Playing it safe isn’t safe.

Remember that feeling you felt when you landed your first job and received that first paycheque? It’s such a proud moment. Sure, there was a number to it and that could matter a bit, though it was more proud to finally be able to make your own choice on what you would do with that money. Everything became an option. You didn’t need anyone’s approval on what to do with it or how to spend it. You had your first taste of independence. And it was glorious. It was such a great feeling, that joy of independence. That’s what living your best life should feel like.

We wanted it again, so we kept working to get more of that stuff that allowed us to do and buy more of the things we love. Independence is bliss! 

Fast forward, we start planning for paycheques yet-to-come and make some decisions to spend tomorrow’s money today. The things that we’re buying now and bigger and more expensive. We need more than a single paycheque. We make a commitment to a company so we can solve a money problem that we’ve created for ourselves: in exchange for our time, they’ll pay us a paycheque… forever. Phew!

We made the safe decision and solved some of our financial problems. Playing it safe was the right way to handle adulthood, right? Perfect!

Except, that job creates a dependence on someone else to fund your life. In effect, the person sending you regular bank deposits has a level of control over you. That dependence can work against you if your boss decides to stop paying or simply can’t. As much as you think it’s not possible, it absolutely is. Business doesn’t stop. Some are bought, some are sold. Some close up altogether or turn into something different. You can bet on there being change at work. There’s nothing safe about a job at all. You need a better plan A: start investing. More on that in a few paragraphs.

Look, shift happens. Expect that. Your new boss doesn’t find you to be a good fit for the team. Maybe you remind her of someone she despises. She may try to shift you out of your role and into one you dislike. All companies these days could be one lawsuit (warranted, or not) away from bankruptcy. While you were away on maternity leave, someone younger, cheaper and better took your role. Sickness and injury happen. Struggling companies don’t need the dead weight. All of this is possible in this day and age.

People were certainly loyal to their companies in the past, and vice versa. In 2023, in an era where there’s certainly a battle in the in-office-employer vs work-from-home-employee populations, loyalty is shrinking. Companies are most loyal to their shareholders. Profit and loss matters most at the end of the year. Your security and ability to pay for your next holiday is not really of their concern when push comes to shove.

Here’s a novel idea: What if instead of ignoring the risks of having a job, we consider planning on losing our jobs instead? Would that change your perspective? Of course, it would so let’s do that.

Fact: more than 50% of employees live paycheque to paycheque in Canada and have reported having a hard time meeting financial obligations if their paycheque was delayed by just one week (source: FCAC). More than half of our country lives with false stability and security of their jobs.

Over half of the country!

The result is even worse than this fact. Over half of the population is settling. Have these people stopped doing things that inspire and energize them? We have such a limited time on Earth and > 50% of us are just trying to get by. Only a select few are willing to stick their necks out and see a present and future brighter than just getting by. It’s no coincidence that fortune favours the bold.

Your salary is the bribe they give you to forget your dreams. Don’t forget that.

No, quitting your job doesn’t solve this dependence problem. Let’s not do that, yet. Please keep your job. You can start planning to make changes though. It will take commitment and it will take determination. There will be struggle and there will be sacrifice. The solution lies in figuring out ways to stop trading your time for money and to start trading your money for more money. It’s called “investing” and when it’s done with intention and focus, it is life changing.

Have you ever noticed how the wealthiest people are also the ones with the most free time? It’s because they don’t make money to pay for their lifestyle. Their money makes them the money to pay for their lifestyle. How cool is that?

There’s no secret here. Investing is how wealth is created. Everyone knows this deep down. It’s remarkable how many of us don’t work with such a strategy. We see investing as a risk, and I see the exact opposite. There’s nothing safe about a job. 

I, too, fell victim to this same trap. When I came to, I couldn’t un-know that feeling of false security. I also struggled in the “what’s this all for?” zone with every morning commute for a good while. Until I broke free.

I’m a sharer, so I’m happy to tell you what I’ve done when I invest. My investing strategy involves income producing real estate for the majority and then some more liquid investments to form a steady flow of funds. I found that having the right “who” in my life at the right time has helped me break from the safe paycheque so I partner with people that are aligned with me and have helped guide me towards my life of freedom. Follow me at replaceyoursalary.ca on the web or Instagram. I’d love to hear from you. If I can be a “who” for you to help you create this awareness and break your dependence, I would be honoured.