One of the many mistakes I made was being complacent. I thought things would always be great. Until the pandemic hit.

Prices spiraled up, and salaries couldn’t keep pace. Getting a raise from my full-time job became increasingly difficult. This economic downturn forced me to look outside for extra gigs to have funds to invest for retirement and paying our mortgage quicker.

Being complacent, I hadn’t taken any certifications to formalize my skills. Despite having years of experience, I now find myself playing catch-up, doing the necessary IT certifications to serve as proof that I am competent. Although my experience could speak for itself, having certifications would undoubtedly be better.

And being complacent, it will bite you as a poisonous snake.

When my full-time job migrated to Microsoft 365, I realized the gravity of my mistake. Some new hires for the IT Team with higher positions had credentials to back them up, while my long experience and dedication were overlooked.

This realization was a turning point for me, as I began to understand the importance of continuous self-improvement and certification in my field.

The Seventh Cure: Increase Thy Ability to Earn

As I was navigating these challenges, I came across a book that profoundly impacted my perspective: “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason. Specifically, the section titled “The Seventh Cure – Increase thy ability to earn” resonated with me deeply.

In this chapter, Arkad, the richest man in Babylon, addresses his students, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement and skill enhancement. He narrates an encounter with a young man seeking a loan because his earnings were insufficient to cover his expenses. Arkad advised him to focus on increasing his earning capacity rather than borrowing money.

Arkad’s wisdom is timeless and universal: “Preceding accomplishment must be desire. Thy desires must be strong and definite. General desires are but weak longings. For a man to wish to be rich is of little purpose. For a man to desire five pieces of gold is a tangible desire which he can press to fulfillment.”

My Journey to Increasing My Ability to Earn

Inspired by Arkad’s teachings, I realized that to be paid handsomely for my skills, I had to endeavor to be the best and earn the best in my position. This became my driving force to focus my energy on catching up with certifications.

Step 1: Identifying the Need for Certification

The first step was acknowledging the gap in my professional profile. Although I had substantial experience, the absence of formal certifications was a significant drawback. Employers and clients often prioritize candidates with recognized credentials, as it serves as a tangible proof of their skills and knowledge.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Certifications

The next step was to identify the certifications that would be most beneficial for my career. Given the shift to Microsoft 365 in my workplace, I focused on relevant certifications, such as:

1-Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

2-Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals

3-CompTIA Security+

These certifications were aligned with the current technological trends and demands in my field, ensuring that my skills would be up-to-date and marketable.

Step 3: Balancing Work, Study, and Life

Balancing a full-time job, studying for certifications, and maintaining a personal life was challenging. I had to develop a strict schedule to allocate sufficient time for each aspect of my life. Here are some strategies that helped:

1-Time Management: I created a daily and weekly schedule, dedicating specific hours for study, work, and personal time. Sticking to this schedule was crucial.

2-Setting Small Goals: Instead of overwhelming myself with the entire certification syllabus, I broke it down into smaller, manageable sections. Completing each section felt like an achievement and kept me motivated.

3-Utilizing Online Resources: I took advantage of online courses, tutorials, and practice exams. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offered structured courses that were invaluable.

Step 4: Overcoming Obstacles

The journey was not without obstacles. There were times when I felt overwhelmed and questioned whether the effort was worth it. However, recalling Arkad’s advice about the importance of desire and persistence kept me going. I reminded myself that increasing my ability to earn was not just about financial gain but also about personal growth and self-respect.

The Benefits of Certification

As I progressed through my certifications, the benefits became evident. Not only did my confidence grow, but I also started seeing tangible results in my career.

1-Increased Job Opportunities: With certifications on my resume, I noticed an increase in job offers and freelance opportunities. Employers were more inclined to consider my applications.

2-Higher Earning Potential: Certified professionals often command higher salaries. My newly acquired credentials allowed me to negotiate better pay rates and take on more lucrative projects.

3-Enhanced Skill Set: The process of studying for certifications expanded my knowledge and improved my skills. I became more proficient in using Microsoft 365 and other technologies relevant to my field.

4-Professional Credibility: Certifications added to my professional credibility. Colleagues and clients began to see me as an expert in my domain, leading to more trust and responsibility.

Applying the Lessons of Arkad in Daily Life

The journey of increasing my ability to earn wasn’t just about certifications. It was about adopting a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, much like Arkad advised. Here are some key takeaways from Arkad’s teachings that I applied to my life:

1-Set Definite Goals: Just as Arkad emphasized the importance of specific desires, I set clear, attainable goals for my certifications and career growth.

2-Persist and Overcome Challenges: I learned to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Persistence and resilience were crucial in achieving my goals.

3-Invest in Yourself: Investing time and resources in self-improvement is one of the best investments one can make. The returns in terms of personal and professional growth are invaluable.

4-Adapt and Evolve: The world is constantly changing, and staying relevant requires continuous adaptation. Just as Arkad advised learning new methods and tools, I kept updating my skills to stay ahead.

The Broader Impact of Increasing Your Ability to Earn

Improving my skills and earning capacity had a broader impact beyond just financial gain. It influenced various aspects of my life, contributing to overall well-being and satisfaction.

Financial Stability

With higher earning potential, I achieved greater financial stability. This allowed me to:

1-Pay Off Debts: I could pay off outstanding debts more efficiently, reducing financial stress.

2-Save and Invest: Higher earnings enabled me to save and invest for the future, building a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

3-Support My Family: I could provide better support for my family, enhancing our quality of life.

Personal Growth

The journey of self-improvement and certification fostered significant personal growth:

1-Increased Confidence: Achieving certifications and advancing in my career boosted my confidence and self-esteem.

2-Better Decision Making: Enhanced knowledge and skills improved my ability to make informed decisions, both professionally and personally.

3-Lifelong Learning: Embracing the mindset of continuous learning enriched my life and kept me intellectually engaged.

Professional Advancement

Professional advancement was one of the most noticeable benefits of increasing my ability to earn:

1-Career Progression: Certifications opened doors to higher positions and more challenging roles, facilitating career progression.

2-Networking Opportunities: Being recognized as an expert in my field led to valuable networking opportunities with other professionals and industry leaders.

3-Job Satisfaction: Improved skills and recognition at work led to greater job satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

Conclusion

Increasing your ability to earn is not just about seeking higher pay; it’s about investing in yourself and your future. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of “The Richest Man in Babylon,” I embarked on a path of continuous self-improvement, and it transformed my life in profound ways.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t be complacent. Take proactive steps to enhance your skills and credentials. Whether it’s through certifications, additional training, or adopting a mindset of lifelong learning, every effort counts.

Remember, as Arkad said, “There is more gold in Babylon than thou dreamest of. There is abundance for all.” Go forth and practice these truths. Increase your ability to earn, and you will not only achieve financial stability but also personal growth and professional success.

If you need help or have any questions about enhancing your skills or pursuing certifications, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

To your success,

Jun Pasion
MS365 Administrator | Cybersecurity | Managing my own finances

P.S.

The Richeset Man in Babylon by George S. Clason is one of the books that inspired me. The wisdom from this book is highly recommendable.

You can get a free Kindle copy  here:

From Amazon.fr

From Amazon.com

Note: This book is available as of this writing. Availity may change without notice.

Enjoy reading!