Today, I came across an interesting discussion on finance while scrolling through the internet. It is a topic that affects us all in one way or another. Finance is a broad concept as it touches on everything from investments to entrepreneurship and even the pursuit of a stable job. How we approach it often shapes our financial future.
The discussion I stumbled upon was presented in the form of an interview with a businessman who shared his thoughts on investment. He boldly claimed that investing is like gambling because you can never predict the outcome. His statement sparked diverse opinions, with some supporting him and others disagreeing.
One perspective argued that investing is typically a long-term commitment, whether it’s in businesses or other ventures aimed at generating income. However, both come with risks. For example, looking at a 10-year span, the market is more likely to rise than fall. On the other hand, starting a business carries a high chance of failure—about 90% of new businesses don’t succeed.
Another contributor added, “Everything is a gamble.” They emphasized that it might be wiser to invest in established, globally recognized companies with a proven track record of profitability than to put money into a new, unproven business. Their key advice was to spread the risk by investing more in well-established brands while still diversifying into other areas.
Running your own business, they argued, is far riskier. While it may feel like you have control over your enterprise, this control is often an illusion. A business owner can be compared to the captain of a ship navigating through a stormy sea. The business is constantly at the mercy of external factors—government policies, industry downturns, disruptive competitors, or even unforeseen events like natural disasters. Any one of these can spell disaster.
The commenter concluded that spreading risk and investing in companies managed by experienced professionals is a safer option. They described this as the essence of investing: letting experts handle your money while you sit back and watch it grow.
Still, there’s another side to this argument. While starting a business does involve considerable risk, it also offers unmatched rewards if done right. A business owner doesn’t just earn a share of the profits—they control the profits. With the right experience, guidance, and mentorship, a business can thrive. For instance, I once mentioned a friend who ventured into poultry farming and lost everything. Despite this setback, I believe that with the right knowledge and support, he could have turned his venture into a success.
Ultimately, life itself is full of risks. Even waking up each day comes with uncertainties, as none of us knows when we will take our last breath. The key is to do what feels right for you, trust your instincts, and embrace the lessons that come with every challenge or outcome.
Life isn’t a bed of roses, and it never will be. To stay out of poverty, we must make informed decisions, follow the rules, and ensure we don’t break the law. Whether you choose to invest, start a business, or pursue a stable job, the most important thing is to remain adaptable, keep learning, and face every challenge with resilience.