Selling Hours For Dollars
What most people don’t realize is that you never really work for anyone but yourself.
The only question is: What are you selling, and to whom?
Even when you have a full time, salaried, “Corporate America” position, you are still running your own business. You are selling one unit of your existence (an hour of your life) at a set price (the associated fraction of your salary) to a customer (your employer).
Even when working in an “hours for dollars” environment, you can avoid the “hours for dollars” mentality. Find something you’re passionate about and take it to the next level. Become a guru. This should help you to strategically position yourself as a “go to guy/gal”, someone your superiors (and industry insiders) see as a vital asset.
Doing so will ultimately free you from the bounds of an arbitrary hourly rate, because you (your business) will become entwined with the future objectives of your employer (and maybe even the industry as a whole). This typically translates into big raises, bonuses, etc. You’ll start getting paid based on the tangible value you provide. Eventually, this position of power can be leveraged to start a company of your own.
Photo by defret.
James on August 29th, 2008 4:05 pm
If only people were paid by accomplishments, maybe they would have true motivation to do something in life.
cassy on September 10th, 2008 6:27 am
I agree with you James.
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