I was reading 2million’s blog how his financial discussions with his his fiancee were going, and I couldn’t but help of think Captain Picard. Apparently the soon to be Mrs. 2million is very concerned with financial security to a degree that conflicts with 2million’s own view on money. I’m sure you’re asking, “So what does this have to do with our favorite bald Star Trek captain?” Episode No. 141, The Tapestry

In that episode Picard is about to get heart surgery, and Q offers gives him glimpse of his life had he not gotten into that fight that originally caused his heart problems. That alternate future is a bleak one, he ends up being a lowly junior grad lieutenant, very ensign like. We know what happens to ensigns in Star Trek - certain death. I know you’re still thinking, “and this has to do with personal finances, how?’

Well in many ways we are all like the young Picard. Sometimes when you play it safe you’re actually taking on more risk. In our finances, the most obvious symptom of this is a reluctance to invest in the stock market. It astounds me that I still meet people (not often but it happens) that will tell me that they rather put their money into CDs rather than into the stock market because it’s safer. Getting a 5% return that gets eaten up by taxes and inflation is not safe. As individuals we shouldn’t be welded to the financial definition of risk, volatility. Risk for us as individuals is more about opportunity cost, and having an adequate safety net.

However this risk aversion extends beyond just how we manage money. This type of risk aversion probably has the greatest impact on how we manage our careers. I’m not a career first kind of guy. I think the work/life balance should be tilted towards life. However, taking “risks” especially when you’re young is critical in career development. In today’s world this means jumping for greener pastures when an opportunity arises. It also means taking work that may be out of your comfort zone. The next best job is not the job you’re good at, but the job you want to do be good at. Maybe that means making a move across the country, taking pay cut or simply  jumping on a assignment at work that’s above your head. Maintaining the status quo might seem less risky, but as Picard learned it can put your future at risk.