Gary Buslik is just your average person who graduated with a English degree from a respected college and wasn’t sure how he could that education to best use in order to making a living out of it.  He ended up starting his own Alarm company, which made him into a successful entrepreneur as the business matured and started generating profits of around $6 million.  Despite the $500,000 paycheck Gary was taking home each year, he wasn’t happy simply because his true passion was elsewhere.

Follow Your Passion:

At the end of the day everyone needs to make a living.  Some are fortunate to do so around something they are truly passionate about.  WHile Gary was living the life of a very successful entrepreneur,  he wasn’t happy.  In 2007, Gary sold his company for several million dollars and took a teaching job making only around $13,000 per year.  Gary discusses the three major things that helped him transition successfully into his true passion at a lower salary (-per CNN):

1. By taking the first good offer.

In putting his company up for sale, he didn’t wait around for the best price. “I could’ve held out for more money,” Buslik says, “but I wanted to get on with my plans.”

2. By investing conservatively.

Expecting slim future wages, Buslik paid off his mortgage and put much of his savings in ultra-safe I bonds, which are indexed to inflation.

3. By drawing down cautiously.

A divorce cut into his nest egg, but Buslik figures his savings will last him if he’s careful. “I’m not a flashy guy,” he says, noting that he still drives a 1986 Mercedes.

Making money is important and who wouldn’t want to make more money if the opportunity presented itself.  As you can see here though, money isn’t always the most important thing.   At the end of the day you need to focus on what makes you happy and find a way to make it your career.  Gary did this through teaching and you can do it too.


Full Story: Ditching a $500,000 salary to teach lit