Like me, you’ve probably heard: “Do what you love, and the money will follow!”

Hogwash.

Personally, I love lying on the beach, but unless I start looking like a supermodel, there’s not much chance of me getting paid for it.

What we do get paid for is working like expert professionals. Which, as it were, is what we happen to be.

YOUR TAXES. We have you covered.

But that sound you hear in the background is the clock ticking, and before you hit the very expensive “easy button” of software (which, as I’ve said before is so “easy” that there are armies of underpaid, disinterested CPA’s contracted to provide online chat support for this “easy” software) … do contact us. (858) 549-9666

There’s nothing easier than having an expert who knows their craft simply take care of all of it for you.

To that end, would you do something for me?

Write about how our San Diego team has helped you in the past! You can find us on Google, and we’d love to have your feedback.

https://goo.gl/maps/1ErjcWfbgft

(And if for some reason you weren’t satisfied with our service, please write me back personally. I will do everything within my power to make it right, and will make it a priority, even this week.)

And again: send your people our way. You can let them know we are willing to review their old tax return (or even this year’s) to make sure that everything was done right for them. They can call us anytime at (858) 549-9666 and mention you referred them.

But back to my original point … Instagram and its ilk have bred an entire “career path” (influencer) that somehow is capturing the attention of millions of young people.

But before you start the “Ok, Boomer” on me … may I offer some perspective?

(And I’d like to think this is worth considering for whatever age group you might find yourself in. Except if you’re happily retired. Then, well, carry on.)

Career Planning Advice From A San Diego Business Owner

“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth

So many mindlessly follow “influencer” advice, and start to pursue a career driven exclusively from their “passion”. They end up with broken dreams, bitterness towards the world and a deeper resistance to “starting” anything again. I’ve met with clients like this. I’ve seen the broken tax returns, the failed San Diego businesses, and worse.

That, to me, is the biggest crime, as it relates to those who spout this pabulum. Because I WANT people to follow their dreams. But (and this is the kicker), it needs to be something in which there is a realistic possibility of providing liveable (and beyond) income.

So, I’m going to channel my inner Gary Veynerchuk and offer you some real talk about how you should, instead, approach following your dreams …

Understand the desire under your desire.

What you choose to do for a living should be based on what kind of life you want. If you dream of a life of luxury, a career as an artist (however much you love to draw) probably won’t be very satisfying. But if your deepest desire is to be “true” to your giftings — no matter the financial reward, then the income component only becomes something that must meet a minimum requirement. So, look for a strategy that will incorporate your interests while taking into account your TRUE lifestyle goals.

Learn your strengths.

You may love playing the piano, but are you really good enough to make a living at it? Be honest and realistic with yourself before committing yourself to a career that could be filled with frustration. Best move here: get a real outside opinion, and commit yourself to responding to this kind of objective feedback.

Understand secondary requirements.

Every job and career includes some tasks that are less enjoyable than others. After all, even movie stars have to deal with intrusive paparazzi; CEOs have to make tough decisions about layoffs and ethical dilemmas, etc. The point is that there are downsides to every dream career. EVERY ONE. Keep your eyes open to these.

Remember that work is still work.

Your career has to carry you through days and weeks when you don’t really want to go to the office, or the studio, or wherever your job takes you. This is part of being realistic about your goals: Even the best jobs can seem like drudgery at times, and you’ll have to stick with it even when the initial enjoyment fades.

Last of all, let us help you plan the financial implications of your choices. Perhaps, we just start from the simple point of this year’s tax return?

We can’t wait to take a look at what we can do for you … it is, after all, what we do best.

Warmly,

Darryl A. Hale, EA, MBA, MST

(858) 549-9666Top Hat Tax & Financial Services