If Time Is Money – Are You Selling Yourself Short, FNG?
Here’s a thought for you, FNG: What’s an hour of your time worth? I don’t mean what your boss pays you. I mean, what’s it really worth?
Now, what if I told you that time is the one currency you’ll never get back—and that by underselling yourself, you’re not just losing money but trading away something far more precious?
Sound dramatic? Maybe. But let’s face it—too many of us slog through the daily grind, settling for less than we’re worth and wondering why fulfillment always seems just out of reach. Well, here at The Farm, we’re all about growth. And growth starts with knowing your true value.
The Real Cost of Underselling Yourself
You’re putting in the hours, grinding away, and maybe even pulling overtime. But if you’re not being paid your worth, what’s the point?
Take a moment to run the numbers:
- Divide your annual salary by the total hours you actually work (yes, that includes after-hours emails and late-night strategy sessions).
- Compare that rate to your experience, expertise, and the value you bring to the table.
Does the figure make you wince?
Here’s a thought experiment—if you knew you only had six months left to live, how much would your time be worth then? Would you stay in a job that doesn’t value your skills?
The answer is probably no. Time suddenly becomes invaluable.
Why Time Is More Valuable Than Money
Money’s replaceable. Time? Not so much. Once spent, it’s gone. That’s why your focus should shift from earning more pounds to making every hour count.
It’s not just about squeezing more productivity into your day; it’s about spending your time in ways that bring you joy, meaning, and—yes—a decent return on investment.
And remember – “Income has no practical value, without time.” Tim Ferris, Lifestyle Designer.
Imagine swapping the endless scroll of spreadsheets for a hike through the hills, or trading that pointless meeting for a deep dive into a passion project. That’s time well spent.
How to Revalue Your Time (And Get Paid What You’re Worth)
It’s time to ask the big question, FNG: Am I charging enough for my time?
Here’s how to start:
1. Have an Honest Appraisal
If you’re due a raise, don’t just sit quietly hoping your boss will notice your hard work. Build a case with hard data—your achievements, your value to the business, and comparable salaries in your field.
2. Set Boundaries
Respecting your own time starts with setting boundaries. Start saying no to things that drain your energy and don’t add value to your career or life.
3. Upskill and Pivot
Learning doesn’t stop just because you’ve hit a certain stage in life. Invest in new skills, whether it’s digital marketing, leadership, or a long-overdue creative pursuit. Higher skills = higher pay (and, more importantly, higher fulfillment).
4. Plan Your Exit Strategy
If your employer isn’t willing to pay you what you’re worth, it might be time to move on. Start networking, updating your CV, and researching companies that truly value your time and expertise.
5. Consider the Freelance Life
Be your own boss. Set your rates, control your hours, and work on projects you care about. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re serious about valuing your time, this could be the ticket to real freedom.
The Daily Grind vs. A Life Less Ordinary
Let’s compare two versions of your life:
- Version A: Endless deadlines, a salary that doesn’t reflect your worth, and weekends spent recovering from the week’s burnout.
- Version B: A career that respects your expertise, more time for adventure, and the energy to live fully and thrive—not just survive.
Which version sounds better?
Spoiler: It’s not about chasing the biggest pay packet—it’s about spending your time on things that matter. Or as Greg McKeown puts it: “The disciplined pursuit of less, but better.”
Next Step: Revalue Yourself
You didn’t sign up for life on autopilot, did you? And you’re not here to play small. You’re here for a fresh start—a new day, a new you. So, stop underselling yourself. You’re worth more than the daily grind.
Final Thought: Don’t Wait for Permission
No one’s going to walk up and hand you what you’re worth, FNG. It’s time to take it for yourself—because we believe growth happens when you stop waiting and start acting.
Time’s ticking. What’s your next move?
