Continuing with the theme of my last blog, today I would like to relate to the Forbes profile of Dick Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute? 

The book sold 10 million copies in 20 different languages and in 1994 was named one of the 25 books ‘that have shaped readers lives’ by the Library of Congress.  

It is an understatement to say that this book is “the job seekers bible.”  Mr. Bolles is quoted as saying “don’t make money the most important thing about finding a job.”  One should look at the tradeoffs between income and other factors such as responsibilities and GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES.   But understand that building wealth is highly correlated with the size of one’s income.  Ideally you will find a job that pays well and has great opportunities.

In an earlier blog entitled A Wealth Incubator,  I mentioned that the profession of selling was the most frequently cited “first job after college” by millionaires.  And today many are either senior corporate executives or successful self employed business owners.  In fact, according to my  calculations, there are more sales professionals with annual incomes of $200,000 or more than there are physicians and surgeons who generate this  high level of income.

Too many people shy away from the opportunities that are provided by selling.  Some fear they will not be able to produce at a level that is required in the job description: no sales, no pay.  However, if you can succeed in sales you are likely to be able to succeed among the ranks of the self employed. Look at the profession of selling in another way.  Some sales positions actually pay you for constantly enhancing your image.  In essence your description is to contact people who may ultimately offer you a great position and/or become patrons of the business that you may start one day.  

.