Walter Okpala: Happy New Year

Walter Okpala: Happy New Year: I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Happy New Year

I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Walter Okpala: Important departments in an organization

Walter Okpala: Important departments in an organization: In my last post, I asked a question regarding the importance of departments in organizations. The most important department in an organizat...

Important departments in an organization

In my last post, I asked a question regarding the importance of departments in organizations. The most important department in an organization depends on the business of the organization. If an organization is driven by sales, the sales department becomes the most important. If the business of an organization is highly regulated, the compliance department becomes the most important department. On the other hand, a data-driven organization depends on the information technology capability. Therefore, the Information Technology Department is the most important department in this case. 

     Therefore, the most important department in an organization depends on the core business of the organization. 

  

Walter Okpala: Important departments in organizations

Walter Okpala: Important departments in organizations: What are the most important departments in an organization? Write your comments.

Important departments in organizations

What are the most important departments in an organization? Write your comments.

Walter Okpala: Positive work environment 3

Walter Okpala: Positive work environment 3: Examples of attitudes and behaviors which create a positive work environment are: - employees creating a complete trust in the management ...

Positive work environment 3

Examples of attitudes and behaviors which create a positive work environment are:

- employees creating a complete trust in the management of their Organization;

- leaders recognizing the contribution of workers, especially those at the bottom;

- managers and leaders are role models of what they preach;

- managers and leaders show motivation and excitement on what they do;

- leaders and managers inspire and spur growth of their subordinates.  

Walter Okpala: Positive work environment 2

Walter Okpala: Positive work environment 2: A survey was conducted in an organization about work environment. In this survey, most of the workers said that what they liked best is cof...

Positive work environment 2

A survey was conducted in an organization about work environment. In this survey, most of the workers said that what they liked best is coffee, that is cappuccino. What is your opinion about the work environment in this organization when coffee was elected as the best? Write your comments!  

Walter Okpala: Work environment

Walter Okpala: Work environment: How can companies provide a positive work environment? Tell us what you think.

Work environment

How can companies provide a positive work environment? Tell us what you think.

Walter Okpala: Self-development 3

Walter Okpala: Self-development 3: It is interesting to note how many people do not take self-development serious. In my previous posts, I related the issue of self-developmen...

Self-development 3

It is interesting to note how many people do not take self-development serious. In my previous posts, I related the issue of self-development to economic cycles. Thereafter, I asked the question: what is self-development and how would people go for it? A simple definition of self-development is the understanding of your abilities and how you can leverage them to reach success.      The second question is: why should people go for self-development? One reason to go for that is that it is not taught in formal schools. The second reason is to increase awareness of oneself. Have you ever thought about how some people are becoming successful while others are just complaining and getting by? Although some successful people make it by accident, it is recommendable that one goes for self-development so he or she can be aware of his abilities and take them to the maximum level in order to reach success. 
     While many think the government, politicians, the economy or someone else will fix their problems, successful ones know everything depends on the individual effort. Understanding of this principle makes one run for his or her life. Unfortunately, formal schools prepare people to look for work after graduation. As a result of the inherent security provided by paid work, many do not even evaluate the potential they have. Even when the pay is low, they cannot risk doing another thing.
     Do not consider self-development training a waste of money. Try and take it because it will open your eyes to understand how those at the top started the journey. Everything starts by creating awareness first and taking action in the sequence. What have you got that you can present to the world? Understanding this question requires self-awareness and development. Think about it!          

Walter Okpala: Perseverance and persistence

Walter Okpala: Perseverance and persistence: In my last post, I mentioned discipline as one of the qualities necessary for success. In this post, let us look at another important qualit...

Perseverance and persistence

In my last post, I mentioned discipline as one of the qualities necessary for success. In this post, let us look at another important quality. This important quality is perseverance or persistence. Perseverance is defined as steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. Miriam-Webster dictionary defines perseverance as a quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult. While another online dictionary defines perseverance as not giving up. It is persistence and tenacity, the effort required to do something and keep doing it till the end, even if it is hard. 
     All the definitions point to the same direction. The belief that what one is doing must be successful and therefore, should not abandone it. It is obvious that we must have failures along the way, but what we cannot do is abandoning the task. Abandoning your project means admission of failure and the end of the journey. There can be no success without perseverance. This is because everything we do in life is just trail and error. We make corrections or adjustments as we move along. These adjustments require patience until we get the job nearly perfect. This nearly perfection or excellency in whatever you do is what drives success. 
     The lesson we learnt from the Olympics is that those who won the gold medal may not the best, but those who dedicated more and had more persistence to reach near perfection. What these qualities have in common is sacrifice. many do not wnat to make the necessary sacrifice to reach success. There is no way out. Some price must be paid in order to reach success. Think about it!       
     





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Walter Okpala: In my last posts, I left a question about wat is m...

Walter Okpala: In my last posts, I left a question about wat is m...: In my last posts, I left a question about wat is meant by  discipline, perseverance, and dedication. Let us first look at discipline. The W...

Discipline

In my last posts, I left a question about wat is meant by discipline, perseverance, and dedication. Let us first look at discipline. The Wikipedia defines discipline as the suppression of base desires, and is usually understood to be synonymous with restraint and control. Discipline is when one uses reason to determine the best course of action regardless of one's desires, which may be the opposite of excited. Self-discipline is a substitute for motivation. Merriam-Webster defines discipline as the control that is gained by requiring that rules or orders be obeyed and punishing bad behavior, as a way of behaving that shows a willingness to obey rules or orders, and a behavior that is judged by how well it follows a set of rules or orders. 
      The Wikipedia mentions the suppression of base desires as a condition necessary to maintain discipline. Base desires are those desires of entertainment which hold many people back. Some examples are watching television for a long time, playing videogame for a long time, being on smartphone, among others. These desires hold us back because they give us pleasure and do not demand a lot of work or input from us.
      Since discipline is the opposite, it demands work and a lot of focus from us. For discipline to be effective, it must activate the subconscious mind. When this is achieved, everything one does is recorded in it in a such a way that actions can be executed in any situation. For example, a swimmer can swim even his or her eyes are closed. In summary, there is no success without discipline. Think about it.     

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Walter Okpala: Lesson from the Olympic Games 2

Walter Okpala: Lesson from the Olympic Games 2: In my last posts, I mentioned the importance of self-development and the issue of the winners and losers in the Olympic Games. But, let us ...

