Most people exchange their time for money. Their entire compensation package is determined by the number of hours that they work in a given week. Typically, an hourly wage is set which is multiplied by the total hours worked during that time period. The standard in this country is 40 hours with overtime accumulated after that. One’s complete paycheck is contingent upon them showing up for work. Miss a day of work and there is no pay earned without sick time.
Another common pay plan is a salaried position. This is similar to the hourly except the pay rate is the same each week regardless of the number of hours worked. Overtime is usually not available in this scenario. Unfortunately, most people end up working more that the normal 40 hours under this plan. Companies put so much pressure on employees to increase production that the time spent working seems to lengthen with each passing year.
This is the common mindset that is instilled in all of us growing up. We are taught the we are to do well in school to get into a good college. Once there, high achievement is stressed so that we can get a good job with a decent salary. When we accomplish...