the kicker: it's also fair in the sense that it rewards those who bring real value to the table.
Are there people who simply get lucky? Sure. Do cheaters sometimes win? Sadly, yes. Occasionally the true value creator will get screwed over. However, the vast of the time, you can and should reap what you sow.
So, how do you do it?
Aligning Perception with Reality
First off, understanding your worth is crucial, but aligning it with the tangible value you create in the marketplace is what really sets the men apart from the boys. There’s a widespread delusion floating around, especially among the fresh-out-of-school crowd, that a six-figure salary should just fall into their laps. Unless you’re the next MLB superstar, or you’re cracking the code on world peace or pioneering groundbreaking technology, think again.
Real talk: if you’ve just stepped out of the academic world, chances are you’re not yet equipped to generate immense value for others. That’s not to say you won’t get there, but it's about taking the right steps and climbing the ladder. Taking those steps gives you the experience, the network, and the inspiration to lead or launch a business venture that can create you immense wealth.
Patience, young grasshopper.
Now, Are there 15 year old kids with YouTube channels making $20 million a year? Yes. Are there developers that launched businesses which made them a billionaire by age 21? Sure. These are exceptions, not the norm. They do, however, have one thing in common: entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurial Litmus Test
Think you’re worth more than what’s on the table? There’s a proving ground for that – it’s called entrepreneurship.
Stepping out on your own, creating value from scratch, and navigating the treacherous waters of business is the ultimate test of your worth. It's here, in the forge of self-reliance, that you truly find out what you're made of. If you can create, innovate, and solve problems on your own terms, then maybe you’ll hit those financial targets you’re dreaming of.
This does not mean you have to invent the next Uber or Google. An entrepreneur is defined as “a person who organizes and operates a business, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.” You could learn a trade and create a successful landscaping business. Or, you could buy a laundromat and make it a cash cow. The point is, you’re doing it on your own terms, and the financial ceiling is one that is entirely self created. There’s nobody capping your income.
A Tale of Misaligned Expectations
Let's chew on a real-life story for a moment. I once mentored a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed young professional, three years out of the academic cocoon, pulling a cool $100,000 a year. Sounds dreamy, right?
But when the winds of change blew, and it was time to find a new port, she found herself stranded on the island of unrealistic expectations, convinced she was worth $130,000, despite not having significantly increased her value nor contributions. I hooked her up with a few interviews, and one of the companies made her an offer for $100k. She declined because she felt she was worth more.
Pro tip: “Feeling” you’re worth more can be dangerous. One of my old bosses taught me that when negotiating a contract, whether it be for a new job, a promotion, or a raise, always bring QUANTIFIABLE proof that you’re worth it. Show that you did some math to demonstrate why the amount you’re asking for is justifiable. Without that, you don’t have much leverage in asking for a certain amount of money.
The job market, my brothers, is an unforgiving reality check. It cares not for your self-assessed value but for the cold, hard results you can deliver. She did not end up getting that $125k payday. As the economy turned in 2023, it became less of a candidate’s market and more of an employer’s market. As such, she landed a job at a $90k base salary, $10k lower than what she was making at the prior job.
The Path Forward
So, what's the game plan for aligning your perceived worth with your actual market value? Here are some actionable steps:
Skill Up: Continuous learning is not just a buzzword; it's your ladder to higher value. Become so skilled, so indispensable, that employers or clients can't help but recognize your worth.
Solve Problems: The more significant the problems you solve, the higher your value. Look for challenges, dive in, and show how you can be the solution.
Prove Your Worth: Results speak louder than resumes. Instead of telling the world how much you think you’re worth, show them with undeniable evidence.
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess your skills, achievements, and market demand. Be honest with yourself about where you stand and where you need to improve.
When it comes to realizing your worth in romantic relationships, that is a whole different topic and approach. However, it all begins with having the right mindset. We will explore this topic further in another newsletter.
Final Thoughts
Getting what you're worth is not about entitlement or wishful thinking. It's about hard work, relentless improvement, and, most importantly, providing real value to those around you. In the words of the ancient warriors, the battle for worth is fought not on the plains of delusion but in the arena of reality.
Now, go forth, my brothers. Build, create, solve, and conquer. The world doesn't owe you a thing, but it's ripe with opportunities for those willing to earn their keep. Let's get after it.
-Your Big Bro
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