Opportunity is Everywhere

If I could share one message with you, it would be to stress the importance of staying in one industry for the next 15 years. 

In the accounting industry 75% of accountants are expected to retire. What does that mean for you and me? If I started today, I would be one of the most experienced in the year 2040. 75% of my peers wouldn't have as much time in the job as I did. 

If I had dreams of climbing the corporate ladder I can see myself achieving it in the year 2040. 

If I had dreams of being the go to person for my niche, it would be almost a given. 

Pick an industry. Accounting, plumbing, Electrical, and even wealth management. There will be a large shortage of workers when baby boomers retire. 

Waiting 10-15 years is a long time especially if you are still a teenager. But as someone that's been on this earth for 31 years, please listen when I say the time will fly by. 

I barely remember the last 7 years. Most of it was dominated with the shifting of culture, expectations, and disappointments surrounding the 2020 health crisis. So much uncertainty and one thing I wish I could do over again would be to study diligently. 

Oh I read books. I'm grateful and wouldn't change the experience for anything in the world. But boy would I pick one topic and study it everyday for 2 hours a day. 

2 hours a day multiplied by 350 days equals 700 hours. Times that by 5 years and I would have studied one topic for 3,500 hours. 

Those who study 2 hours a day for 15 years will be an expert in their field. 10,500 hours of learning and practicing your craft. This is what's required to be the best. Just 2 hours a day. 

Don't want to wait 15 years? Study for 4 hours a day. Do that and you'll reach 10,000 hours on 7 years. 

I heard an extreme story of a guy who graduated college with a bachelor's degree in computer science. He hated the traditional path so he did his own self study of 80 hours a week and within 2 years he had 7,000 of additional study under his belt. This is on top of the 4 years he spent in college. 

Today this guy earns $250,000 salary plus equity/stock options. 

If you want to get ahead you must realize getting a degree is barely the starting point. What you do after that is the important part. 

So go study. Study your software manuals. Get certificates even if you don't need them. As long as they cost under $200 then it'll only help you. 

Purchase used textbooks on Amazon and read it cover to cover. The sky is yours if you are willing to take the time and learn it. Master the materials and don't let life pass you by.