Sweating over a stove for $17/hour—here’s what I learned about wealth.

The Hardest Work Doesn’t Always Pay the Best 

When I was in my mid-20s, I worked in a five-star retirement home kitchen. Every Sunday, it was prime rib roasted to perfection, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, and house-made desserts. Just the sous chef and I, prepping from 7:30am to 4pm, slicing prime rib to order, serving the same 150 residents and guests. We were soldiers.

Literally.

In the culinary world, there's a brigade system—the term Chef comes from the French word for Chief. Everyone else falls in line based on skill and experience. Kitchens are meticulous. Back in my culinary school days, if your chef coat was wrinkled, you’d get kicked out of class and potentially fail the semester.

One day, after a long Sunday shift, my sister visited me in the kitchen as I scrubbed equipment, swept, and mopped. Sweat dripped down my hairline as she watched and said, “I can’t believe how hard you’re working.”

I was making $17 an hour, feet aching, forearms sore from lifting and squeezing tongs all day, hungry but somehow also sick of food. It was a brutal job, with little respect. I’ve worn both the manager’s shoes and the kitchen staff’s clogs, and trust me—people treat you differently depending on what you’re wearing and their perception of your status.

But despite the grind, I was diligent about saving and investing. I paid off my student loans and even started my own food business shortly after. 

My sister, ten years older, always made a good living—not from necessarily working harder, but by mastering the art of people. She was in sales. A different kind of hard, requiring mental and emotional toughness. 

Karen, what does this have to do with finances?

Glad you asked.

I don’t care how you make your income (unless maybe you’re a criminal). The way you make a living is completely separate from how well you set yourself up financially.

I’d go even further—how much income you make also isn’t the biggest factor in how well you’ll retire.

Research shows that the key determinant of a successful early retirement isn’t income—it’s the rate at which you save and invest. A high income doesn’t automatically mean early retirement is within reach. It’s what you do with that income that matters.

Prioritizing a disciplined savings plan and strategic investments is what actually sets you up for financial freedom.

So, What’s Your Plan?

If you’re making good money but don’t feel like you’re getting ahead, or if you’re wondering how to turn what you do earn into real financial security, let’s talk.

Your future wealth won’t come from how hard you work—it’ll come from how well you plan.

Food for thought, 

Click here to book a call.

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👉 Check out my most recent Instagram post on IPPs (Individual Pension Plans) for corporate-owned businesses.

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