How to Earn Big Without a Boss or a Pay Ceiling
Let’s get straight to the point: being your own boss is the best—and really, the only—way to earn a great living without limits. Whether you’re a freelancer, a contractor, running your own company, launching a startup, or selling your own product or service, the freedom and potential you get from being in charge of your work is unmatched.
Of course, you can earn a good salary as an employee. Some jobs pay well, and you can live comfortably. But there’s always a ceiling. Even if you climb the corporate ladder and become the director of a huge company, you’ll still hit a limit. The board decides your pay, and you’re always dependent on someone else’s approval.
Let’s look at some numbers. The President of the United States earns $400,000 a year. That’s a lot, but it’s nothing compared to the CEOs of private companies. For example, the CEO of Krispy Kreme earns over $2 million, and the CEO of McDonald’s makes around $20 million. Bob Iger at Disney? Over $27 million. These are huge numbers, but even then, there’s a cap. And getting to those positions takes decades of hard work, stress, and often a toxic work environment.
But when you’re your own boss, there’s no limit. You decide how much you want to earn, where you want to work, and how you want to work. Sure, you still have to pay taxes and deal with the rules of the country you live in, but you can even choose to move if another country suits you better. That’s real freedom.
It’s important to love the country you live in, to invest in it, and to contribute to its growth. But you’re not stuck in the country you were born in. You can choose the place that’s best for you. Countries compete to attract talent and entrepreneurs, and it’s up to governments to make their countries safe, pleasant, and attractive.
Safety is a big deal. I’ve lived in New Zealand and Australia—both are very safe. London felt safer to me than France. But nothing compares to South Korea. When I visited Seoul, I was shocked by how safe it was. People leave their phones and wallets on tables in cafés, and no one steals them. Shops leave their goods outside overnight, and nothing gets taken. It’s all about the group mentality—if everyone respects the rules, it becomes natural for you to do the same.
This is similar to the “broken windows theory” from New York: if a place looks clean and safe, people are less likely to break the rules. If everyone crosses the street on a red light, you’ll probably do it too. But if no one does, you’ll wait. The environment shapes our actions.
So, if you want to attract talent and keep citizens happy, a country must be safe, beautiful, and have good food and nature. If the government doesn’t care about these things, it’s much harder for people to thrive.
Back to money. Even the President of France earns about €15,200 gross per month—less than many CEOs of even mid-sized companies. So maybe presidents should earn as much as the average CEO in their country to motivate them to do better. That’s what Singapore does, and it seems to work.
But here’s the main message: being a CEO of a big company is like winning the lottery. It’s very hard, and the pressure is huge. But being your own boss? You can earn even more, work less, and have less negative stress. Your income is only limited by your ambition and effort.
I really encourage you to try being your own boss, even if it’s just for five years. It will change your life. You’ll learn so much, and you might love it. And don’t do it alone—having a partner or associate can make you stronger and more motivated.
Of course, you need to work on yourself first. If you’re not feeling good about yourself, or if you have gaps in your knowledge or productivity, it will be much harder. Start with a solid foundation. Figure out what you need to improve, and work on it.
I’m not just talking theory here. I’m a part-time student doing a master’s in data science, I work as a lead engineer, I manage a team, I create online courses, I write books, I run open-source projects, I make YouTube videos, and I still find time for sports, cooking, and my personal life. We all have 24 hours in a day—it’s how you use them that counts.
The Pareto principle (the 80/20 rule) is key: focus on the 20% of your time that brings 80% of your results. Be productive, stay organized, and keep learning.
I also believe in being transparent and sharing everything I learn. I don’t like the distance some “infopreneurs” put between themselves and their audience. I want you to see the real process, the ups and downs, and the daily work behind the scenes.
If you want to go deeper, I’ve written books like “Le succès n’est pas loin” (“Success Is Not Far”) and “Les règles de vie” (“Rules of Life”), which cover everything from philosophy and minimalism to business, creativity, and building your own empire. I’m sure you’ll find them helpful, no matter where you are on your journey.
We become the average of the people we spend the most time with. — Jim Rohn
Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them. — Bob Burg
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. — Albert Schweitzer
Key Takeaways
- Being your own boss is the only way to truly remove income limits.
- Even top employees and presidents have a salary cap.
- Safety, environment, and freedom to choose your country matter for happiness and success.
- Productivity and self-improvement are essential—start with a strong foundation.
- Focus on the 20% of actions that bring 80% of results (Pareto principle).
- Surround yourself with positive, motivated people.
Action Steps
- Consider starting your own business or freelancing, even for a few years.
- Work on your personal growth and productivity before making the leap.
- Choose your environment and country wisely—it shapes your mindset and opportunities.
- Keep learning and sharing what you know.
Reflection
What’s holding you back from being your own boss? Are you making the most of your 24 hours? Who are the people you spend the most time with, and how do they influence you?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Career Advice #Earning Potential #Entrepreneurship #Financial Independence #Money #Self-Employment #Tasks #Wealth