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When I say wealth, what I am are really describing is the lifestyle that you’d like to live.  For me, it’s a British sports car parked outside a designer house not too far from Nairobi.

Most of us are not yet there but we’re trying to figure out how to get there as quickly as possible. From my many years interacting with people, i’ve come to realize that there are two major considerations when looking to create wealth in your career. One is increasing your current income and two is figuring out where to invest your money so that it starts working for you.

If you create value money will find you. In other words, discover what your boss, and ultimately your organization, values most and work to build yourself around those principles. Stephen, a good friend of mine, once told me that your primary function as an employee is to make your boss look good. Do this and your job is secure. Watch out though, because some bosses will try to keep you in their team, which may stunt your growth. Seeking to be of value to the organization will keep you aligned with your growth strategy and overcome a selfish boss.  A happy boss will be easier to convince in a pay rise negotiation and valued employees are often headhunted for promotion. The result is More Money!

An investment strategy to build assets that can support your desired lifestyle is the second key. Too often expenses are the only things that rise along with your pay increase. When you get a pay rise, you want to upgrade the car and live in a nicer neighborhood. This lifestyle change costs money, so you have to make good choices based on your goals. Think before you act.

Patience is the hardest part of investing because most of the time it takes a while to get the results you desire, but let me tell you, it is worth the wait. Instead of upgrading your lifestyle and increasing your expenses, take the time to invest. This doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy your salary increase, it means years from now you will enjoy it even more. Plan to upgrade the car, buy that new phone or overhaul the wardrobe but make sure it does not destroy your chances of achieving the ultimate goal.

The PLAN is the key. If you’re diligent enough to know where your money is going and patient enough to invest for the long game, your career can become the cash cow it was always meant to be.  Be a part of the Centonomy Career Hub Program that helps you connect your job and your personal vision. Follow this link for full details https://centonomy.com/centonomy-career-hub/

 

Written by:

Waithaka Gatumia