Why do some people succeed - and get paid what they are worth, while others have to top up their income?

Question

What is the difference between three people that leave school at the same time, with similar qualifications, one goes on to successful one lives a mediocre life, while the other fails altogether?

I believe that it is the desire.
What are other peoples views?

Answer 1

You forgot connections.. Networking is huge, most jobs are gotten because you know someone. Even knowing a lot of people simply so they can tell you when an opening occurs helps a great deal. Social skills play a great part as well. If you have a good rapport with your superiors, chances are greater that you will get a raise/promotion over someone else, all else being equal.

Answer 2

I think we all crave different things in life. Some people crave that success and money, whereas others crave adventure, family, etc... I for one will never be rich on my own (unless I win the lotto, woohoo!) I have never been focused on my career and being the best paid in what I do,I have always craved other things in life, but I am happy. Some might perceive me as having no ambition, but my ambition in life is being the best wife and mother anyone can be, a family,I don't think any well paid job will give me more satisfaction!! I have a lot of respect though for the successfull lot whom I went to school with or anyone else, well done to them! You go after what you want in life, you create your own success... Mine will come too one day. In the meantime, I am enjoying life, even if I have to top up my income (with my boyfriend's money, hehe)

Answer 3

Of course it's desire, I dossed about at school, lived for football at Lunch time, I went to a very good grammar school in Kent, I didn't care about education, I just spent EVERY lesson day dreaming and looking out of the window ..... I got 2 Bs and 6 Cs at Gcse, and BBC at A-Level .... hardly outstanding, now some of my mates who didn't go to Uni but got AAA, ABB, BBB etc .... are on less than 30k a year, and I earn quarter of a mil a year, I never doubted for a moment that I would make it... I didn't care for Biology, Latin, Computer studies or any of that milarkee, I even got 16% in my GCSE coursework because it needed to be done over lunchtimes.... I got to do what I wanted in my career because I am ambitious, and never doubted for a moment I would get there!

Answer 4

Yardsticks for success should be known to the person concerned and cannot wait for someone to tell him through counselling. There are individuals who prepare themselves well in advance even before the finishing of the school and have a launching platform. There are many others who think they cannot do simultaneously things which will help to get a better job even while they are in school.
When individual has put in his best effort, of course, he needs a dose of luck to get the best out of the better jobs. Prepare yourself well in advance. Be inquisitive to know about the world around you.
VR

Answer 5

There are so many factors in regards to the success of a career, but for me one stands out clearly. The ability to be social and build honest relationships with others.

I am a fairly successful film and television editor in Los Angeles and have known many successful people across a broad spectrum of occupations and have thought to myself much the same of your asking. Besides my first answer, I would clearly say talent in knowing yourself and trusting yourself means a lot.

Answer 6

Also many people get paid far more than they are worth , take Politicians for example , what a Bloody shower - what a lot of money , are they worth it ? ? Take a look around you.

Answer 7

Or it might be politics.
usually the conservative is successful while the liberals, dems tend to waste too much time whining and getting high. The conservative is more focused and has more drive.

Answer 8

Yeah, you're right - desire, drive, ambition - call it what you will. I believe a healthy dose of luck has to be thrown into the mix as well ...