The coronavirus pandemic altered the world in numerous unexpected ways; it has altered how we work, learn, and interact with others, as social distancing policies have encouraged a more virtual presence. More importantly, it has compelled Americans to reconsider their attitudes toward work.
According to the Labor Department’s most recent Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary, approximately 4 million Americans quit their jobs each month, in a trend dubbed “The Great Resignation.” As for a reason, the Harris Poll survey discovered that 32% of employees who intend to change careers as a result of the pandemic plan to look for another, better paying job in the same industry, while 22% plan to quit their current job in order to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.
Gary Trades, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, self-made millionaire, and highly successful day trader, explains that, while not everyone’s definition of success is the same and not everyone strives to retire at the age of 25 with a hefty sum in their bank account, everybody knows that happiness can’t be found while barely making ends meet. “The idea of working a nine-to-five job for the next 30 or 40 years seems monotonous and disheartening for most people, especially when they know that their current jobs entail living paycheck to paycheck,” he says.
Gary Trades further explains that entrepreneurship became the only way through which people can truly achieve financial independence. “That’s why a lot of people, me included, decide to become entrepreneurs; it is the only way to earn enough money to enjoy life to the fullest,” he says. “You need to put in hard work to earn a paycheck nonetheless, but I believe that it’s more rewarding and fulfilling when you know that you are financially set for life.”
Gary Trades does, however, emphasize that entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, as it is riddled with numerous ups and downs, the latter of which will push the mind to its breaking point. According to him, a strong mindset is the most valuable asset a person can possess. When the mind is strong and resilient, no obstacle is insurmountable.
“Mindset is 99% of the equation. The rest of the things tend to work themselves out,” says Gary Trades. “Most people mess up by not fully believing in themselves. I have always believed that you should never have a plan B. When you give your mind a plan B, you are telling yourself that you are not confident in your plan A, and if that is the case, you are done—it’s game over. On the other hand, if you know inside your mind that you are a winner and will do whatever it takes to get to where you want, in that case, it’s game on.”
