Every job has unique benefits that other people in other jobs don’t have. Have you thought about how you can benefit?
For example, working in IT has many unique benefits. One of them I was thinking of this morning is that I have had to buy computer equipment less often than people who don’t work in IT. Every computer job I have had I have been overwhelmed with equipment. Often I had a desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone, and sometimes even a smartwatch. This was both so that I could dogfood the technology for the customer, and because the company wanted to keep close track of me.
This goes beyond just being able to do for yourself what you may pay someone else for. For example, someone who does taxes can do their taxes. I was surprised when my doctor said they had a doctor. That makes sense but it surprised me. I would want a second opinion myself no matter how much I knew. Bias and self-deception are a powerful enemy. You have talents that you can use in other ways, and I’m not talking about multi-level marketing either.
You don’t have to start your own business to take advantage of what you do and can do. Often it is enough to help your friends or contribute your time, talent, or treasure to a charity. When I was younger I shared that I contributed my time to charities because I didn’t have any treasure, and my talents at that point were questionable. We all have things that make us valuable to someone and we can use them to help ourselves and others.
Each day I try to consider my sphere of influence and what I can do to help those around me. I ask myself what is the most helpful thing I could do with my time today? Then I make a plan and execute it. Time is your partner in creating a better life for everyone. What are you doing today to make your unique skills a gift to others?