Do you realize that 17-18 year old teenagers in the United States are making decisions that business leaders would never give to a newly-minted supervisor?

That $18,000 to $100,000 decision is where to go to college. Consider that their decision may live with them well beyond the time they complete school. (Shout out to MATC for their "alternative to crushing debt.") Based on the dollar amount alone, I would never ask an associate at my workplace to make that kind of decision on the behalf of the business. If you were a manager, would you?

This post is not about college. It's about debt.

Every decision we make comes with a debt.

If I invite you to come over for dinner, you have a debt to respond to me in the form of time and effort. If you decide to show up, you have a debt of time, money, and energy being in my company (that could require a lot of energy on your part.). Are you willing to take on that debt? And, do you even consider that debt when making the decision?

If you choose to accept a gig, you have accepted a debt. Debt in the form of time required to drive to the gig, play it, or move equipment. Debt in the form of energy being around others, playing music, moving your equipment.

If you choose to accept a job, you have accepted a debt. In exchange for money you offer your time and (depending on the job) your "proverbial" life.

Making decision is an art. It's art that is not just in the act of deciding, but also weighing the options. What you want and need to do against what it will require of you to do it. Too often, we don't consider the full picture.

Make more decisions, and
Choose wisely.

Apologies for being out a few days: had a stomach bug. All better!