During my hike through the forest this weekend, I recorded some thoughts about empowerment and what it means for each decade of your life. The video is embedded below.
Some people may find it odd that I simultaneously coach my clients on how to get ahead in their careers, how to exit the 9-to-5 grind to enjoy self-employment, and how to live a more empowered life.
However, I see an overall arc to our lives from our 20s to our final years that includes your education, traditional employment, the freedom of a lifestyle business, and maximizing your enjoyment of your final years on this planet.
It all centers on empowerment
My empowerment strategy lets you squeeze the most out of your earning years and the most life out of your later years.
Empowered people have more career opportunities than most.
Empowered people feel confident and courageous in their jobs.
Empowered people demand what they deserve from their working lives.
Empowered people create a path to greater freedom and fulfillment.
Empowered people get more of what they want out of life.
Empowered people live larger and refuse to settle for less.
Summary of what I share in the video
The Unifying Thread of Empowerment
Career coaching and self-employment coaching may seem contradictory, but they share one goal: putting you in the driver’s seat of your working life, whether that’s climbing the ladder or creating your own.
From Invincible to Empowered
My business branding is evolving.
It’s less about feeling invincible and more about being so skilled, visible, and respected that you become more empowered.
You become an opportunity magnet (I’ve talked a lot about this before).
Power Means You Can Walk Away
When you’re truly empowered, you stop tolerating bad bosses, terrible relationships, toxic environments, and unreasonable demands.
During my long career, I have watched talented people push back and win because employers couldn’t afford to lose them.
The Value of Inside Champions
Throughout my career, former colleagues and advocates pulled me into companies and made the interview processes almost effortless.
That kind of network doesn’t happen by accident.
You have to earn it, expand it, and nurture it.
You Will Have Peak Earning Years
Research shows earning potential peaks and then declines.
Senior roles become scarce, and age discrimination is real (especially in tech).
You need to maximize your earnings while this brief window is open.
Same Hours, Very Different Pay
Would you rather earn $100K or $300K for the same eight hours/day?
Push hard for what you deserve.
Do not tolerate a one-way relationship with your employer. Get as much as you give.
Bank It, Don’t Burn It
Live leaner during your highest-earning years.
Invest aggressively, create a financial safety cushion, and start working on self-employment plans.
You’re buying your future freedom.
Your 20s Are for Foundation Building
Get educated
Find your people, make good friends, discover love, and find your life partner.
Start figuring out your professional path.
Enjoy this time! Don’t rush the exploration phase.
Your 30s and 40s Are Peak Earning Decades
This is your primary earning window.
Push hard, climb fast, and earn maximum value for your efforts.
Build your network (it’s one of your most valuable resources).
Quietly line up your self-employment plan and runway, so you can flip that freedom switch earlier than most do.
Your 50s+ Are for Living Large
Transition into self-employment that leverages your expertise and everything you already know.
Work when you want, where you want, and how you want.
Play a lot! I’m so glad I took the self-employment path and semi-retired early so I can enjoy my freedom and as much time as possible with the people I love.
Take care of your health and enjoy the last half of your life while you still can.
Life is short! Don’t save your bucket list for a decade where you can’t physically cross items off anymore.
What are your thoughts on this? Leave a comment if you have a question. Schedule a free call with me if you’d like to discuss your unique situation and brainstorm some ideas for getting more of what you want out of your life.
Larry Cornett, Ph.D. | Empowerment coach, psychologist, nature lover, and fitness freak. I help you escape the “hustle trap” to create an empowered life that fits who you are and what you want most. From Silicon Valley exec to self-employed entrepreneur, I’ve tested this path to freedom so you don’t have to.
➡️ Want to design your path? Book a free call with me!
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