On a day many years ago, as Marines, my squad was training on a run through the Quantico highlands yelling our chants about weapons, being warriors, and kicking butt. We were all in peak physical condition and I felt truly alive, like I was gliding through the air not by my own force. It was effortless. I vividly remember thinking, “How ridiculous I’m getting paid to do this!”
So it was truly a pleasure to be around my buddies all day, working out, and learning leadership at the highest level. I felt like I was getting away with something, making out like a bandit! There was a sense if people knew we were having this much fun AND getting paid to do it, it would all come crashing down.
And throughout my career as an investor, I’ve thankfully had this recurring feeling. While reading book after book on an interesting topic or traveling to see an industrial plant in action, the thought is always, “Man, I’m getting paid to do this!” It’s a deep sense of gratitude that you don’t have to fight against your day-to-day tasks. If you woke up without an agenda, it’s what you’d be doing anyways . . . but, the rub is you get a solid income for doing it! It almost feels illegal! Or at least a secret that must be closely guarded. It’s always a humbling feeling to be at a party in a group chatting about how miserable their jobs are AND you cannot align with even one of their grievances. Then you are truly lucky!
Choose the job or profession that gives you the sense you’re making out like a bandit!
One Ladder Project 