Lesson from the Olympic Games 2

In my last posts, I mentioned the importance of self-development and the issue of the winners and losers in the Olympic Games. But, let us look at the Olympics winners and losers.

     The winners have the same traits successful people have in any area. These qualities are generally discipline, perseverance, and dedication. There is no success without these attributes. There is nothing like luck. What people call luck is generally the opportunity that occurs to people when they are already prepared for something. An Olympic athlete has 4 years to prepare for it. What differentiates the winners and losers is the level of their discipline, perseverance, and dedication. 

     But, what is really meant by discipline, perseverance, and dedication? We will examine them in detail in the next post.

     

Walter Okpala: Lessons learned from the Olympics

Walter Okpala: Lessons learned from the Olympics: The 2016 Olympic Games have been the main issue in the media in for the last 2 weeks. We can watch some people win medals, such as, gold, s...

Lessons learned from the Olympics

The 2016 Olympic Games have been the main issue in the media in for the last 2 weeks. We can watch some people win medals, such as, gold, silver, and bronze while others won nothing. What are the lessons to be learned from the winners and the losers? Or let me put it this way - what makes some people winners and others, losers?

     I am using the Olympics as a reference, but the same traits can be observed in other areas. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why some people are successful while others are not. In the same way, why are some countries richer than the others? There are patterns and tendencies which all these have in common. Try and discover them. Do they have anything in common with self-development? We will look at some of these patterns in more details.    

  

Walter Okpala: How can you self-develop yourself?

Walter Okpala: How can you self-develop yourself?: In my last posts, I commented on how self-development can help one overcome the effects of economic cycles. The question that arises from t...

How can you self-develop yourself?

In my last posts, I commented on how self-development can help one overcome the effects of economic cycles. The question that arises from that is: how can one self-develop himself? What mechanisms are available to someone when he or she wants to go for self-development?

     These questions will be answered in the my next posts.

    

Business English: Business English: Redação em Inglês - exemplo de c...

Business English: Business English: Redação em Inglês - exemplo de c...: Business English: Redação em Inglês - exemplo de como fazer introduç... : Como fazer uma introdução do seguinte assunto? Does the internet...

Walter Okpala: Economic cycle and self-development

Walter Okpala: Economic cycle and self-development: In my last post, I said that the best solution or protection to economic cycle is self-development. The question now is: "what is self...

Economic cycle and self-development

In my last post, I said that the best solution or protection to economic cycle is self-development. The question now is: "what is self-development"?

     Self-development is the awareness that one's life depends solely on him or her and the ability to have the training necessary to reach the desired objective. Self-development is not restricted to training, but how the training can lead a person reach the desired target. Self-development is not also reserved to people with high educational levels. It is open to anyone who desires to be successful in life. There are many highly educated people who could not develop to their maximum potential. As a result, they are not successful.

     On the other hand, there are some low-educated people who develop themselves in order to attain success. 

     Self-development is not a difficult concept. It is only being aware of your ability and taking it to the highest level to achieve success. Therefore, the maximization of one's ability is the key to dealing with the economic cycle and the instability it creates in people's lives. Think about this!         

   

Walter Okpala: Dealing with economic cycle 2

Walter Okpala: Dealing with economic cycle 2: In my last posts, I have written about the economic cycle and how one can deal with it. In those posts, I mentioned that one can deal with ...

Dealing with economic cycle 2

In my last posts, I have written about the economic cycle and how one can deal with it. In those posts, I mentioned that one can deal with economic cycle through information and planning. However, a more sustainable and long-term solution is self-development. The question now is: what is self-development?

     In the next posts, we will look at the meaning of self-development. See you then!

    

Walter Okpala: How can one deal with economic cycle?

Walter Okpala: How can one deal with economic cycle?: A question that always appear is: how can one deal with the problem resulting from economic cycle? In order to answer this question, let us...

How can one deal with economic cycle?

A question that always appear is: how can one deal with the problem resulting from economic cycle? In order to answer this question, let us look at another phrase. Is it possible to prevent the inevitable? How can one deal with the inevitable?

     The only way one can deal with the inevitable is to plan ahead and prepare for the worst. The main problem people face is the addiction provided by capitalism through unending pleasures of life. The pleasure involves the desire to have the best life can provide. As a result, many people do not think about tomorrow even if the information is readily available to them. However you may tell people that the economic boom may not last for a long time, only a few will take it serious. 

     Satisfying immediate needs does not allow many plan for the future. Dealing with bad economic cycle is nothing but preparing for the worst situation. That means saving during the booming period to use during recession. There is no miracle. One can only achieve what he or she desires by making sacrifice. There must be a tradeoff. Think about this!  

Walter Okpala: How are you navigating through the present economi...

Walter Okpala: How are you navigating through the present economi...: There is always a question that many ask. How is one navigating through the difficult economic time? It is important to know something abou...

How are you navigating through the present economic scenario?

There is always a question that many ask. How is one navigating through the difficult economic time? It is important to know something about what economists call the economic cycle. Every now and then, the economic activity of a country or the world oscillates from going down to going up or vice versa. This oscillation is called economic cycle. What it means is that no economy can grow or fall indefinitely. This oscillation is more often now than ever because of the inter-dependence of the world economy. No one country's economy is isolated anymore. So, what affects one country automatically affects the others too. 

     In view of this, people should protect themselves against the economic cycle called economic slowdown or recession. The problem is that many people do not understand this mechanism and therefore, are taken by surprise. So, how are you navigating through the difficult economic times should turn into "to what extent are you prepared for the economic scenario"? Think about that!  

  

Walter Okpala: What is your plan for the 3rd Quarter?

Walter Okpala: What is your plan for the 3rd Quarter?: What is your plan for the 3rd Quarter? How are you executing your plans? What are your priorities?

What is your plan for the 3rd Quarter?

What is your plan for the 3rd Quarter? How are you executing your plans? What are your priorities?

Walter Okpala: Preparation for the end of the Q2

Walter Okpala: Preparation for the end of the Q2: Let me just remind you that the second quarter (Q2) is just coming to an end. What have you done and how has your been executed at this poi...

Preparation for the end of the Q2

Let me just remind you that the second quarter (Q2) is just coming to an end. What have you done and how has your been executed at this point? You should be prepared to assess yourself. Remember that there must be short-term, mid-term, and long-term targets which can be measured if you really want to be successful. How have you fared?

  

Walter Okpala: College Education and the expectation

Walter Okpala: College Education and the expectation: In my last post, I asked some questions regarding college education and the return on investment. There is no disagreement as regards to th...

