Investing in yourself is one of the best investments you can make. Warren Buffet makes the point that when you graduate from college (or anything else) you should hypothetically bet on the person you think will make the most money in their life. He argues that the person you should place all your money on is YOU. You have the best chance of making money as compared to anyone else. When you approach education and your career in those terms it places the responsibility on your own shoulders to be the best you can.

Tip 1 – Never Take a Job You Hate to Build Your Career.
“It’s crazy to take little in between jobs just because they look good on your resume. That’s like saving sex for your old age. Do what you love and work for whom you admire the most, and you’ve given yourself the best chance in life you can.” – Warren Buffet. If you aren’t singing and tap dancing coming to work each day you are wasting your life. Quit your job today and start doing what you love. If you have any kind of work ethic you will make money doing what you love. The problem with most ‘starving artists’ is that laziness and the creative process are one in the same to them. Most of the people that make it doing something they love are incredibly driven, hard working people.

Tip 2 – Get an education early in life.
People that go back to school when they are 50 kind of missed the boat (although it’s better than not finishing). Take AP classes in high school, take hard classes, and get your bachelors degree early in life. A bachelors degree used to mean a lot more 30 years ago but you almost need an masters degree and 10 years experience before most high paying jobs are available to you. Make education your top priority early in life and reap the rewards the rest of your life.

Tip 3 – Choose the most challenging paths.
When you’re choosing your degree always opt for the hardest option that will challenge you. The same holds true in your career. Don’t take easy projects or try to take the easy way out all the time. Do things that are difficult for you. Remember that history and english majors are never paid as much as engineers and physic majors.

Tip 4 – Manage your career.
Too many college graduates think that all their problems will go away once they graduate. A successful career takes careful planning, hard work, and sacrifice. Think ahead and take steps today that will help your career in the future. Your career is one of your most important assets.

Tip 5 – Start Saving Early for Your Kids College.
Some experts suggest saving for your kids college only after your retirement funds have been secured. The reasoning behind that is the options for funding education are plentiful while funding for your retirement don’t exist. Once you’re on track with your retirement try to save at least 30% of your kids’ projected college expenses.

Tip 6 – Consider public schools.
Many public or state schools have very good programs in certain areas. Finding a public university that specializes in your area of study can be just as good as attending a private school in many cases.

Tip 7 – Get your Associates Degree and then Transfer
Many universities will accept all your credits if you transfer with an associates degree. You can usually transfer from an online school or a community college but you’ll want to check before you commit to this idea. Start your first two years with a less expensive college and get your Bachelors with a more prestigious or well know university.

Tip 8 – Ask for raises and promotions.
Make sure you’ve done your homework, tracked your achievements, and deserve a raise. If so, don’t hesitate to ask for a raise. Most managers and companies will be happy to try to make sure you’re being paid the current market value of the position your filling.

Tip 9 – Become a Lifelong Learner
Commit to always be improving, educating, and advancing your knowledge in and outside your field of study and career. Getting professional certificates are a great way to keep your skills polished. You should always strive to be reading good books and attending classes on subjects that you’re interested in (and subjects you don’t know anything about). Try to attend seminars, classes, and listen to podcasts. Audio books are a great way to read the classics and career related material. Turn off the TV and stimulate your brain meat as often as you can.

Tip 10 – Take Time and Cherish the Simple Moments in Life
Playing peek-a-boo with your new child, cuddling with your spouse, and feeling the grass under your toes is what life is all about. Be very protective of the time you spend with the people you love and never let money, your career, or being a top achiever get in the way of that.