Only 3 "Winning Routes" in the Game of Life: The Hidden Rulebook of Capitalism

There are only 3 "Winning Routes" in the game called life

In the massive game of capitalism, clear rules exist. However, this rulebook is never handed out at school or in the office. Most players are thrown onto the field without knowing the rules, running aimlessly, and hitting "Game Over" from exhaustion.

In this chapter, I will reveal that hidden rulebook. There are only "three" major ways to make money—the winning routes of life.

Route 1: Get a Job (Employee)

Route 2: Work for Yourself (Self-Employed)

Route 3: Own Assets (Business Owner / Investor)

Route 1: Get a Job (Employee)

This is the path of the so-called "Salaryman" (corporate employee or civil servant). Currently, at least in Japan, the education system is designed to mass-produce excellent "Employees." That is why most people choose this path first.

The characteristic of this path is "trading time for money." You provide your life's time to a company and receive a salary in return. The formula looks like this:

Income = Hourly Rate × Labor Hours

This formula has a fatal flaw. That is, "time is finite." There are only 24 hours in a day; no matter how hard you work, there is a physical limit. You can aim for skills or promotions to raise your rate, but even then, the ceiling is clear. To become a $200k+ salaryman requires extraordinary effort and luck. Even if you get there, the "hell of having no time" remains the same.

Route 2: Work for Yourself (Self-Employed)

I hate being used by a company! I'll live on my own terms!" Many people quit their jobs with this resolve and choose this path. This includes sole proprietors, freelancers, and "ramen shop owners."

At first glance, it looks like freedom. No boss, no crowded trains. You do what you love (making ramen) and get a direct "thank you" from customers. It sounds like a beautiful story.

However, I dare to declare: "If an ordinary person chooses this path lightly, they will see a hell worse than being a salaryman." This is not a "true business owner." You are simply a "CEO and employee" hiring yourself in your own black company. Moreover, there is no Labor Standards Law to protect you.

The "Shura Path" where only geniuses survive Only two types of people can succeed in this "Route 2 (S)":

▪ "Geniuses" with overwhelming talent

People like MLB player Shohei Ohtani, charismatic hairstylists, or genius chefs.

There is no substitute for them, so their unit price becomes high.

▪ "Superhumans" who can work to the death

Those with the physical and mental strength to think only about work 24/7 and crush rivals.

Route 3: Own Assets (Business Owner / Investor)

~ The only "Third Path" where ordinary people can win ~

So, what should an "ordinary salaryman" without special talent or superhuman strength do? There is only one answer. Aim for "Route 3: Own Assets (Investor)."

The characteristic of this path is using "the art of the doppelgänger." In Route 1 (E) and Route 2 (S), you earned money by "working yourself." However, Route 3 (I) is different. You "make money (assets) work for you."

Income = Assets × Yield

This formula has no time constraints. Whether you are sleeping or playing, assets work 24/7 without complaint. This is the true nature of "Passive Income (Income Gain)."

Summary

Most people get the order wrong. Because they hate their company, they try to become self-employed (S) without preparation. That is a suicidal act. A salaryman (E) has the strongest weapons: "stable salary" and "social credit (power to get loans)." You must not throw away these weapons.

Work as a salaryman (E) and earn "seed money" from your salary.
Use that seed money to own "assets that generate money." The "generating" part is vital. Private cars do not generate money.
When income from assets exceeds your living expenses, the option to quit being a salaryman (E) is born.

Even if it doesn't exceed them yet, have income sources other than your salary. Of course, the higher the ratio, the better.

This is the first step for an ordinary person to conquer capitalism.

■Author Profile

About the Author Kenji Kamioka
AFP (Certified by the Japan Association for Financial Planners), Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist
President and CEO of Julius Co., Ltd.

An investor and strategic media owner with over 10 years of business management experience in three Asian countries: China, Thailand, and Vietnam. While actively managing real estate and financial assets through his own company, he promotes a lifestyle that leverages the structure of capitalism. He has authored numerous books.

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