A man’s got to do….
A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do!
But what does a man got to do?
That’s the haunting question isn’t it.
Values
Value is an overused word. Companies brag about their core “values.” Business talk incessantly about adding “value.” We shop for “value.” We buy for “value.” What about the use of the word “value” that describes the principles and standards with which we live our life? Why don’t we think about those? If you hold to a religious creed, you have certain inherent values, often tied to a moral code. As American’s we share certain values such as freedom and dignity of life. What about those values that are unique to us as individuals? What about those values that shape our goals, guide our dreams and should be involved in every significant decision we make. This is a relatively new concept to me. I often feel obligated to take on the values of other people, specifically more senior partners in the firm in which I work. Truth be told, this came to me through a counseling session.
My values and my work life are often in conflict. This is not a conflict in morals or legality of an issue. Its a conflict born in priorities. You see, my values include:
autonomy
freedom
ability to create
constant learning/expansion
a deep desire to connect
Accounting firms, in all their glory and success, don’t prioritize all of these values. Understanding these values, these core needs that i carry day in and day out, help me to wrestle with big decisions. For example, can I be part of a big firm, when I value autonomy, freedom and creativity? Can I thrive in a workplace full of intraverts? I don’t know. Understanding my values helps me build a lens to build a framework to make decisions and direct my path.
THE GOAL IS FREEDOM
Do you ever think about what you would say to your 18 year old self? Its a fun exercise. You celebrate victories. You laugh at the more mature perspective you have now, hopefully. How much would you change? I have a list of “wisdom” that I would try to convey to my arrogant, stubborn, anxious self. These range from relationship advise, investment ideas, moments to capitalize on and moments to ignore.
Recently, I’ve added a new pearl to the list. I would say , “self (because what do you call yourself), avoid the golden handcuffs of employment. Don’t get fat and lazy with a big salary. Set a compensation number and then leave when your compensation reaches that number. The goal is freedom, not a big salary.”
How do you set a compensation number? Pick a number that reflects you have adequate skills and knowledge needed to launch your own enterprise. Leave before its to late. The golden handcuffs of a high salary is a hard mistress to say goodbye to. Comfort is the American addiction. Being told what to do is our comfort zone. Resist! Plan an out! Freedom is the goal!!