Fri, 2nd January, 2009 - Posted by
Life is for living right? So why is 90% of the world stuck working 40 – 60 hours a week, in a job they can bare – just to be living pay check to pay check not making enough money? It doesn’t seem fair that we are given restrictions on when we can see our families, when and how much time we can have on holiday or be restricted to a pay rate that suits the company in making money – not so we can enjoy life!
5 options to take into account and ponder – each has the opportunity to help you out of the rat race:
PROPERTY – It is important here to do the research. As the media portrays, they believe it is not a good time to invest. I say, why not – prices are down and, like after every economy crash, the prices go back up and higher than before. To ensure you make the right decisions for you though – it is good idea to talk to property investors, real estate agents and research. A fantastic book on it is “0 to 150 properties in 3.5 years” by Steve McKnight. It shows you many different ways to invest in property, in an easy to read format.
STOCKS – Ouch – you mean now, when it seems so volatile. All i can say to this is read the article “Buy American, I am” in New York Times, by Warren Buffet. One of THE most successful investors in the stock market and he is investing – he must know something. Again research, speak to other brokers and investors and find what is best for you! Right now could be your chance to shine in this area.
DEVELOP YOUR OWN BUSINESS – You may be sitting on an idea that the world is craving right now! Put a comprehensive business plan together and ask people what they think. This may be hard, as it is your “baby” they are talking about – but see if there is a recurring theme in their comments, if there is, adjust it so it becomes a positive attribute. A fantastic book to read is “The E-Myth” by Michael Gerber – he writes in laymen’s terms on how to make a business work for you, not you work for the business. After all you are after freedom not working harder than you are now right?
FRANCHISES – A proven money making system – what better way to move forward. Research your franchise of choice, ensure it aligns with your beliefs and values, and most importantly will give you the freedom you are originally leaving the rat race for. Most franchises will need a certain outlay of your own money; however it might be easier to get a business loan for a franchise, than your own business.
BUSINESS FROM HOME – With the internet so readily available anywhere, it is easy for certain business to run from home. If you want to be home for kids, want to be your own boss and earn what you put in, a home based business is one of the best options. There are thousands out there, so it is important to do your research, as the one that looks too good to be true may often be illegal. Find a home based business that interests you, check that it will give you the freedom you are looking for and also the income. A lot of home based businesses are quite cheap to start, so great if you don’t have much to begin with.
So where to start from here? I would look within, listen for your internal voices – one of those options will feel more comfortable than the other when you imagine yourself doing it. Start with that one. If that doesn’t end up being, try the next one…and the next. It will get easier as you determine what is right for you and then you will be living the lifestyle you choose.
