Willingness to work hard will forever be a great equalizer.
“Want to know an absolute truth in life?
People with calloused hands don’t lose.
The world is fast paced.
It’s ever-evolving.
You have to continue learning.
But, rest assured, willingness to callous your hands will always be a great equalizer.
Hard work will always work.”
-Ray Zingler on Twitter
I was talking to a boy the other day about “what it takes to succeed in America.”
Sure, academia and the corporate route can work, but despite that being the highly encouraged path in our modern society for parental perception reasons, how satisfying is that long-term for most? Statistically speaking, less than 20% of people are passionate about their jobs.
The boy asked, if you were me, what would you do?
Knowing he’s not an academic, I told him first and foremost to move home to live with his parents to do what is most important when trying to get ahead, save.
From there I suggested two paths, but strongly encouraged getting on board with a junk removal company.
A junk removal company, sexy right?
Sexy enough to start out making $150/day working 5 days a week, which in a years time with limited expenses and per diem can quickly help a teenager put over $30,000 in the bank in year 1.
During this time, learn the business side of it.
See how your boss is working, how he charges for jobs, how he leverages relationships, & etc.
This boy I was talking to already has a reliable truck, now after year 1, he can purchase his own dump trailer.
Now, at the old of age of 19, he’s got the truck, the dump trailer, and a years worth of knowledge doing hard, but largely menial work.
Now let’s say this 19-year-old continues living at home and for the next 5 years, keeps his head down working his ass off with his own junk removal company. He hires spot help when he needs it. He picks up some side jobs landscaping or pressure washing if he needs it (doubtful).
Where is this boy in life at the ripe old age of 24?
Way, way, way the hell ahead.
Multiple relationships, Multiple trucks, multiple trailers, multiple subs. He’s making it big time, but his story just doesn’t sound as good at the neighborhood Christmas party because it isn’t as sexy as going to <insert school> to get a job at <insert corporate entity>.
And for those who say a path like this wouldn’t work..
Are you sure?
Have you tried?
I’ve watched it happen.
America is still the land of (limitless) opportunity.