Career Development All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 3

Valuing Your Time

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding that everyone has an hourly rate

Calculating the value of your time

Getting more out of the time you have

Depending on your values, different kinds of numbers may be important to you: To some, it’s cholesterol count and blood pressure figures; to others, it’s the number of years they’ve been married. To many, the total in the retirement account is the number-one number, and some people zero in on the amount left on their mortgage.

But we contend that your per-hour worth should be among the top-of-mind numbers that are important to you — no matter what your values or priorities are — even if you don’t earn your living on a per-hour rate. Knowing the value of your time enables you to make wise decisions about where and how you spend it so you can make the most of this limited resource according to your circumstances, goals, and interests.

Obviously, the higher you raise your per-hour worth while upholding your priorities, the more you can propel your efforts toward meeting your goals, because you have more resources at your disposal — you have either more money or more time, whichever you need most.

This chapter guides you ...