Hey Struggledorks, this week we interpret John's lesson in earned money and exchange. No time to waste, lets get into it!

 

I know I wrote about my McDonalds experience last week, but reading Johns Lesson really took me back to an experience I had with that franchise. 

 

Like with what I said last week; the first job I ever really had was working at McDonalds. I loved it; I went from an Income of $0.00 a week to about $300.00 a week. I thought it was Christmas. I was working about 35 hours a week ; and making enough money to live a reasonable lifestyle. 

 

After a while though, I started to worry a bit. Making money was one thing; but what about my future? My friends had started going to University and started apprenticeships; all focusing on this big deal called “the Future”. I was starting to get a bit concerned. I certainly didn’t want to work at McDonalds my entire life. So one da,y I sat down my store manager (named Bill also) and said “Hey Bill, I think I will need to leave this business. I’m starting to be concerned about my future.”

 

My store manager said, “Bill, we like you in this business. You work hard, and you’ve learnt quickly.”

 

I said, “Thanks Bill, but I gotta start looking out for my “Future”.”

 

Bill, my store manager laughed. He said “Look Bill…. let me offer you an alternative. We run a program each year; we select a couple employees and we set them up with a University accredited course in Hospitality, Retail and Business. In exchange for this, we expect you to stay with us for the duration of your course, and use the skills you acquire in the course.”

 

After a couple of seconds of thinking, I said, "I’ll do it!.”

 

It was at that point our relationship changed. I was no longer there for the money. I was there for the experience. Our EXCHANGE changed. 

After a couple more years, I had completed my course and was managing in the franchise. It was a good experience; learning the ins and outs of such a business. But at some point, I felt I had reached my capacity for learning in that business. It was time for a change. I still had my “future” to consider. 

 

After some time, I found a junior position in an ERP system company as a "go-between"  between the business and its customers. It was for less money; but the experience was second to none. It came with a catch though. The ERP providing company said to me, “You have no experience in our field. We’ll give you a shot, but as a contractor; so if you’re terrible, we can get rid of you without any hassles”.

 

“A contractor you say? What does that mean?” I said tentatively. 

 

“A contractor means that we pay you a sum of money, in exchange for the work you do, regardless of hours. We don’t take tax out of your pay; or pay your super; and if we need to get rid of you, we just terminate the contract.” said my to-be boss.

 

My reply was, “Alright, lets start.” without putting to much thought into it.

 

My EXCHANGE changed once again. My time and energy was being exchanged for Money and Experience. 

 

A couple years later, I ended up getting stuck with a big Tax bill, but the experience was better than anything else I could ask for. I learnt how to leverage my work life with my personal life, whilst also learning that if I didn’t manage my money properly, I would end up with a big problem. Like John, I learnt that the money comes into my life has rules attached to it; whether I like it or not!

 

Thanks Struggledorks, next week EARNED MONEY IN… MONEY BETWEEN…. MONEY OUT…. AND MONEY COMING BACK AROUND. Can’t wait!

 

Bill the Blogger