College Education and the expectation

In my last post, I asked some questions regarding college education and the return on investment. There is no disagreement as regards to the importance of college education. However, there is a discussion about how much in investment or the level of debt one can contract. Secondly, there is a debate on how college education can be directed in order to obtain the best result.
     One of the recommendation is that college education should be taken as an investment. Taking it as an investment implies setting well-defined goals and working towards them. College education should serve two purposes. One is directed at having knowledge and the other should be to make your living. These are the things expected of a college graduate. These expectations can only be met if there is a well defined target set before the study.
     It is common to see many people with college degree who satisfy the expectation of knowledge, but cannot make enough to live. Sometimes, you see people obtaining college degree in three different areas. This is because they discovered that the first degree is not marketable and decided to take another course. This occurs as result of lack of planning. But, why should someone take a course in an area that is not marketable in the first instance?
     Choosing a career cannot be done with emotion only. It is something that will determine one's life. Therefore, career choice must be done with an objective in mind. This objective must contemplate knowledge and money. Without meeting these needs, college turns into deception instead of blessing.
     Think about this!             


      

Walter Okpala: College Education - is it important?

Walter Okpala: College Education - is it important?: In my last post, I asked the question if college education is important. College education may be important depending on what you expect or...

College Education - is it important?

In my last post, I asked the question if college education is important. College education may be important depending on what you expect or what you want for your life. Generally, education is important for knowledge. College education is especially important if one wants to have a deeper knowledge, be it general or specific. 

     However, the importance of education cannot be confused to the point of contracting big student debt or thinking that college education brings automatic job security. One should first understand that how education or its accrued knowledge is used depends on the individual. If wisely used, it can give more than expected. On the contrary, the knowledge will have limited use.

     The next question now is: how can college education be used to justify the amount of money investment in it? Another question should be: how can college education bring the return desired on investment?

   Think about these questions!   

Walter Okpala: Do you consider college education important?

Walter Okpala: Do you consider college education important?: It is interesting to note that many teens want to enter into college every year. Looking at this desire, many people are asking the questio...

Do you consider college education important?

It is interesting to note that many teens want to enter into college every year. Looking at this desire, many people are asking the question: is college education important? Put it the other way, what can college education bring to my life?

     I would like you to write your comments about this topic.

  

Walter Okpala: What have you achieved in your career 2?

Walter Okpala: What have you achieved in your career 2?: In my last post, I asked the question about what you have achieved in your career. I know that it might sound a bit weird to ask such a ques...

What have you achieved in your career 2?

In my last post, I asked the question about what you have achieved in your career. I know that it might sound a bit weird to ask such a question. However, one should always evaluate himself to see where he is and how does that compare with others. If you really want to be successful, you must do the self-evaluation. 
     Some of the questions to be asked are:

(1) how am I doing in comparison with others in the same profession as mine?;
(2) how are my doing in comparison with my co-workers who have the same 
     number of years of work experience?; 
(3) what have your colleagues achieved in terms of assets?; and,
(4) what have your colleagues achieved in terms of career progression?

If your position is not good in these comparisons, you should look at those at the top. Success in life does not depend on intelligence nor skill, it depends on one's ability in observing and following the best practices. Sometimes, you may be required to make a change. 
     Why should two persons in the same profession have different professional and personal results? Think about it! 

Walter Okpala: What have you achieved in your career?

Walter Okpala: What have you achieved in your career?: I would like you to ask yourself the following question:  "What have I achieved in my career?" Look at yourself again and ask:...

What have you achieved in your career?

I would like you to ask yourself the following question:

 "What have I achieved in my career?"

Look at yourself again and ask: what have I achieved in all these years of my career?

I would like you to give input on what you have achieved so far.

Walter Okpala: What do you do with your bonus 3?

Walter Okpala: What do you do with your bonus 3?: In my last posts, I mentioned the issue of people receiving yearly bonus and misusing it. Do you know you can build wealth with your bonus? ...

What do you do with your bonus 3?

In my last posts, I mentioned the issue of people receiving yearly bonus and misusing it. Do you know you can build wealth with your bonus? Let us lok at ways you can do that.
     Someone who receives a yearly bonus of $100,000 can buy a house of the same amount and pay cash. Doing this eliminates the monthly house rent. The money used for house rent can be directed to retirement contribution. The money can also be used as an investment which gives you return. If this amount is used for investment for a period of ten years, you can even quit your job because the money has accumulated a lot. 
     The biggest investors today did not start with a lot of money. If you remember my old posts where I mentioned that a monthly contribution of $100 for a period of 30 years turns one into a millionaire and $500 per month ($6,000 per year) makes you $6-$7 million in 30 years. $100 for 1 year totals $1,200 per year. If $1,200 can make one a millionaire, imagine what $100,000 per year can do for you during 5 or 10 years.
     The reason why many people end up poor is that they do not invest. Many think investment is meant for some people. In a capitalist economy, anybody can be an investor. It is a question of spending less than you make. There is no miracle. No one is born an investor. Think about this!
      

Walter Okpala: What do you do with your bonus 2?

Walter Okpala: What do you do with your bonus 2?: What do you do with your bonus? This a question asked by many people. Organizations, especially, the big ones pay their employees bonuses e...

What do you do with your bonus 2?

What do you do with your bonus? This a question asked by many people. Organizations, especially, the big ones pay their employees bonuses every year. The value received depends on the performance of an employee in reaching targets pre-established by their companies. Depending on the position of an employee, he or she can receive $100,000 or more. 

     What do people generally do with their bonus? I noticed some use the money to buy new cars. Others use it to travel while others even spend the money on paying rent in richer neighborhoods. It is intereesting that many people want to be wealthy, but do not make any sacrifice towards it. What are the common needs of workers?

     The common needs are generally skill acquisition, second language acquisition, educating their children, buying their houses, preparing for their retirement, among others. Why is it that only the majority invests in the afore mentioned needs? Someone does everything to get money in order to fill the needs. However, these important needs are not met. Instead, the person prefers investing in leisure and entertainment. 

     In the next posts, we will look at how you can use your bonus effectively in building wealth. Think about it!

      

  

Walter Okpala: What do you do with your bonus?

Walter Okpala: What do you do with your bonus?: There is a question that always arises with respect to building wealth. What do you do with the yearly bonus you receive from your Company?...

What do you do with your bonus?

There is a question that always arises with respect to building wealth. What do you do with the yearly bonus you receive from your Company? How can it be a source of wealth for you? Think about it!

