Over the summer, I read a book that likened a miserable job to hanging onto the edge of a cliff. I thought it was an appropriate analogy. Like most people, I've been there, and that's totally what it feels like. You know you have to let go, but letting go is scary. You could land in a better spot, or you could meet your ruin.

The author argued that sometimes, letting go of that cliff is gradual, but once you do, you usually experience success. She had examples, but I imagine there are plenty of "letting go" stories that didn't turn out so well.

Still, I'm a fan of letting go of things that don't serve you well. I also understand that some don't feel this is an option -- for financial reasons or otherwise. I've been thinking about this a lot lately: How do you know when you're on the edge of a cliff? What can you do about a job you hate, and how do your finances fit into the equation?

I mentioned in my last post that I read Barbara Stanny's "Secrets of Six-Figure Women." Stanny interviewed 150 women who earn more than $100,000 annually and sought to find what traits, experiences and motivators they shared in common.

Unlike most books, this one didn't take me three months to finish. It's a fast read, and I think that has a lot to do with how relatable it is. I'm not saying I fit the bill for every six-figure trait Stanny has outlined; but you can't help but compare yourself to the high-earning women she's interviewed.

Although the book is meant to empower women, I think much of Stanny's research is every bit as helpful to men. Here are the strategies and milestones of high earners Stanny outlines in the book. Some of them hit home; others I questioned. Tell me what you think.

Continue reading...

I just read Barbara Stanny's "Secrets of Six-Figure Women." I was happy to find that I share similar traits to the 150 women she interviewed. But there was a section that stood out to me, mostly because I didn't expect it to stand out to me.

We previously reviewed Stanny's book "Overcoming Underearing." Guest reviewer Jeremy M. wrote:

"[Stanny] learned that the big difference between highly successful women and less successful women was how they valued themselves and what they were willing to do to get what they wanted."

This article is written by David Lye. David is an expert on novated leasing, which is a “company car” type perk that many Australian companies offer their employees.

In today's uncertain economy, many employers are reluctant to offer raises to their employees. You may be lucky enough to keep your job, but chances are that you may not get a raise, or if you do, it could be a very small raise. However, if you're a hardworking, valuable employee, your boss may be able to offer you some “perks” when a raise isn't an option.

Here are some ideas for perks you can request, as well as some negotiation ideas for each. Good luck!

Fellow peasants, unite! The time has come to overthrow the old order! GRS rule #3 says, "Spend less than you earn." But why should we continue to do that always? Because of tradition? Because of authority? Because that's what everyone else claims they are doing? To the guillotine with the old rules, I say. It's time for revolution!

It's time to turn the old laws upside down. It's time to say something better. It's time to declare a new rule #3:

"Earn more than you spend!"

Way back in 2009, I read a blog post on whether you should be a generalist or a specialist.

Sure, the post's focus was on freelance commercial writing, but every now and then, I would think about its premise: Can you earn more as a generalist or a specialist in a certain career field? Do generalist careers or specialist careers earn more overall? Is it easier for a generalist to be hired? Or does a specialist always rise to the top of the resumé pile?

Note: I'm defining a specialist as someone with a degree that narrows down the job possibilities. For instance, two people with business degrees may have two very different jobs in any number of sectors. Conversely, two nurses will have more similar jobs in the health care field.<

If you're in debt -- especially if you're in significant debt -- frugality will only get you so far. To really make a dent, you have to increase your income.

The option recommended most frequently on personal finance blogs I have read is freelancing or consulting on the side. Another option is a second job (usually hourly work of some kind).

However, side jobs aren't always the most effective way to increase your income. Freelance work is often sporadic and part-time/hourly work doesn't typically pay all that well. Time and mental energy are finite resources. Focusing too much on your side gig(s) may come at the cost of your career or interfere with your balance between time and money.

How's your life going? Do dark nights of the soul outweigh the good days? Have you spent more time than you care to acknowledge wishing for something — anything — other than what you have?

Get over it.

It's not that simple, obviously. But in order to move in the direction you desire, you need to stop being stuck in the place where you are right now. Specifically, you need to stop being the person you think you are.

"You need to keep your skills fresh," said a commenter in a recent post about the finances of parenting, referring to the concept of a mother staying at home with the kids. "In case of death or divorce.

I didn't argue, but I shook my head and rolled my eyes. (I do this to avoid leaving snappy replies to people's comments. Work with me.) I've long felt that combining one's finances with a potential, or existing, partner should be approached with the same attitude as the partnership. What point is there in marrying (or otherwise vowing your eternal love) if you don't think it has much chance of lasting?

Naturally, death is a part of life and should be considered as a possibility. But considering divorce when deciding whether a mother should stay home with her young babies, or which partner's career should be primary, seems counterproductive. My motto is, if you're so concerned about divorce that you don't think you'll make it through babyhood, perhaps you shouldn't be having babies.

It's Labor Day weekend in the United States, the holiday that traditionally marks the end of summer and the beginning of the new school year. Officially, it's intended as "a day off for the working citizens".

Because it's Labor Day, I've been recalling all of the jobs I've had in my life. When I was young, I wanted to be a business executive or an astronaut or a writer. I've actually managed to become the latter, but it hasn't been a very direct path.

My first paid work came in junior high. During the summer, my friends and I would pick beans and cucumbers and strawberries at nearby farms. This was piece work, though, and I didn't make a lot of money. I spent most of it at the video arcade. My first job where I drew a paycheck was planting cauliflower.