5 ms·

The Value of Acquisition

14 points by goldenkey 12y ago

Some people are happy working on a FOSS project that users enjoy using, they get positive feedback. Others are happy to run a small business and make enough money to survive while providing value for customers. But then, there are folk who look for an 'in' and then an out so they can become filthy rich and then work on their 'real' goal whether it be a tech company or some academic pursuit with the newly available freedom. Isn't the big payday somewhat of a metaphor for that person valuing themselves above the rest - as someone who should be leading, working less, having more freedom and luxuries, etc. I feel somewhat conflicted with the idea because I have desired the big payday too that will ensure my freedom to pursue 'real' goals. Is life after life a silly idea? I think the real reason I even desire this grandeur is because I believe I am more important than a working grunt. I believe freedom monetarily will allow me to express my talents in math, physics, computer science, and general. But somehow I know this thinking is flawed and our industry is full of ego driven delusion. Thoughts?

gopalv 12y ago
I think there is some conflation between "being rich" and "following your passion". Being able to do what you want to do is not some reward at the end of a tunnel. Very unfortunately, you are what you repeatedly do. It is the process that makes you what you are. And the longer you postpone "what I really want to do" in favour of things you "should be doing", the harder it becomes to do it when the rest of life can be ignored. I'm not suggesting quit and live your dreams while being penniless. If you really love doing something, you need to find how to do while you're young. Do it as much & as long as you can. Waiting for a big payday to pursue that might be a product of "money solves problems" thinking. It does, but I only need money because other people want money. But I really need the time to do what I want. And I can always make more money, making more time is far more limited, plus it is always running out.
- chadkruse 12y ago
  +1 Some of the unhappiest people I know have a single exit under their belt. I'm a capitalist and not afraid to admit I'd rather have more money than less, but I've learned through these friends that it truly is HOW you get there that matters (the sacrifices they made to get to the big payday were great). The best part of the its-how-you-get-there strategy is that even if you fail getting to the 'big payday', at least you had an awesome time in the process.
- goldenkey 12y ago
  Thank you for your comment. What are your thoughts on the adage 'time equals money.' Is the reverse true, doesn't money give you extra time? (ie, the ability to hire a maid, chauffeur, etc.) Do you believe that the time is still not recoverable?
Alex-Galapagos 12y ago
It seems like Elon Musk did exactly what you just described.. He sold his first 2 startups and now he's real passionate about things he loves: physics and anything that has to do with it (space, cars etc) . Once there's unlimited resource it's easy to do things you want
- goldenkey 12y ago
  Right but how long should one spend trying to make big money before humbly attacking their true goals? As another commenter said here, time is hard to recover
  - Alex-Galapagos 12y ago
    you can start with your true goals right away, in Elon's example he wouldn't be able to start building Spaceships without having billions on dollars in his pocket... If the true goal/passion requires less capital and you have it available then go for it right away
    - goldenkey 12y ago
      That makes a lot of sense. Thank you
osmala 12y ago
Its relatively punishing also to be poor and follow your passion. Then the opposing end is also punishing to be I've heard. And then some where in the middle there are people who envy with either end of spectrum and they think they would be happy with the end they see while telling them self that they cannot be happy before getting the benefits of being at the point in the spectrum they envy, while not realizing that they are in a nice point in the spectrum of trade offs. People want what they don't have and ignore the trade offs the others had to pay for it.
m0llusk 12y ago
Here is an alternative framing based on my experience: Capable people who go after money usually get it, but the money comes with regrets like time not spent with family and the like. Those who pursue meaningful and substantial change are also often successful, and with that success comes money.
goldenkey 12y ago
m0llusk, thank you for your comment. I am not so sure that is true though it sounds convenient. You should know that you are hellbanned

14 points by goldenkey 12y ago

gopalv 12y ago

I think there is some conflation between "being rich" and "following your passion". Being able to do what you want to do is not some reward at the end of a tunnel. Very unfortunately, you are what you repeatedly do. It is the process that makes you what you are. And the longer you postpone "what I really want to do" in favour of things you "should be doing", the harder it becomes to do it when the rest of life can be ignored. I'm not suggesting quit and live your dreams while being penniless. If you really love doing something, you need to find how to do while you're young. Do it as much & as long as you can. Waiting for a big payday to pursue that might be a product of "money solves problems" thinking. It does, but I only need money because other people want money. But I really need the time to do what I want. And I can always make more money, making more time is far more limited, plus it is always running out.

chadkruse 12y ago
+1 Some of the unhappiest people I know have a single exit under their belt. I'm a capitalist and not afraid to admit I'd rather have more money than less, but I've learned through these friends that it truly is HOW you get there that matters (the sacrifices they made to get to the big payday were great). The best part of the its-how-you-get-there strategy is that even if you fail getting to the 'big payday', at least you had an awesome time in the process.
goldenkey 12y ago
Thank you for your comment. What are your thoughts on the adage 'time equals money.' Is the reverse true, doesn't money give you extra time? (ie, the ability to hire a maid, chauffeur, etc.) Do you believe that the time is still not recoverable?

Alex-Galapagos 12y ago

It seems like Elon Musk did exactly what you just described.. He sold his first 2 startups and now he's real passionate about things he loves: physics and anything that has to do with it (space, cars etc) . Once there's unlimited resource it's easy to do things you want

goldenkey 12y ago
Right but how long should one spend trying to make big money before humbly attacking their true goals? As another commenter said here, time is hard to recover
- Alex-Galapagos 12y ago
  you can start with your true goals right away, in Elon's example he wouldn't be able to start building Spaceships without having billions on dollars in his pocket... If the true goal/passion requires less capital and you have it available then go for it right away
  - goldenkey 12y ago
    That makes a lot of sense. Thank you

osmala 12y ago

Its relatively punishing also to be poor and follow your passion. Then the opposing end is also punishing to be I've heard. And then some where in the middle there are people who envy with either end of spectrum and they think they would be happy with the end they see while telling them self that they cannot be happy before getting the benefits of being at the point in the spectrum they envy, while not realizing that they are in a nice point in the spectrum of trade offs. People want what they don't have and ignore the trade offs the others had to pay for it.

m0llusk 12y ago

Here is an alternative framing based on my experience: Capable people who go after money usually get it, but the money comes with regrets like time not spent with family and the like. Those who pursue meaningful and substantial change are also often successful, and with that success comes money.

goldenkey 12y ago

m0llusk, thank you for your comment. I am not so sure that is true though it sounds convenient. You should know that you are hellbanned