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Golden Handcuffs
Weekly Trivia
What is the median (gross) weekly earnings for workers with a Master's degree?U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data as of 2022 |
Golden Handcuffs
I shared a TikTok post that exploded overnight (60k+ views), which was the inspiration behind this blog post.
Introduction
Golden handcuffs are financial incentives built to retain employees.
Traditionally, employers offered promotions, but they’re far more creative today.
Performance-Based Bonuses
Employee Stock Options
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Warrants
Stock Based Compensation
Sabbaticals or Additional Paid Time Off (PTO)
Flexible Work Schedules & Workplace Amenities
Stipends & Travel Perks
Graduate School Tuition Reimbursement
Trivia Answer: $1,661
@jack_boudreau_ Replying to @. stay curious #graduation #career #jobs #corporate
The “Golden Handcuff” Trap
You upgrade your lifestyle alongside your income growth.
And if that income goes away, how do you expect to afford the upgraded apartment rent, car, the kids private school, and increased spending?
The Consequences
Money, power, and status are powerful incentives for keeping our hands tied even when our hearts and souls would rather not be.
It’s hard to imagine a happy lifestyle if our emotional and physical health - or our family life - are at risk, when we’re unsure of how to break free.
via GIPHY
Avoid The Handcuffs
Start to imagine the future you seek. Picture the lifestyle for yourself, a partner, family, and see how that evolves 5yrs from now.
Don’t break the handcuffs; slowly slip them off.
My Key Takeaway
We come across thousands of HENRYs, DINKs, ALICEs, and every acronym to describe young, high earnering families.
An overwhelming majority of them come to Habits to build intention behind their finances.
Thanks for reading, Habits fam. See you back here next week for more.
-JB
Got feedback? Hit reply and tell me what you think…I’m always looking to level up.