DISQUS

As always I find golden nuggets of truth in your articles. Steve, you are a better writer than you give yourself credit for. The elements that separate your writing from many others is that you think</em before your write, which makes your readers think. Your commentary and observations set your blog apart from many others, which is why I always come back for more.

As for today's article - I've been struggling with the same thing. I don't enjoy going to work every day, but I am well compensated and I enjoy the compensation and security I receive for trading in the best of my waking hours every day. But I would get incredibly bored and would be dissatisfied without having a gainful means of employment or other activity to work toward. My websites offer that when I get home, which makes it easier to go to work each day. Maybe they would be enough to satisfy my needs if I gathered the courage to leave my day job, I don't know? But I think it would be better than going into work every day to an unsatisfying job.

Nothing like a long road trip as a bonding experience. ;)

Thanks for the mention. :)

I never got past juggling 3 balls, though I can do that fairly well. And no regrets about changing course on the MBA program. Running my business has been infinitely more rewarding so far! :)

I agree, Steve - I sometimes need external forces to push me along. I've been improving though. With a full-time job, and full-time blog, and a child on the way, I don't have much of a choice!

Thanks for the mention! :)

You know, Steve, the resilient always prevail, and I'm sure you will find success wherever you land. You are the kind of person who throws himself 100% into the task at hand (learning German and Russian, learning new accounting laws, int'l tax and accounting, etc.). You'll be fine. And it will make for interesting reading for voyeurs such as myself. ;)

Best of luck - and I'm looking forward to hearing about the life change!

Haha. I know exactly what you mean. My last job was with a consulting firm and we had a couple people promote through the ranks simply because they had the gift of gab. The fact they had no technical skills never seemed to matter.

It maybe an oversimplification, but I think it's also a strong point. Our economy and the structure of our workforce is in for a major overhaul in the coming months/years.

Thanks for hosting! :)

Very timely theme! Thanks for hosting and selecting my article as ad editor's choice! :)

I've been researching a lot of different themes and Thesis and Flex Theme keep coming up as the most flexible options. There are pros and cons to each, but what I really love about Thesis is its simplicity and the support forums. My current theme is too busy... and the support forums will probably seal the deal for me because I'm just not very proficient at coding! Thanks for the great review.

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I agree with this article 100%. I am at my most productive when I have structure in my schedule. I'm not always disciplined enough to set and keep an efficient schedule. But this is something I am working on.

I'm currently in the "hate the career," "love the job" mode. At least, that's what I am telling myself. I have some great coworkers, but no passion or enthusiasm for my day job.

And yes, I'm working on it!

Steve, I've been stuffing away as much money as possible over the last few years because I know that the longer I have for that money to grow, the better my potential payout. As you mentioned, it is investing, not saving, and there is risk involved. So far I can accept the level of risk I have taken.

But I am starting to see that there is more than just saving in stocks and bonds. I need to create cash flow that can withstand economic downturns. I am currently growing my business and continue to focus on that. I pay a little extra on my mortgage, because I don't want to carry that mortgage for 30 years, nor do I want to have a mortgage into my retirement. No mortgage = a certain amount of financial freedom.

My long term goal is to add additional income streams and hard assets, potentially real estate. It would start off small of course, maybe a rental unit. But eventually, I would like to have a few units bringing in enough money every month that I can pay all associated mortgage expenses, and have additional cash flow that I can use for other needs.

I don't want my income to be limited to my day job or my assets to be limited to a few stocks and bonds that are at the mercy of the markets and/or the value of our currency.

Excellent insight, Steve. I am also at the point where I am tired of the corporate life. I have a good job and I do well at it, but I have reached the point that I would rather be off on my own. Though I know that now is the best time to make the "jump" I can't do it just yet. The good news is that I am actively working toward (not just saying I am working toward it). But based on my calculations, I am still a few months off. It's a good goal though. :)

Thanks for sharing this.

I much prefer the feel of a bound book, and they are easier on the eyes. An ebook is no substitute for a good novel, in my opinion (at least for the type of reading I prefer for entertainment). But I also like that ebooks can provide a lot of value in a small, easily accessible package.

Ultimately, I would love to publish a novel, but an ebook is something that is much more achievable - at least at this stage of my life.

Sorry (and glad) to hear about the job loss. Hope this turns out well for you in the long run.

On the flip side, a little extra motivation to step up the blogging income never hurt, right? ;)

The best time to get your travel tickets is early, which means if you plan on going somewhere for the holidays, get your tickets sooner, rather than later! Thanks for including my article in the round up! :)

I'm not so certain Prosper is dead. I think they will come back strong if/when their secondary market is approved. The P2P market is changing though, and I think it has a decent future. With many credit streams drying up, people will look to alternative methods of getting loans. And don't forget about Loanio which was late to the party, but still has time to make an impact in this fledgling industry. I think it will be an interesting few months for the industry.

I'll third the notion. This is an extremely complex topic with no right or wrong answer. It really should be considered on a case by case basis. But I think it is in the best interest of all involved to work together.

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I definitely think this is a buying opportunity... My 401(k) is already on schedule to be maxed out for the year, although I could increase the percentage now and decrease as we get closer to the end of the year. I've also thought about starting a solo 401(k) or other self-employed retirement plan with my online earnings. Now seems to be a great time to do so.

It's good to read these strong responses. Thanks for asking me to participate.

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I've had these thoughts for over a year now... I was planning on getting an MBA, but the proliferation of programs and subsequent watering down of the value made me hold off from going for it right away. I wanted to make sure it was something I wanted and needed, vs. something I was just getting to hang on my wall.

I still think MBAs are valuable, but they have the most value if they are from a highly regarded university - basically all the top tier schools. After that it really depends on your industry, region, focus, school network and various other factors. I still may get an MBA, but only because I want to learn the knowledge, not because I think it will make me CEO. (that and the MGIB will pay for most of it).

MBAs aren't for everyone, and to think otherwise is to walk with blinders on.

Steve, I have no doubt you will keep going. Still, it's a tough gig to lose it all suddenly, and hopefully some of those people were prepared for this awhile ago and already had a plan in place.

I saw the writing on the wall at my last job and got out right before things got really bad. They are still afloat, but for how long? No one really knows. I left for a better position with more responsibility, better benefits, and a higher salary. I was fortunate. Some of my former coworkers have already been let go.

Still, in these uncertain times, I am working on diversifying my income streams, padding my emergency fund, and reducing expenses. You can never be too careful.

Good to see you keeping on top of your skills... A lot of people won't do that, then they will blame the "system" when they can't find work. ;)

I believe it. Try working for/with the government... Over the top sometimes...

My military travels took me to many places that qualified for hazard pay - and a few times I was closer to the action than I would have liked. At the time, it was my duty and I went without question. Now that I am no longer bound to military service (and now that I am married), I have no desire to expose myself to those situations. Your life is not worth a few extra shekels.

My parents read to me and I grew to love reading and learning. I have began reading on my own as soon as I could and spent many a late night burning the midnight oil because I couldn't put down a book. "Just one more chapter" is a lie I have been telling myself for years! ;-)

Like some of the commenters in this thread, I don't think there is any one reason for these statistics, but a combination of many factors. Many school systems do primarily teach standardized tests, which destroys the creativity and passion for learning. And many people prefer to be fed by the TV for hours every night.

But I also think that at some point in many people's lives, books became associated with the dread of an upcoming assignment or a test someone wasn't prepared for and people forgot about the magic that books contain.

Personally, I would rather read a book than watch the latest Reality TV show or sitcom. A well-written book makes you part of the story, whereas TV requires little thought and less emotion.