Walter Okpala: How is your project?

Walter Okpala: How is your project?: The first month of the second quarter is finishing. How is your project for the quarter or year being executed? Is it moving at the correct ...

How is your project?

The first month of the second quarter is finishing. How is your project for the quarter or year being executed? Is it moving at the correct pace or very slowly?
Check it!

Walter Okpala: How can you participate in the knowledge economy?

Walter Okpala: How can you participate in the knowledge economy?: Sometimes you hear people talk about knowledge economy or the era of knowledge. In this post, I will first define what a knowledge economy ...

How can you participate in the knowledge economy?

Sometimes you hear people talk about knowledge economy or the era of knowledge. In this post, I will first define what a knowledge economy is and give some tips on how one can benefit from this trend.

     Knowledge Economy is nothing but economy that is driven by knowledge. Simply put, it is the transformation of knowledge into products and services. Although this was also done in the past, however, only people with factories or infrastructure could do that. That is, only big companies could afford it. Today, knowledge economy is used more than ever because of the internet. The internet makes it possible for anyone transform his or her knowledge into product or service without having to invest a lot of money. Some examples are Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, etc.

     The second question now is: how can one participate in this trend? In order to participate in a knowledge economy, you must have an idea. Secondly, your idea has to be transformed into action or execution. However, your idea cannot ideal before trying it. Many people are not successful because they never try anything. Having idea is one thing, having the courage to execute your idea is another thing. Quite often courage is more important than the idea itself. Your first idea may not be successful, but will lead you to many other possibilities. That is the essence of entrepreneurship. However, entrepreneurship is not limited to starting your own business. It can be applied to your job.

     This will be the subject of the next post.

  

Walter Okpala: Misusing your time 3

Walter Okpala: Misusing your time 3: In this post, we are going to look at another time stealer - the internet. Many people are today connected to the internet, or what is call...

Misusing your time 3

In this post, we are going to look at another time stealer - the internet. Many people are today connected to the internet, or what is called the digital age. With this wonderful instrument also comes the problem. Internet is one of the most important inventions of mankind. It allow us check any information we want on any subject or about someone. However, wrong use of the internet can impose a problem to many. 

     For example, many people use internet today to obtain information that cannot contribute to their well-being. The worst part of it is that people are becoming addicted to the internet. A practical example of the wrong use of the internet is people who spend all their time reading about celebrities in real time. Another example is spending time watching useless videos on YouTube. It is unbelievable that about 80% of the people use the internet for entertainment instead of using it for obtaining information and knowledge.

     People use the internet to know about their celebrities, but cannot use this wonderful tool to study geography, mathematics, and other subjects. Even to do research is something of another world. Internet is a wonderful tool, but has to be well used. Wrong use of it puts you downgrading instead of upgrading your success. It is impossible to reach success while spending your time on things that cannot contribute to it. Think of that!

       

Walter Okpala: Misusing your time 2

Walter Okpala: Misusing your time 2: In my last post, I wrote about how many people misuse their time by watching television excessively. In the current post, I will continue t...

Walter Okpala: Misusing your time 2

Walter Okpala: Misusing your time 2: In my last post, I wrote about how many people misuse their time by watching television excessively. In the current post, I will continue t...

Misusing your time 2

In my last post, I wrote about how many people misuse their time by watching television excessively. In the current post, I will continue the misuse of time in another area - playing video game. 

     Many people spend a lot of time playing video games. In the past, people used to play video games only with specific consoles meant for that. Today, video games can be played in any console or gadget, ranging from a dvd player to smart phones. To worsen the situation, people can play video games online. 

     Wait for a second and sum the number of hours a person spends on playing video games daily. You can see many people commuting to work in the bus or subway playing video games with their smart phones. When they arrive home from work, they continue playing video games. Some spend all their weekends playing video games. The question then is: how can one think about being successful while spending all his time playing video game? 

     Your mind is in what you do most part of the time. Imagine using the time you spend in playing video games in thinking about your work or used in producing something useful to you. How would your life change for better as a result of that simple change? Think about it!       

  

Walter Okpala: Misusing your time 1

Walter Okpala: Misusing your time 1: In my last post, I wrote about how one's time can be transformed into a useful tool. In the present post, we are going to look at one o...

Misusing your time 1

In my last post, I wrote about how one's time can be transformed into a useful tool. In the present post, we are going to look at one of the ways in which people misuse their time. One of the ways is by watching television excessively.      There is nothing that distracts a person like watching television. The reason is that it works with image. Image draws and holds attention of people. It is impossible to read or do something with concentration and be watching television at the same time. Therefore, watching television is a big time stealer.      It is important to note that watching television is entertainment, and as such, cannot contribute to one's success unless entertainment is your business. On the contrary, you will become poorer and poorer while the networks will be getting richer and richer. The question you should ask yourself is the period of time you spend watching television and the time spend doing something that matters. The only one that can change your situation is you and no one else. 

     In other words, if you can change your behavior of watching television excessively, your life will be better. It is important to understand the point in discussion. Watching television is not bad, but watching television excessively is bad. Think about it!

       

Walter Okpala: Your time is your tool!

Walter Okpala: Your time is your tool!: In my last post, I wrote about the use of your time. In order to understand the importance of wiser use of your time, you should consider t...

Your time is your tool!

In my last post, I wrote about the use of your time. In order to understand the importance of wiser use of your time, you should consider the following scenario.

     Imagine you coming from a poor family where you do not have any inheritance and have to construct your future from zero. The only tool you have to do that is your time. The only thing you have and that is within your control is your time. Many people misuse their time thinking that someone will help them along the way. The fact is that capitalist economy and democracy give individuals freedom to determine what they want and how to go for it. Since nobody can oblige you to do something, no one is also obliged to help you. That means someone will help you if he or she wants.

     In other words, an individual can feed his pet better than a fellow human being since the pet is his or hers. The irony of the whole thing is that those who can help use all their time trying to achieve success while others were enjoying. There is no way one can be successful by spending most part of his time doing things that will not contribute to success no matter the business in which you are. 

     So, your time is your tool for transforming your life to a successful one. Think about it!

       

   

Walter Okpala: Use your time wisely!

Walter Okpala: Use your time wisely!: How do you use your time? People always say that they do not have time. It is not that they do not have time, but that they use their time ...

Use your time wisely!

