Funny: I Think I Want to Quit Work

While doing my version of editing of this piece, I realized I may need to rename my blog "Making Cents - Confessions of a Financial Advisor." If I could get paid for sarcasm I'd be building an empire for the Scott family. I am not perfect, but many times common sense certainly does not prevail in many of my conversations.

I was talking with someone recently who was detailing their day-to-day lives, getting updates and such. This couple is going through a major change in income levels and employers and half of this couple is taking classes for a position that will greatly reduce their income. Yes, I said reduce ... purposely reducing their income.

Now I am not one to dash the hopes and dreams of another and I encourage everyone to follow their dreams - especially if those dreams can help to make their lives financially stable. I don't know how to recognize the next "Dog Whisperer" or the future new version of a Google CEO. I see hope in people and their possibilities for prosperity and I recognize it in their eyes. ...or not.

This half of the couple was confirming to me how far behind they were on their goals and how badly they want to come in and check their goals and status when I thought I heard the words "I want to quit work and stay home." They were referring to words spoken by their other half. Many of our conversations are based on how desperate they are to break their cycle, get ahead, have healthy retirement savings, and be comfortable. But now I'm hearing a sad plea for help in bringing their other half back into reality. Their reality.

The professional in me always believes I can bring an unrealistic client back into reality through careful conversation and common sense. The person in me with common sense wants to say WTF are they thinking? Didn't you listen to President Clinton when he said he smoked pot but didn't inhale? Stop your bitching and crying around and put your big people panties on and work. Work, pay your bills, contribute to retirement, and pay ME for my good advice that's going to keep you from eating cat food and rice when you're 70.

Stop crying about how it's someone else's responsibility to make sure you have a comfortable existence. Stop sucking all the air out of the room and draining everyone's energy. This is a supreme example of someone who wants to shirk their own responsibilities and make them the responsibility of another.

I didn't, I don't and so the day continues. The 30 other phone calls were normal and productive with normal and productive people. I have the best clients - without question. Then there's always that one ...