Employees and entrepreneurs, who earns more? Many people have pondered this question at least once. To help those who are torn between the glamorous life of an entrepreneur and the stable life of an employee, today we will compare the incomes of these two paths.
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1. Top Tier: Dominant Income of Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs in the top tier earn substantial incomes. This is supported by data. However, what’s crucial is how arduous the journey to this stage is. If you start a business solely aiming to make a lot of money, the chances of success are low.
2. Top 5% Income: The Strength of Employees
Interestingly, when comparing the top 5% incomes, employees often earn more than entrepreneurs. Working 40 hours a week and earning 70 million won annually is qualitatively different from working over 70 hours a week and earning the same amount. This becomes even clearer when considering work-life balance.
3. The Reality of Entrepreneurs: Success Isn’t Everything
Many employees often say, “I should have started a business to make money…” but this is because they only see those who succeed in business. Success stories in business are rare, and many entrepreneurs experience failure. Ignoring this and just focusing on potential earnings is risky.
4. Hidden Benefits of Employees
Employees receive various benefits such as the four major insurances, children’s tuition support, and more in addition to their salary. These significantly contribute to their total income. These benefits, along with stable income, make an employee’s life more secure.
5. The Best Choice: Employee + Side Project
The most practical recommendation is to maintain a stable income as an employee while pursuing a side project. This means having a stable foundation with your salary and taking on new challenges outside of work. Even if the side project fails, there is minimal loss, and if it succeeds, the rewards can be substantial.
Many cases exist where a side project becomes the main job, providing a greater sense of achievement. Additionally, even if it fails, the stable income from employment ensures there is no significant disruption in life. If you don’t try, the chances of success are zero.
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Conclusion: Your Choice?
By comparing the incomes of employees and entrepreneurs, it’s clear that each path has its pros and cons. If you want stable income and benefits, choose the path of an employee. If you dream of great challenges and success, choose the path of an entrepreneur. But the most important thing is to choose the path that suits you best.