How do you use your time? People always say that they do not have time. It is not that they do not have time, but that they use their time for something else. How one uses his or her time shows where he places his priorities. Some people spend half of their time surfing the internet or chatting with their friends on social networks. Others use their time to play videogames while others spend their time watching television. 

     Ask yourself what proportion of time do you use in your daily activities. You cannot say you do not have time where you spend 50% of your time in things that do not contribute to your overall goal in life or in things that cannot change your life for better. In summary, always ask yourself the proportion of time you spend in each of the tasks you carry out daily. Think of that!

Walter Okpala: Planning is everything

Walter Okpala: Planning is everything: Whatever we do, there must be planning. Lack of planning means that one does not know what he or she wants or where to go. Planning has to ...

Planning is everything

Whatever we do, there must be planning. Lack of planning means that one does not know what he or she wants or where to go. Planning has to be divided into two: long term planning and short term planning. For example, you should have plan for what you want to achieve in 2016. At the same time, you have to divide your plan into quarterly ones or short-term plans. Dividing your plans into short term makes it easier for you to check it regularly in order to obtain a measurable result. 

     What is your plan for 2016? Have you checked your result for the first quarter of the year? What was your result? Did you achieve your established target? If not, what are you doing to change the result in the second quarter?

    

Walter Okpala: First Quarter Result

Walter Okpala: First Quarter Result: The first quarter of 2016 ended in March. Have you checked your result for the first quarter? Is your result positive or negative? I will l...

First Quarter Result

The first quarter of 2016 ended in March. Have you checked your result for the first quarter? Is your result positive or negative? I will like to have your input on this.  

Walter Okpala: Happy Easter!

Walter Okpala: Happy Easter!: I wish everybody a Happy Easter Celebration!

Happy Easter!

I wish everybody a Happy Easter Celebration!

Walter Okpala: Common mistakes for wealth creation 3

Walter Okpala: Common mistakes for wealth creation 3: In my last post, I wrote the misconception that wage increase adjusted inflation is a bad way to think about wealth. In this post, I will t...

Common mistakes for wealth creation 3

In my last post, I wrote the misconception that wage increase adjusted inflation is a bad way to think about wealth. In this post, I will talk about another common mistake workers make. The mistake is related to lifestyle, with special emphasis on accommodation. Whether be it rented house or owned home, the same problem is observed. 

     Many workers tend to live in a middle-class neighborhood. There is nothing wrong with this idea if your wage can afford it. Some workers pay house rents which can represent about 40% of their takehome pay. This may not be obvious because house rent and condominium fees are paid in different days. One can only create wealth when he or she minimizes the expenses and maximizes accumulation and compounding mechanisms. 

     Many other workers take up high value mortgage in order to own their houses. Although having a home is good, one cannot put all his money in that. How can one live in a house with mortgage value of $1 million, but living on a monthly wage of about $20,000? What happens if the person buys a small house and accumulates $7,000/month for a period of 10 years in investments? At the end of this period, the person can buy the house of $1 million and pay cash. The person will be rich to the point he or she can even decide to stop working. 

     Wealth creation requires patience. In the success jargon, it is called delayed gratification. That is, to have patience and make sacrifice now so you can be wealthy in the future and buy whatever you want. Think about that!          

  

Walter Okpala: Mistakes for wealth creation 2

Walter Okpala: Mistakes for wealth creation 2: In my last post, I wrote about one of the most common mistakes people make about creating wealth for themselves. In this poat, we will look...

Mistakes for wealth creation 2

In my last post, I wrote about one of the most common mistakes people make about creating wealth for themselves. In this poat, we will look at another common mistake we make. The mistake is looking at the wage increase and inflation adjustment as a way of maintaining standard of living or wealth.

     From my experience of working with executives, I have come to realize one common area of addiction of all. I generally have argument with them about wealth creation. The common belief among them is whatever it takes to maintain their current standard of living with inflation adjustment is alright. Even when they make investments, they will be counting on the return that will maintain the current purchasing power of their money. I tried to show them that this way of thinking is wrong. As a result, some live in expensive houses of about $1 million dollars, but do not have any investment. 

     My argument is that one should accumulate as much capital as necessary to be giving him or her good and sustainable return. The support to my argument is that someone with $10 million cannot feel any type of inflation when compared with someone with $500,000. The person with $500,000 did not invest because he thinks the return is small and cannot keep up with his current standard of living. The point I am making is that inflation affects everybody, but not at the same rate. The wealthier one is, the less is the effect of inflation and vice versa. 

     In summary, fighting for wage increase through inflation adjustment is not a way to build wealth. Rather, wealth is built by having patience and accumulating a lot of money through investment. Think of that!           

Walter Okpala: The common mistakes for wealth creation 1

Walter Okpala: The common mistakes for wealth creation 1: In my previous posts, I have given some tips on how someone can build wealth through his or her income. These tips are necessary because mo...

The common mistakes for wealth creation 1

In my previous posts, I have given some tips on how someone can build wealth through his or her income. These tips are necessary because money is something that everybody wants to have, but few people really understand the principles behind having it. Almost everybody skips these principles. As I am writing this blog, I have made a lot of mistakes regarding money. Some of the mistakes we generally make are:

 - that only people from rich family can be rich

This idea is completely wrong. A recent research carried out in the USA in 2015 showed that 80% of the millionaires are self-made ones. In other words, they did not inherit anything from their parents. Some people use this as a reason to make themselves comfortable instead of struggling to break the barrier of poverty.  

 - that one cannot be rich by doing a 9 to 5 job

If a street vendor can be a millionaire, why shouldn't someone with a well-paying job be one? If one understands the power of his income (wage), he or she can be rich faster than someone without a college degree. The reason is that the source of wealth creation is right with the individual. Some well-paid executives or workers play lottery, hoping to become millionaires through this process. Think about an executive who makes $15,000 to $20,000 monthly. Investing in mutual funds, the executive will be a multi-millionaire in less than 5 years if he or she can be investing $5,000 monthly. That does not require a lot of sacrifice. If one can have $1 m after 30 years by investing only $100 monthly, $6 m by investing $500, imagine what happens by investing $5,000 monthly. If one can make this sacrifice, he or she can even stop working after 5 years. This way is more effective than waiting to reach retirement age in order to be receiving pension. 

In the next posts, I will write more mistakes we make.         

Walter Okpala: Building wealth with your income 4

Walter Okpala: Building wealth with your income 4: In my last posts, I have given some tips on how one can build wealth from his or her income. Building wealth does not necessarily depend on...

