Why do so many millionaires come from business backgrounds? Hardly see anyone getting rich solely from being an employee, right? People usually get jobs, save up, invest, then eventually make it big. But it seems rare for someone to hit it big just by clocking in 9 to 5. What's the deal?
Wealth from Business vs Employment
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You're looking at billionaires to make your point, which isn't fair. Plenty of employees under those billionaires are wealthy too. I've seen bank and tech managers raking it in. Plus, many entrepreneurs start off working for someone else before they launch their businesses. And yeah, not every business owner is wealthy. I get your point about independence, but it's not for everyone.
Sure, technically you can get rich from a paycheck, but it’s like winning the lottery. Growing wealth from a job is painfully slow since your pay is fixed to your hours and skills. Plus, even if you work your butt off, you're capped by what the company offers. You just wait for that paycheck to drop, which doesn’t build wealth fast.
I see your point, but you can still get pretty wealthy as an employee. The key for top earners is often stock options or equity, enabling them to transition from just earning a paycheck to owning a piece of valuable companies over time. Employees have salary caps, but business owners can earn big without limits.
Totally agree. There are definitely millionaires who started off as employees. Some jobs pull in enough cash to make you a millionaire. There’s a theory that to be a billionaire, you either did something shady or had family money. But, making a good salary can fund your own business down the line.
Actually, countless millionaires never owned a business. Think of celebs like actors or athletes, or top corporate managers. Working for someone can be a great path to wealth, but it has downsides like limited high-paying jobs and fierce competition, especially as you age.
bridge_2013Member
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#7Nov 18, 2022, 12:11 AM
Yeah, most rich folks are from business, but some high earners just have great salaries. Take pro athletes, they earn massive salaries without owning businesses and they’re loaded.
Being an entrepreneur means being your own boss and answering to no one. You pay others to work for you. Employees, on the other hand, usually work hard for a small paycheck and rely on their employers for everything. It's fine to be employed, but having your own gig is wise for financial growth.
How does someone get rich working for others? Only way I see is if the boss hands over half the company. But even then, having passive income from investments is key to escaping that employer dependency. What you need are good qualifications and being in demand, so you can negotiate your worth and eventually grow your own business.
Those millionaires don’t get enough attention. Exclude billionaires; they’re super rare. Statistically, there are way more millionaires out there. In some industries, jobs can pay well, enough to live luxuriously if you’re smart about spending. Manage your cash flow, and yeah, it’s possible to become a millionaire in a decade.
The original poster didn’t name anyone specific. Just asked a question. A quick look at the top millionaires shows mostly business owners. If you’re working AND owning a business, you’re in a different category.
You’re missing the point. Are you only talking about billionaires? You say the OP is wrong but then reference billionaires yourself. There are certainly employed millionaires, like bank managers or tech heads. A lot of folks start off employed before making their own way.
its_matrixSenior Member
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#13Nov 20, 2022, 12:16 PM
When you say 'come from businesses,' you mean those who created or co-founded them, right? Many of them had family support that gave them a leg up, like education or connections. Some even worked regular jobs before starting their companies to gain experience. No one gets super wealthy working for others, but you can get by.
satoshi420Full Member
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#14Nov 20, 2022, 01:50 PM
Risk-takers usually see more rewards. Not everyone is into taking risks though. Some people just want the stability of a job. For someone looking for a chill life without stress, being employed can be the way to go. They get their paycheck each month without the added pressure.
atlas_2011Newbie
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#15Nov 20, 2022, 02:49 PM
As employees, our income is fixed. We’re trading time for salary, while business owners create assets that appreciate over time. They’re not paid for time spent; they earn from the value their business brings. Employees build others' wealth while their own growth is limited to hours worked.
wallet_2018Member
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#16Nov 20, 2022, 07:16 PM
One reason business people often get wealthy is scalability. An employee can only do so much alone. A business can hire many people, multiplying productivity and profit. A tailor might sew a few pieces a week, but a clothing factory can skyrocket production.
Remember, for every rich business owner, there are many employees earning good money. These employees might not seek the spotlight but they’re wealthy nonetheless. Without them, the business titans wouldn't be where they are now.
Jobholders can become millionaires, but it takes discipline and smart financial choices. Many don’t think about saving until they learn how. Sadly, lots of folks spend all they earn and rely on loans between paychecks.
To really make more money, you need returns on your capital, not just a paycheck. Businesses allow for reinvestment and compounding gains. Salaries don’t compound unless you invest wisely.
Running a business means controlling a market share, and that can bring in millions. Employment can still offer a cushy life, especially with high salaries. Though it’s rare to see an employee as a millionaire, many at least live comfortably and are financially stable.