Why So Many are Trapped in the 40/40?

By Nicholas Dixon

It's out of the bag. I really need to get this off my chest. They say it is wise to learn from the mistakes of others so that you avoid doing the same. Why do so many people commit themselves to a 40/40 life?

What is a 40/40 lifestyle? This occurs when one works 40 hours plus a week for the next 40 years plus of their lives. On the surface nothing may seem to be wrong with this lifestyle as it was what we were taught to do to be successful. But is this really true? You decide.

Look around in your community and see how many retired persons can be deemed as being financially successful. I guarantee that the answer would be a few unless you live in an upscale neighborhood. Many pensioners hardly have enough money to take care of their needs like getting the best healthcare, healthy food and other basic necessities.

Is this the life you choose to live? Why are you not creative and a builder of dreams? There is no wealth to be made from wages, wealth comes from profit and profits are made when you own a business or when you make your money work for you.

Once you have a talent and you can do it well, money can be made from your skills. Talent alone though will not bring success, you will need to work for it. The world is full of talented individuals who can sing, bake or write well but are still broke.

You can start your own business right in your home and operate it on a part time basis. I know persons who raise and sell chickens, Avon products, bake goods and there are many like myself who run online businesses. The best part is that you can start with a small budget and gradually grow your business. This is the beginning of security and freedom.

It's just so sad to see so many people leave college with their degrees and end up unemployed. And when they do find employment many will eventually find themselves trapped in a 9-5, hand-to-mouth life. Why don't they advocate entrepreneurship and teach students to be the captain of their own ship?

Being a business owner has many advantages that far outweigh the disadvantages. For example, here in Jamaica, when I received a paycheck there are numerous deductions made before it reaches my hand. By contrast, when I make money from Adsense or an affiliate program all it costs me is the bank charges. That's how many governments make money, by preying on the employed. If everyone in any given country owned his or her business, then many a budget would be in trouble.

Some countries reward their citizens for becoming entrepreneurs by giving them incentives, tax breaks or refunds. As an employee these benefits don't exist.

If you are a member of the rat race then you should be thinking deeply about your future. Don't you want the best for your family and yourself? Choose not to be trapped in a 40/40 life where there are fewer opportunities for success and growth. Think about it, you can always pass on your business to your children or family but can they inherit your job?