Building wealth with your income 4

In my last posts, I have given some tips on how one can build wealth from his or her income. Building wealth does not necessarily depend on on how much one makes, but on the mindset and the ability to delay gratification for the long term profit. It is interesting that everybody wants to be rich, but only few can do what it takes to get there. So, why don't people get there even if they want to be there?

     The number one barrier is the lifestyle. Lifestyle does not permit many think on the long term. Your lifestyle does not allow you see your financial level so you can live accordingly. For example, I know of working class individuals making about $5,000, with a take home pay of $4,000 monthly, spend $1,200 on house rent. The irony is that they are married with children. From the remaining amount, they pay high school fees for their children. How can people living like this be wealthy?

     Never. Although each makes a reasonable amount, they spend have nothing remaining at the end of the month. In other words, they cannot build wealth. They only thing they have is their pension plan. Their struggle is always to maintain their current standard of living when they retire. That is, to assure an income of $5,000 after retirement. That is a bad plan.

     A better plan would have been to live in a cheaper house of $1,000 and use the extra $200 invested in a mutual fund. Over a period of 30 years, this amount will turn into $2.2 million. After retirement, this amount will be yielding about $15,000 monthly for you, besides your traditional pension of $5,000. The calculation I made results from only changing one thing about your lifestyle and having an extra cash of $200 every month. What happens if you save another $200 from car payment, eating in expensive restaurants, etc.? How much would you make after 30 years? Think about it!

                  

Walter Okpala: Building wealth with your income 3

Walter Okpala: Building wealth with your income 3: In my recent posts, I have given some tips on how to build wealth with your income. Today, I will give more tips as regards to building wea...

Building wealth with your income 3

In my recent posts, I have given some tips on how to build wealth with your income. Today, I will give more tips as regards to building wealth. In the first post, I recommended spending less than you make. In the second post, I wrote about what you do with the surplus you have from your income. That is, investing it. In this post, we will look at the effect of compounding as a tool to have wealth. I am writing this because only investing for the short term is not enough. You must invest for the long haul. Investing for the long haul implies understanding the power of compound interest.

     The major difference between the wealthy and the others is that the first invests for the long term and delay gratification while the second only thinks about the short term. The reason is that the first group understands the effect of compound interest on investment. It is ironical that anybody that passes through primary school or high school studied compound interest, but it is only few that really makes use of it. In order to understand the power of compund interest, ask any good financial adviser to calculate how much you can have in a period of 20 years or 30 years, investing in even a conservative fund.

   Recently, a famous financial adviser said that investing only $100 every month for a period of 30 years (period assumed for retirement) will yield $1.170 million. The same adviser did the calculation for investing $500. He concluded that $500 will give between $5 - $7 million. This means that you become a multi millionaire by the time one retires. So, think about it!   

  

Walter Okpala: Building wealth with your income 2

Walter Okpala: Building wealth with your income 2: In my last post, I gave one tip on how one can build his or her wealth by spending less than he or she makes. Although this may seem simple...

Building wealth with your income 2

In my last post, I gave one tip on how one can build his or her wealth by spending less than he or she makes. Although this may seem simple, many people do not obey it. Buying things on credit means that you cannot afford the product now. What you are doing is, in fact, transfering your future wealth to another person.

     The second tip on how to build your wealth is by investing. In order to be rich, you must be an investor. If possible, be an active investor. Learn how to do it and participate. Do not think being an investor is a thing of the few. In fact, anyone can be an investor. An investor is someone who uses money to generate more money. The first and the second tips are complimentary because you cannot invest unless you spend less than what you make. 

     There are many types of investments. Do not invest in savings account unless you need the money as your pension fund. At least mutual funds can give you a 12% return per year. There are other ones that can yield more. Try and seek a specialist advice on investing and learn how it is done before starting the business. 

     Depending only on your salary cannot make you wealthy, but you can use your salary to build wealth by investing. Think about this! 

  

  

Walter Okpala: Building wealth with your income 1

Walter Okpala: Building wealth with your income 1: In my last post, I said I would give some tips on how one can build wealth with his or her income. It is important to remind people that bu...

Building wealth with your income 1

In my last post, I said I would give some tips on how one can build wealth with his or her income. It is important to remind people that building wealth does not depend on how much a person earns, but on one's ability to follow some basic principles, which by the way, are common sense.

     The first principle is to spend less than you make, period! It is impossible for you to be wealthy by spending more than you make. This is a very simple concept, but many people do not obey it. When you use you buy things on credit, you are spending money you do not have, in addition to paying others interest for borrowing their money. Do you know that when you borrow money, the lender is getting richer while you are getting poorer?

     You can do a research about the millionaires to see how they spend money. None of them buys things on credit. They only things they can afford to pay cash for. So, if you want to be wealthy, forget about buying things on credit. In my next posts, I will give more tips on this issue.    

        

Hierarquia organizacional 1

Walter Okpala: How do you manage your income?

Walter Okpala: How do you manage your income?: One of the problems facing workers is their ability to manage their incomes. The reason is that workers always receive their pay checks on ...

How do you manage your income?

One of the problems facing workers is their ability to manage their incomes. The reason is that workers always receive their pay checks on defined dates. Sometimes, the money is finished before the payment day. And that is the reason for the question: how do you manage your income?

     It is important to remember that your income is your wealth. The only way one can build wealth is through his or her income, period. So, if you do not build wealth with your income, how else can you do that? "One's ability to build to be wealthy does not depend on how much make, but on how much was wisely invested". In the next posts, we will look at how workers can build wealth from their income.   

Walter Okpala: I lost my job despite --------------- 2

Walter Okpala: I lost my job despite --------------- 2: In my last post, I wrote something about the possibility of one losing his or her job despite having good skill and good behavior. I mentio...

I lost my job despite --------------- 2

In my last post, I wrote something about the possibility of one losing his or her job despite having good skill and good behavior. I mentioned that one of the reasons is related to market forces, that is, external factors. 

     Another reason is not caused by external factors. A worker may have good skills and behaves well with everyone. However, he or she may lack the ability to work effectively or have productive result in teams. This condition may have been identified by assessment and feedback. But, the worker may not have improved on the subject and, consequently, be fired. Organizations do not tolerate this flaw. 

     Although an employee has good skills and behaves well individually with colleagues, he or she does not repeat that at the collective level. So, you should beware of this!      

  

Walter Okpala: I lost my job despite ..................

