As I sit in the comfy business class seat of this commercial airliner I cant help but think about Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook IPO and the numerous individuals who are all about to become millionaires. As I begin to write this article it is exactly three months since I quit my job in Government, a job I really loved. I covered the entire Middle East, providing advice into the Prime Minister, and hopefully adding some value to cross Government policy making. 2011 was the year of the Arab Spring, I worked regular 12hr days and more, but I loved every single minute of it. I had the enormous privilege of attending dozens of meetings of the National Security Council, chaired by the PM. So given I had the job of my dreams, was I right to leave?
I was writing this from a comfy business class seat, but it pales in comparison to flying in a private jet
My decision to leave focused on one main issue, my desire to become rich, successful and ideally powerful. So as I head out overseas for a short work project I wonder, to what extent have I achieved what I want, but more importantly, will I ever achieve what I want?
Since leaving the civil service I have been hugely fortunate in what I have done. Thanks in part to my voluntary redundancy, but more so to the work I have managed to get I have now over tripled my life savings, which I didn’t think were too shabby in the first place. I have been lucky enough to work in more areas that I love, and hopefully have some great prospects for the coming months and beyond. But I ask, what will satisfy me?
Yep.......billlionaire, and TIME Man of the Year aged 26. I suppose at least I have a better haircut!
As I sat waiting for the plane to taxi I was overcome by the thought that, “Wow, I am now 30, yet Mark Zuckerberg is 3 years younger and is floating his company for $100bn, why the hell haven’t I done something like that.”
It made me wonder, is it just me, or does my entire generation have this feeling that there is no reason why they shouldn’t be a billionaire. Is this perhaps the same sense of entitlement that has led some British employers to conclude that foreign workers just work harder than young Brits? Am I really a failure if I am not a millionaire? Many people would say no of course not, a good job, family and a good reputation are important. But I cant get out of my mind that there must be millions of millionaires in the world and I am not one of them. And I want to know why not, and how I can change it.
So how can I get there? How patient can I be? Do I need to love my job? And most importantly what, or how much, will make me feel as if I have finally achieved something? In my time I have given a few public speeches or presentations and have had to write a bio for them. When I have read it back I have been astounded, I have been fortunate enough to have done some amazing things, many of which I could have only dreamt of when I was a teen. But I am always equally astounded that this doesn’t satisfy me….I constantly want more.
Many people, including my wife for example, wonder what its like to be a celebrity. I am sure I will never know, but what I do know, is that whenever anything happens to you it becomes normal and you lose the perspective that its something that others find different.
So, I should have been asleep a couple of hours ago to make sure I am fully useful when I arrive in the Arab world, but I am still here, writing this article and wondering if my aspirations are too high and if I am really capable of joining those that have made themselves enough money that their families and children will never have to struggle again.
Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does buy this house and that would make me happy!
Many people who read this article would I am sure start to say thing like “Money isn’t everything” or “Money doesn’t bring happiness”. I agree on both counts, but lets face it, money gives those that have it the options to live their life as they see fit. Happiness is available for everyone, rich and poor. But I cant help thinking, we get just one life, and what has the person with the Ferrari got that I don’t (and don’t answer “a Ferrari!”).
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OMG! You said everything that I was thinking. I want to be a millionaire so bad that I can feel it and taste it. I am not looking to be a millionaire for happiness because I personally know some miserable millionaire’s. I really feel that I am suppose to be rich. Since I was a child. And even when i try to surpress it, the thought and feeling is still there. I stopped trying to suppress it. It doesnt work. Cant put it out of my mind. You cant deny the opportunities that money can give. It cant buy happiness or love but it can get you into certain business, social and status relationships. Glad I’m not the only one who feels this way.
gosh, it sure is nice to hear someone other than me say this. I don’t need billions. Though, I would like to afford a comfortable life, a beautiful home, an expansive lifestyle, and the ability to comfortably donate.
I feel like it’s really good to DESIRE something especially if you’re willing to work for it. I do think though that the integrity of the pursuit has to match the desire for it, maybe even be a bit bigger than the desire so the integrity always wins. Personally, I would have a terrible time accepting that I created / achieved my wealth by harming others or the planet. In fact, I want my millions to come to me because I helped in some way. I know… I’m so picky.
Also, what I hear you wanting is a beautiful life with freedom and flexibility and choice. I don’t know that that requires billions. I think that just requires an awareness and choices that foment the experience you so desire to have.
Love your posts!
PS Money is very greenly created. It’s made from cotton. Probably GMO cotton, but cotton. never mind I take it back. We’re all just going to have to get a titanium black amex. its the ‘greenest’ of the payment methods.
Tough shit pal cos i am loaded
and totally unfortunate looking…
Get a move on ffs its freezing here.
Some people get lucky, Bill Gates for example as Microsoft sucks and the Mac should rule. Facebook, right time, right place, as for Tony Blair, now he must be the luckiest as he is a Pratt.
There aren’t many millionaires that actually worked for it. You have dream, go and get it.
Hard work never hurt anyone, well nothing a few pills can’t put right after a heart attack.
I couldn’t name 99% of so called celebrities as I don’t car and have no interest in them at all.
To give up that job showed you do have get up and go, No one else will do it for you.
Contacts, Contacts, Contacts
Oh and as it happens i start something new next week, life in the old dog yet and plenty more left in you, go for it you may only get one shot.
The guy with a Ferrari has something you don’t; a problem with on-street parking…
Nice work big man.
I know of a number of generals in Nigeria who need to take their money out of the country and store it in your bank account. If you provide them with your bank details they will reward you with £1,495,257.
I also hear that you’ve won the Spanish lottery.
I’m in, sounds like easy money!