26yr old pours heart out to y'all Ferrari owners. Guidance?

Welcome, John.

I'll let others offer specific advice, as I'm not yet settled into a career yet either.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Hi, John,

Lot of folks don't visit the new members section with any regularity, so this query might go unanswered if it rests here. You may want to:

1- first, do a search of the website- there have been a lot of questions from guys (and gals) who have had similar questions. A good number of people come looking for advice on whether or not to buy a Ferrari, when the time is right (e.g., have they earned enough, should they have other priorities, etc.) or looking for career advice. you can find a lot of insight and things to consider

2 - I am only a member, so I make nothing to suggest you subscribe and then scan the Business & Investments section. You are a business guy, and a lot will depend on what aspect of the private sector you want to pursue, and the goals you have in mind (you have listed some, but would want to reflect at much greater depth re the "ideal" job and what starting point might get you there).

3 - the Other Off Topic is also available to non-subscribed folks, so you could use that instead of this thread.

4 - keep your dreams alive. When things drag, get tough, or when you have setbacks (which you will) you want to still have high-value goals to shoot for. A tangible asset, especially one as ridiculous as a Ferrari, wants to be one of those things that is a reward for hard work, growing personally and professionally, and then having the money to buy one only after you have a solid 401 plus disposable savings, plus some level of security re where you are living (nothing wrong with owning a condo or house, etc., it also makes sense for tax purposes).

5 - start small, dream big. Lots of people want to be CEO's; only those who put in the time, keep a positive perspective, and will relentlessly work to make themselves more valuable and marketable will get there.

6 - find someone to love, and who will love you back as strongly as you do him or her. In this regard, don't rush, don't "settle" for someone who is OK, but doesn't really have long-term prospects, don't select someone and hope to "fix" them to make them perfect, and understand that lust and passion give way to love and affection- if it doesn't, it turns to dislike and enmity.

7 - find a person in your field of interest and seek to interview them- buy them coffee or lunch and just ask them how they got where they are, and how you can follow a similar path. Then, look for mentors in your physical space and establish a relationship so you have someone to use as a sounding board

8 - be open to possibilities- try out internships, try out hobbies and interests that may expand your horizons. Travel and meet people, work on your social skills and how to create rapport with people from a variety of backgrounds.

9 - since you're young, I'd also say to learn a second language, especially if you are interested in international business. Spanish in the Southwest, Mandarin and perhaps German if you are interested in European employment.

I started out low blue collar in urban LA; worked my butt off, and thought many times I'd never get there. I had setback after setback, had two promotions I earned cut out of the organizations' budget before I got the job, had a messy divorce, and then started to figure things out and get my momentum. It will seem at times like you'll never get there. Unless you plan, and then persist, it won't.

That's all I have; good luck, and think about focusing on your goals, creating a five-year vision of where you want to be (specifically), then, take the first steps to get there.

 

John,

There are a lot of smart people on this forum. They should be chiming in soon.

As a salesman, maybe read 'Body Language' by Allen and Barbara Pease as a start.

Stay out of debt.

Bill

 

Im 27 and just purchased my first Ferrari last year. One thing that my older brother said when I was a little kid that just stuck with me was, "The key to happiness is to be content with what you have." You can always have more. There is no shortage of want. When you realize that you can start to put things in perspective and figure out which life goals are more important than others.

Another big thing is to LEARN money. Be able to talk money and investments. Also, look at the crowd with which you associate. You are the group you hang out with. If your friends spend Friday night at the bar picking up girls, chances are, you spend Friday night picking up girls with them. If your friends spend their weekends pursing the same dreams you have, then you're on the right track, and in the right company.