Walter Okpala: I lost my job despite ..................: In my earlier posts, I have written about having the right skills and good behavior. However, some people told me that they have got all th...

I lost my job despite ..................

In my earlier posts, I have written about having the right skills and good behavior. However, some people told me that they have got all those requirements, but lost their jobs. What should I do?

     I know many people are also asking the same question. Before, we look at what one should do, let us first understand that there are many reasons why companies fire their employees. You may lose your job, not because you are bad, but because of market forces and their consequences. A company may lose its market share or affected by new government policy. It may also be forced to relocate to a cheaper country in order to meet the competition. In all these conditions, a company is obliged to restructure and reduce its staff.

     It is also good to say that no organization likes firing its staff. However, organizations do so under some circumstances. Now, how does one know he or she was fired as a result of incompetence or because of external factors? One can note this by observing your superior when giving you the information. When caused by external factors, some of the bosses almost starts crying when giving the information because they are losing a valuable staff. When the cause is incompetence, there is no emotion attached to it because they want to flush out a bad staff. 

     IN my next post, we will look at another reason why companies fire employees with right skills and good behavior.          

  

Walter Okpala: Good careers for the future 2

Walter Okpala: Good careers for the future 2: In my last post, I asked some questions which should be answered in order to prepare for a good career in the future. However, it will be g...

Good careers for the future 2

In my last post, I asked some questions which should be answered in order to prepare for a good career in the future. However, it will be good to firstly define what is meant by a good career. I understand that different people have different needs which when attended, gives them satisfaction. But, whatever our needs may be, there are fundamental ones that must be met. They are food, shelter, clothing, and utility bills and tax. 

     I included tax here because many people forget that one must pay tax. This is one of the barriers in financial planning of workers. For example, a worker on $100,000 salary per year should not have lifestyle of someone with $100,000 income, but a lifestyle that supports about $70,000. Other variables like shelter and clothing depend on the individual. In other words, one must determine what type of neighborhood he or she wants to live in and the types of clothes he will like to wear. In the same way, he should determine the type of car to ride. Also summing educational of children and their maintenance. 

     Through this simple arithmetic, one can estimate the minimum amount necessary to satisfy his or her needs. It is ironical that many people do not think about these factors while choosing their careers, but the should. With the exception medicine and allied courses which will always be in demand, one has to look for information about other majors before embarking on them in order not to suffer deception or depression after graduating. Think about this!      

  

Walter Okpala: Good careers for the future

Walter Okpala: Good careers for the future: What are the better careers for those preparing for the future? How are you preparing your children for their careers in the future? How ca...

Good careers for the future

What are the better careers for those preparing for the future? How are you preparing your children for their careers in the future? How can you predict that a certain career will be good in the future? How do you define a successful career? These and other questions will be dealt with in the coming posts. So, watch out!

Walter Okpala: Career plans for 2016

Walter Okpala: Career plans for 2016: I would like to ask you what your career plans are for 2016. What area of your career do you want to update? How do you intend to do that? ...

Career plans for 2016

I would like to ask you what your career plans are for 2016. What area of your career do you want to update? How do you intend to do that? Go for it and not leave it for next year. Do not postpone what you can do today to tomorrow! Investment in your career should always be at the top of your priorities since your personal success or wealth results from a successful career. Do not try to give reasons about the economy, family, lack of time, or financial situation. People who give reasons for not doing something are just procrastinating. Although you may feel comfortable with the justification, it does not solve your problem. Always look for something that will solve your problem and not something that makes comfortable, but keeps you in the same place or gives you the same result. You are the only one who can change your situation and nobody else! Once you realize this fact, you must take action and this is the right time for that.   

Walter Okpala: How you can make your skill marketable

Walter Okpala: How you can make your skill marketable: I have written some posts about the issue of marketable skills. I also gave some tips on how someone can make his skill marketable by takin...

How you can make your skill marketable

I have written some posts about the issue of marketable skills. I also gave some tips on how someone can make his skill marketable by taking additional courses or going for a different route completely. Those advice are valid if one wants to live on wage. How can one make his skill marketable when he does not have job and decided to fight for himself or herself? 

     Being an entrepreneur is a different story. One's success does not depend on the college major nor the skills acquired. The success of an entrepreneur depends on his or her ability to understand the need and provide solution for that need. The solution has to be provided in the form of a product or service that addresses the problem. Your level of success depends on how big the problem is and the subsequent solution. 

     However, your skill can be of help in providing solution if the skill is related to it. Let me use an example to clarify it. One of the least marketable skills is Religious Studies. However, a graduate of Religion can turn into a product and becomes successful as a result. This occurs when the individual can write books about the subject or can have a podcast about religion, or become a speaker on the subject, or prepare a documentary and sell it to major television channels like the one shown on History Channel.

     Therefore, another route to making your skills marketable is to turn it into a product or service and sell it to others. As a matter of fact, this concept is not limited to people with low marketable skills. Anyone can apply it. Think about it!      

    

Walter Okpala: Developing yourself

Walter Okpala: Developing yourself: Remember that self development is the best investment one can make!

Developing yourself

Remember that self development is the best investment one can make!

Walter Okpala: How marketable are your skills?

Walter Okpala: How marketable are your skills?: In my last post, I gave some tips on how you can proceed to make your skills marketable. Have you checked how marketable your skill is? If ...

How marketable are your skills?

In my last post, I gave some tips on how you can proceed to make your skills marketable. Have you checked how marketable your skill is? If the answer is no, what are you doing to make it marketable? Do not live an unfilfilled life. Do not think that making mistake in choosing your is the end of the road for you. Or that you are too old to correct it. No matter how short a fulfilled life is, it is far better than 100 years of unfilfilled one. In today's world, there are more opportunities than any time in the history of mankind. Firstly, because access to information is widely available. Secondly, the information is free. Information here includes educational opportunities for knowledge acquisition. It only depends you the individual to decide what is the most important type of information for you. Do you prefer consuming information which has little value to you or the one that can transform your life? In other words, do you want to follow the 99% or to follow the 1%?

     The 99% only use social media for entertainment while the 1% use the same media for life changing activities. In other words, the 99% spend a lot of time on entertainment while the 99% spend most part of their time on creating something that will improve their lives. Think about it and take action!

  

  

Walter Okpala: Marketable skills 2

Walter Okpala: Marketable skills 2: In my last post, I mentioned the options available for acquiring marketable skills. It is understandable that few people have the ability t...

