Around four years ago, Dominik, William, and I had small talk about whom between us would be the first millionaire. they both said it would be me, I didn't think of anything back then, but I set my goal that by the age of 25 I should have 1 billion rupiah or around USD 70.000.
I reached that number earlier, by the age of 23 I have that money. and last year, when I turned 25, I have more money than I would ever imagined. The funny thing is, if you heard me telling you back then that I have a dream of having 1 billion rupiah in saving, you would have laughed at me. I was not trying to prove people that I could do it, I was trying to prove myself that I could do it.
Most of you might know that I am working for a furniture company as the general manager. but what you might not know is I am also taking photos, creating websites, and designing interiors. At first all these were only a hobby outside my job to help me relieve stress, I love doing these things. but as time goes by, people started to offered me money for the services I gave them. It feels really nice to get paid for doing things that I love. The money that I make from my job is more than enough for me but it’s nice to have extra money, especially when I earn the money just by doing things I will be doing anyway regardless I am getting paid or not.
There are few lessons I have learned from this, but the most important one that I want to share with you right now is this: if you’re good at what you’re doing, don't do it for free.
I know it might sound arrogant for some people, but hear me out. Whether you realised it or not, you have invested a lot to have the skills you have. In my case, I have invested a lot of money for the last 10 year in photography world to buy cameras, lenses, memory cards or hard drive, subscriptions for editing apps and services. I didn't realise this before, but while I love doing what I was doing, when I am doing it for someone else or help a friend, if they’re using your help for their business and earn money from your work, it’s only fair if you also get money for your work, you earn it!
The funny thing is, I realised this because of my friends. They were asking me to help them, and they insist to pay. I didn't want to take their money in the beginning, but I noticed that it is quite offensive to do that, and they really wanted me to take their money. They have been having businesses for a long time, and they understand well that every hard work should be rewarded and investments should make returns. and especially when it’s your friends, you want to help them grow and value their skills properly. and I have came to appreciate that.
Good friends value you and your skills, and understand that you have invested a lot of time and money to get to where you are now. Good friends won’t ask you for discounts, they want to see you grow and will help you get there.
What they say is right, surround yourself with the right people. Most of people I am friends with are crazy and like to do stupid stuff. We like to party, travel, and do a lot of ridiculous stuff. but they are also happy individuals who motivate me to become better and to believe in myself. They know when you have fun and when to be serious. They understand that we need balance in life, and they want to help their friends to grow as they grow.
I hope you have this kind of friends too, or you will find them at some point in your life. i am still learning to be a better friend, but most importantly--a better self. I hope we can learn from each other, and help each other to grow together.
