I was having a real heart to heart conversation with an employee yesterday who is a great young man, hardworking, enterprising, and candidly expressed he was at a crossroads in his blossoming career as to “working in a company” or “being part of something where he can get an equity stake and feel the satisfaction of building something and ultimately making more money as an owner.” I really appreciated the candid dialogue and said in our conversation (but didn’t use the word “Dude”). “Dude, I understand the challenge. I mean, I have never worked for anyone myself, I’ve never had a real job, I’ve always hustled and done what I needed to for over 50 years to build my various companies—and so I get it.”
Perhaps both young and older folks should think less about equity, bonus and profits and more about what they love to do. Life without a passion is probably pretty vapid. Sure, money is important. But if the goal, first and foremost, is to make money; that’s a little “bass ackwards.” Feed your soul first. Then go to the bank.
Hustling. Side hustle. A hustle that comes with privilege. “How much equity will I get?”sounds like the question of titans in the making.
I think your hustle was more of a hippie. You were no fool, you wanted to make money and own your thing but I sense more of the soul of an artist first - a titan later. But I am a romantic and I certainly have no titanic tendencies - unfortunately. Though I have never worked for anyone either. Hmmm…maybe we have more in common than not! Great story per usual Michael.
I like how you put it back on him to explore further his decision. As a trained career coach, I was taught that the golden rule is to never tell a client what to do. Coaching is a self discovery process. Whether the dude stays in his role or takes on the new hustle, he will respect you more than ever which will come pack to you in spades. You seem like a great mentor and boss Michael!
Perhaps both young and older folks should think less about equity, bonus and profits and more about what they love to do. Life without a passion is probably pretty vapid. Sure, money is important. But if the goal, first and foremost, is to make money; that’s a little “bass ackwards.” Feed your soul first. Then go to the bank.
Hustling. Side hustle. A hustle that comes with privilege. “How much equity will I get?”sounds like the question of titans in the making.
I think your hustle was more of a hippie. You were no fool, you wanted to make money and own your thing but I sense more of the soul of an artist first - a titan later. But I am a romantic and I certainly have no titanic tendencies - unfortunately. Though I have never worked for anyone either. Hmmm…maybe we have more in common than not! Great story per usual Michael.
I like how you put it back on him to explore further his decision. As a trained career coach, I was taught that the golden rule is to never tell a client what to do. Coaching is a self discovery process. Whether the dude stays in his role or takes on the new hustle, he will respect you more than ever which will come pack to you in spades. You seem like a great mentor and boss Michael!
I enjoyed this. But you are spelling “compliment” wrong for the way you are using it. It should be “i” not “e”.
need a better editor than me:)