"Self-made individuals do not pursue work-life balance during their youth."
Former anchor Baek Ji-yeon (60) revealed the common habits and investment strategies of self-made wealthy individuals.
On the 7th, Baek Ji-yeon released a video titled "There was a reason I am not wealthy" on her YouTube channel "Now with Baek Ji-yeon." Baek stated that the standard for wealth is "not remembering how much something costs after buying it" and presented the idea of "not having dreams crushed by money when wanting to do something."
He noted that self-made wealthy individuals never invest in unfamiliar investment opportunities. He explained, "Wealthy people definitely engage in investment through stocks, but I do not buy stocks I am unfamiliar with and never watch analyst broadcasts. Once they decide on a corporation, they thoroughly study it and invest boldly when they are confident."
He also said, "'Real' wealthy individuals never buy lottery tickets. They do not rely on luck," adding, "It’s rare to find a country like ours with so many supercars. Even in the wealthier United States, there are many cars that make you think, ‘That car is rolling.’ They believe that instead of spending time chasing luck, it is better to invest effort into possibilities."
Regarding luxury consumption, he criticized, "Even if you live in a small town with sparse luxury items, would you buy a luxury bag? If no one is around to see, would you still be obsessed with luxury? Isn’t it consumption for show, to impress others?" He added, "Owners of luxury companies are seriously wealthy. They suppress their desire to consume with thoughts like, ‘Do I need to contribute when I’m already wealthy?’"
On everyday consumption habits, Baek Ji-yeon stated, "Wealthy individuals fundamentally do not engage in quantitative consumption but rather qualitative consumption," adding, "They do not follow others' tastes or trends." She further mentioned that wealthy individuals travel for 'experiences', emphasizing, "They spend money on local foods and unique places that can only be found there."
Baek Ji-yeon also mentioned the time management methods of self-made wealthy individuals. He advised, "True wealthy individuals do not pursue work-life balance in their youth. While work-life balance is truly important, depending on the timing, there are essential tasks to complete. The 10s to 20s are a time of acquisition. If you seek work-life balance here, education may be lacking. The 20s to 40s are a time of accumulation. The 50s are a time of harvest. However, if you pursue work-life balance too quickly, you might miss out and never enjoy it."
Baek Ji-yeon joined MBC as a public recruitment announcer in 1987, and within five months, she was selected as the youngest news desk anchor, later becoming the longest-serving 9 p.m. news anchor. After leaving MBC in 1999, she has been active as a freelance broadcaster. Baek's son is married to the second daughter of Jeong Mong-won, chairman of HL Group (formerly Halla Group), making him a relative of the Park family.