……. then his look turned toward Ona (his wife), who stood close to his side, and he saw the wide look of terror in her eyes. “Little one,” he said, in a low voice, “do not worry—it will not matter to us. We will pay them (debtors) all somehow. “
“I will work harder” said Jurgis Rudkus - Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle”
This is a classic novel written about an immigrant’s family struggle as they left Lithuania for the American dream. The setting is the early 1900’s in Chicago’s infamous stockyards – where work was abundantly available, dangerous and with little pay.
These sentences show him trying to pacify his wife Ona’s worries about their dire financial conditions before migrating to the United States. Through these lines, the author foreshadows the idea of the American Dream that if an individual works hard, his condition changes for the better.
Unfortunately, their financial situation never improved as hard work and working more hours was not enough. Hard work needs to lead to higher compensation, otherwise financial conditions will not improve.
The Freedom to Earn More
Sometimes, individuals don’t realize their own value. I have been guilty of that. Psychologically, people get used to earning x amount of dollars that they never realize that they could be making so much more – without putting out that much more effort.
Another great immigrant example is much closer to home for me – my mother. She immigrated in the 1960’s and while she didn’t have a lot of formal schooling – she is an incredible talented tailor. The clothes she produced are legendary. So legendary that Chicago Cubs great Andre Dawson went to her for his tailoring needs.
She worked hard – but always for very little money. Like many immigrants, she was very risk adverse. Instead of asking for more pay, leave for a better paying job or opening her own business – she just made-do.
It doesn’t have to be that way. The younger generation of workers understand this. If a job doesn’t pay enough – they find one that pays more or start their own business.
The Freedom to Build Something on Your Own
Sometimes, you can be making a decent wage but know you can do a better job on your own.
Jim Navarre is a very accomplished entrepreneur and attorney in the Chicago area. His background is impressive: Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and as partner in a large Chicago law firm.
“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans” John Lennon
In his case, he was making bank but life demands would not allow for rigid 14-hour work days. Armed with a laptop, cell phone, internet connection and a legal pad – he decided to start his own law firm Mossing & Navarre and he hasn’t looked back.
As an owner – he works hard – no doubt. More importantly he has the flexibility to spend time living life coaching youth baseball with yours truly (as pictured).
Many staffers are in a similar position. Working countless hours for someone else when you could be choosing your own destiny.
Starting or growing a staffing company relatively is easy. Companies like my employer provide staffers with unlimited payroll funding to fuel growth. They also offer very cost-effective, critical infrastructure so entrepreneurs can focus on growing the business.
The bottom line – The more money made in a shorter period of time allows for more freedom to enjoy life. I have been helped hundreds of experienced staffers start and/or grow their own staffing companies for over 30 years and trust me, this works. Feel free to contact me to learn more.
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