What’s your definition of success? Is there a magic number, lifestyle, number of people helped, families supported (including your own)?
Everyone has their own goals. For me its financial freedom and not worrying about any bills with a property paid off.
Just started making over 500k a year (with multi year contracts) and still not satisfied. I’m thinking at 1m/yr I will be, but maybe not. Need to buy that property free and clear. Btw, my metrics on home have changed. Had a 4/3 house with a large pool in the backyard. Now want a house with a view of the ocean. The idea that will somehow make me happier is part of this post.
Did you hit your goal and level of success? Were you satisfied when you did?
All good points. Its definitely a mix. I have found that its much harder than it originally seemed to keep employees and contractors truly happy as well.
I think a part of keeping employees happy is finding the right employees. I love my team, and they’re a big part of why I love doing what I do everyday. But it was definitely a journey making sure we had A-level rockstars - both in performance and personality/mindset.
I also realized that I played a large part in my employee’s mindsets and work/life balance. If I overworked, they would feel compelled to do the same (well, I guess you have to first find people that do that) - which would then lead to burnout. I found one of my most meaningful and most difficult job was being, in some sense, a mentor to my employees. Money definitely played a role, but growth was something they all consistently sought. Some even went on to “graduate” from my company to excel at another much larger one.