ESBI Career Progression

A framework for understanding career progression and wealth building, moving from employee to investor status. Based on Rich Dad Poor Dad's quadrant system.

The Four Quadrants (ESBI)

• E (Employee)

  • Starting point for most people
  • What parents typically encourage through education
  • Trading time for money with a stable job
  • Limited income potential and freedom

• S (Self-Employed)

  • First step toward independence
  • Example: Going from barista to freelance web designer
  • Higher hourly rate but still trading time for money
  • More freedom but income ceiling exists

• B (Business Owner)

  • Key transition from selling your time to selling others' time
  • Creates systems and processes that work without you
  • Example: Growing from solo designer to agency owner
  • Requires learning delegation and management
  • Reading "E-Myth" helps understand business as a machine

• I (Investor)

  • Final evolution where money works for you
  • Complete freedom to do what you want
  • Focus on return on investment rather than active work
  • Example: Warren Buffett style investing

Key Transitions

• E to S Transition

  • Often requires identifying opportunity in current workplace
  • Can lead to significant initial income jump
  • More enjoyable work as you choose your path

• S to B Transition

  • Critical realization about leveraging others' time
  • Need to accept others may do worse job initially
  • Must build systems and processes
  • Can lead to significant wealth creation

• B to I Transition

  • Requires accumulated capital
  • Shift from operating to investing mindset
  • Focus on long-term wealth building
  • Most freedom but requires investment knowledge

Framework Value

• Helps understand progression of wealth building
• Creates clear path from employment to financial freedom
• Each stage requires different skills and mindset
• Not understanding these stages can leave you stuck in one quadrant