You’ve mentioned this topic a few times both at ithemesTV and here on the blog. So I know it must be a key issue and it’s something all business owners fret over: How to keep people employed/paid and happy simultaneously.

As a business owner, I can tell you that a key frustration is an employee who asks for better compensation both verbally and non-verbally and yet they continually talk about how expensive things are: code for how in debt they’ve become. I refuse to participate in rewarding poor financial decisions by further enabling that behavior with raises to throw them a financial-life-preserver.

Another frustration is staff that talk about “industry standards” when their examples they point to are businesses that are now bankrupt, imploded or otherwise out of business.

One staff member in massive debt resented my open discussion about the real estate market and credit markets approaching an enormous correction. Rather than heed the advice to stay out, they ended up purchasing anyway. The rest is history.

I drive a 16 yr old minivan with 228,000 miles on it. They drove a BMW.

As you build your community, stay humble and live frugally. It pays big time.

We wanted freedom …. and living like you’ve suggested allows that. It’s so nice having choices and not being a slave to debt!

BTW – ditto re: Raleigh!

Having no debt other than our mortgage has allowed me to work from home without worrying about having to earn a specific amount. While it’s not that big of a deal now that my kids are teenagers, it was a huge deal when my kids were babies, and even when they were in elementary school. (Hubby stayed home for a few years and I worked outside during his transition from Navy life to becoming an elementary school teacher.)

I’ve been trying to teach my boys that it isn’t about the money. It’s about doing what you love. That’s one thing that all of my customers continually comment on: I am passionate about what I do.

BTW, looking forward to meeting you next month at WordCamp Raleigh.

Knowing your personal story hits this home even more.

Recently, a pastor friend of mine challenged me that I was doing the good things … but maybe not the right things.

I know you and I share a mutual faith in Jesus Christ … and the point he made was … the good things or goals were “providing for my family financially” …. and I had gotten caught up in that goal – like an obsession as I do with most things I focus on – and that things had gotten misaligned and out of balance in my life.

The right things for me are … providing for my family, not just financially, but being there for them (presence). Doing my best and letting God figure out the rest.

Anyway … always appreciate your comments, Bruce!

Another thought provoking post.

Too often, our hearts our (mis)led by greed. Yeah, I know that is a harsh word, but we are all tempted by it, either consciously or unconsciously. I will admit that I have been bitten by it more times than I’d like to count. I hope I am getting better at avoiding it now with a few more years under my belt.

Your post reminded me of something I read a few years ago in Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad. In the book the author described the pattern that is set by two human emotions: fear and greed. “First, the fear of being without money motivates us to work hard, and then once we get that paycheck, greed or desire starts us thinking about all the wonderful things money can buy. The pattern is set…get up, go to work, pay bills, get up, go to work pay bill…Offer them more money, and they continue the cycle by also increasing their spending.” Ultimately, this spiral becomes the trap of a huge mortgage, multiple car payments, and expensive toys. All this stuff becomes a huge burden for the individual who now finds him- or herself in a job they hate but one they cannot leave for fear of defaulting on the debts and obligations they have.

Though, I don’t like to admit being one of your “older” readers, I can certainly attest to what Kiyosaki wrote. I know he isn’t the first (or the last) to describe this phenomenon, but I know when I read his book (about six years ago) it was at a time in my life when I needed to “hear those words”. It helped me see some things that I needed be made aware of, and prompted me to make a few adjustments in my life. I am still not where I want to be but I think my trap is much more “escape-able” today, than what it would be had I not read those words.

It all comes down to doing what you love with people that you like and respect – that’s what brings true joy.

Cheers,

- Bruce

Nice to meet ya,I just found your blog from Micheal’s blog, There was a funny tee shirt post from Ithemes (my blog will beat up your blog), but anyway…

Ya, I just wanted to chime in and say you’re right, if you do not do what you love and if your all about the money, you will not be happy and most of the time fail. Well, that’s how I see it,

You need to have the spirit born inside of you for this madness on the web, oh so to often have I tried to teach friends, family etc, to only see months later that they have given up or are just relaxing with the money they are making off the web and don’t want to go any further……

But as for success, what does it mean? That’s what tons of people always ask….you know what success is?

Its failing over and over and over ONLY to pick yourself up again and to keep on going.

When I started on the web in 2001 I was clueless, broke, and had a huge road in front of me, years later ( 9 years ), I live totally comfortable from the internet and LOVE what I do, which is write, teach, build, and all sorts of other geeky stuff

So anyhow, I kinda ranted in 5 directions here, but I do appreciate a good blog post and always feel the need to comment and say hello when I can…

BTW – Are you behind that “My blog will beat up your blog” tee shirt?

That shirt was greeaaatt!!!

Thanks for listening !

Joseph

I hope to be a part of your life and wok for a long long time.

I feel rewarded every day just by working with a great group of people. Salary is a bonus.

Thanks for creating an environment that makes work not so much like work.

Sounds cheesy when I read back over it, but it’s true.