The only person who is going to give you security and the life you want is you.
A new study in the latest Inc. Magazine done by Simply Hired reports that 33% of 2012 college graduates say their top priority when looking for a job is “job security.” “Salary” and “healthcare other benefits” were tied for second at 23% with “company culture and perks” (18%) third and “company size” (3%) coming in last.
All I have to say to the new graduates who responded to this survey is “good luck.” If you think you will have job security working for someone else, wake up!
After all, once you become an employee, no matter who you work for, your employer controls your work life. He or she can make you do work you don’t want to do with ridiculous deadlines and hours, reduce your paycheck and benefits or even fire you… without you even seeing it coming.
And I know most of you think this is what you are supposed to do. It’s the American dream… get a job with a “reliable” employer who will give you a great salary and benefits for work you like to do. In the process, you’ll get to take a nice vacation each year, buy “stuff” and save for your retirement.
This sounds pretty good, but you have to look at it for what it is… a dream. Once you start working for someone else, you lose control. Now, if your dream is to pursue a certain career and work for someone else, that’s fine, but…
Do not rely on others as your sole source of income.
Anything can happen. Just look at current statistics:
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“Jobless claims are at their highest this year at 392,000,” Bloomberg News
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“Employers added an average of only 73,000 jobs per month in April and May. That’s much lower than the average of 226,000 added in the first three months of this year. The unemployment rate increased to 8.2 percent in May, up from 8.1 percent in April.” The Washington Post
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“More than one in seven Americans are on food stamps,” CNN Money
And per my blog last week, most retirement programs are set up with the mindset that you’ll retire poor… so when it comes to your journey to financial freedom, remember that you are the architect of your life and need to be in control. Your success depends upon figuring out what you want and how you are going to get there in a way that fits your values, spirit, interest, and passion.
Financial Freedom is All About You!
To realize your reward of financial freedom, you need to figure out what you really want deep down in your heart and soul and then take action to make it happen. And this is not easy. As E.E. Cummings said, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
Today, you cannot rely on anyone but yourself for security and to live the life you want to live… so make it happen. Set specific goals, get the financial education you need and take action on what you learn.
Women, It’s Rising Time! There is much more to life than the traditional, American dream. Think big, take control of your life and start your journey to financial freedom today.
What inspirational thoughts can you share with others to help them pursue their dreams? Please share your comments below.
And please click here if you need some free, financial education resources to help you reach your goals.