Marketable skills 2

In my last post, I mentioned the options available for acquiring marketable skills. It is understandable that few people have the ability to study medicine as a result of the cost and period of dedication required. For the majority, the best option is flexibility and adaptability. By that I mean the ability of the individual to be open for complementing the deficiencies. Let me explain the idea well.

     For an engineering student to be more marketable, he or she cannot concentrate only on technical courses. The engineering student must take courses in finance, marketing, sales, and management. The reason is that engineers are good technically, but bad at management, sales, marketing, and finance. An engineer with these skills can work in sales of engineering equipment, besides having job in their area of specialization. The engineer can also work in the financial market or be hired as an administrator in an organization. Being flexible, therefore, means taking these courses even when the person has graduated. 

     Students in administration should have basic technical knowledge. These technical knowledge should be in electronics, coding, etc. The knowledge can be obtained from vocational schools, by taking online courses, etc. Access to knowledge today is much easier than before. There is no reason why one cannot transform his skill into a marketable skill. There are many opportunities for that. Only look for information!    

    

Walter Okpala: Marketable skills 1

Walter Okpala: Marketable skills 1: In my last posts, I asked some questions relating to the concept of marketable skill. In this post, I will try to answer the first question...

Marketable skills 1

In my last posts, I asked some questions relating to the concept of marketable skill. In this post, I will try to answer the first question. The question is: what is a marketable skill? In my understanding, a marketable skill is a skill with higher probability of getting job in the marketplace. The professions considered to be more marketable are those linked to the STEM field. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, this classification is too generic. For example, those who study pure science are not easily marketable as engineers do. Pure sciences include physics, chemistry, biology, among others. These professionals generally find jobs in the classroom and the wages are less. They are also obliged to take on graduate study in order to have academic career. 

     With the exception of medical studies, marketable skills are not constant, but depends on the generation and what seems to be the most important challenges of that generation. In the current generation, connectivity is the most important thing. Consequently, every skill related to computing is highly marketable. This may not be marketable in 20 years to come. So, the question now is: how can I be sure that my skill will be marketable? There are three options for anyone who aspires to have a marketable skill.

     The first option is to study medicine which is always a guarantee in any circumstance. The second option is to understand where the market is going so you can prepare ahead of time. The third option is to be prepared to make changes in order to adapt yourself to the wave. 

     In my next post, we will look at the best option for the majority of the people. So, watch out!      

  

Walter Okpala: I have a marketable job skill, but without job!

Walter Okpala: I have a marketable job skill, but without job!: I receive comments from people that they have marketable job skills, but they have no jobs for quite some time now. Before going on to look...

I have a marketable job skill, but without job!

I receive comments from people that they have marketable job skills, but they have no jobs for quite some time now. Before going on to look at this issue, I would like to ask you what a marketable job skill is. What are the factors that make your skill marketable? What is market? In which markets can you sell your job skills? How can you transform your college degree into a marketable one? I would like to receive your inputs into this discussion.

   

Walter Okpala: Should choosing a career be determined by need or ...

Walter Okpala: Should choosing a career be determined by need or ...: I left a question in my last post about choosing a career. Is choosing a career determined by need for survival or by passion? What was the...

Should choosing a career be determined by need or passion?

I left a question in my last post about choosing a career. Is choosing a career determined by need for survival or by passion? What was the determining factor when you chose your career? My own career was determined by need since I came from a poor family. However, I chose my career within the area I was good at. Since I was good at physical sciences, I decided to study engineering instead of  pure science. The reason is simple. On the average, engineers have better job opportunities than those who study pure science.

     I decided to write about this topic because many people are lost when it comes to choosing a career. The case is also complicated by some career advisors. Career advisors generally tell people to choose their majors in accordance with their passion or what they are good at. Although the advice may be partially true, there are some things missing in the equation. Firstly, career advisor should know the family background of the student and from that provide all the possibilities on the table. If the background is poor one, the need for survival should overide the other factors such as passion. In the case of need being the overriding factor, marketable skill becomes the choice. 

     Even someone from a rich family may decide for a well-paying job too. This also the reason why everything should be made know to the student. If the student makes decision after the right information, then, the problem is his or hers. It is bad to give a uniform career advice as if everybody came from the same background and therefore, has the same need. Think about this!          

Walter Okpala: The driving force for career choice - need or pass...

Walter Okpala: The driving force for career choice - need or pass...: Career advisers always talk about passion in choosing a career. However, I have a question regarding to that. What should be the main drivi...

The driving force for career choice - need or passion?

Career advisers always talk about passion in choosing a career. However, I have a question regarding to that. What should be the main driving force behind career choice? Should it be passion or should it be need? I would like you to give your input into the discussion. Tell us what you think.!

Walter Okpala: How to plan your career effectively 1

Walter Okpala: How to plan your career effectively 1: In my last posts, I wrote about the common causes of career problems. However, those posts are meant for those who are already in the field...

How to plan your career effectively 1

In my last posts, I wrote about the common causes of career problems. However, those posts are meant for those who are already in the field. In this post, I want to give advice to those who have not started their careers yet. Before going into the detail, I will anticipate that planning for your career today requires a paradigm shift about education.

     The first thing you should consider during career planning is to set your objectives. The second factor is to consider your family background. For example, many young people dream of being a doctor. However, one needs to come from a good financial background in order to bear the cost of medical education. That does not mean that someone from a poor background, but shows that you may not go directly to study medicine unless you have a scholarship. You may need to go to a vocational or technical school to learn a trade which will allow you get a job easily and from that, prepare for medical school. 
     Another paradigm shift in education should be to study something that has a higher probability of employability and not just studying something one likes. One can only study what he or she likes if he is from a wealthy family. In order words, college education must have a return on investment just like anyother investment. However, the payback required from parents should be their children's attaining financial independence. Education cannot be for the sake of getting knowledge which cannot be transformed into financial independence. What is the essence of knowledge if one cannot pay the basic bills?
     Therefore, in order to have a successful career, one must think about what to study in college and how the knowledge obtained can be used to make himself stand. Many college graduates today live with their parents because of lack of jobs or lack of employable skills. Many of these graduates used their parents' savings or obtained a loan for the courses. In this situation, knowledge tends to become a curse instead of a blessing. This is the case in many poor families where they expect a college graduate to help in training one's younger siblings. What is the importance of education in this case?
     The bottom line is that college education must be planned in order to provide one with a success career. I know some people say that they studied a marketable skill, but still without job. In the next post, I will give some insights on how to solve this type of problem. So, watch out!