Always Be Prepared to Pay: There is NO Free Lunch

I remember when I was first starting off my career in Taiwan and then in the USA. Imagine being so poor and strapped for cash that when you get invited to dinner or lunch that you would hope the other party will pay. Especially if it’s a relative or elder or richer, more established friend. I think we have all been in this position before. 

And it’s an awful feeling. What happens if they don’t pay? You are out a lot of cash you just don’t have. If they do pay, you feel like a low status mooch. And obligated to them for the future. I hate owing anybody anything. The point is that there is a cost to everything even if it looks like it is free at the start. 

Thankfully I’ve gotten past those bad old days. And now in a position, mindset and view that I am always ready to pay. And I feel I should always pay for the meal irregardless of whether the other party is better off than I am or not. And none of that stupid Western crap of splitting the bill either. 

I think it should be the personal goal of every man to be in a position to take care of and treat others. This forces you to have your career and financial act in order. So you can afford it. Generosity without expecting anything back is the way. Isn’t that the whole point and definition of being successful in life? In fact, I think it’s an obligation if you have done well. Nothing worse than a cheap affluent person (and there are many of these people out there sadly). 

This principle of being ready to pay for everything is still relevant for life in general. There is NO Free lunch. Whatever you want, you have to expect and be willing to pay for it. And you pay this with your time, commitment, hard work, and reputation. And sometimes with your hard earned money. 

You want to be healthy and fit, you will pay with lots of exercise, a good diet and maybe even a personal trainer. You want career success and to be rich, you have to pay with an investment in cash, time, business partners and advisors & a lot of energy and time. Maybe even paying by losing family or family time. 

You should always be prepared to pay. This is what being a well functioning adult male should know and do. I don’t make the rules here but “Scorn the Free Lunch” as the great man Robert Greene says. 

Happy New year everyone and see you in 2023!