My hobbies include tennis, skiing, and the outdoors such as hiking and camping. These hobbies can be costly and add up in costs. A new tennis racket sells for a couple of hundred dollars, while tennis shoes need to be replaced at least once a season for one hundred dollars, not to mention a new can of tennis balls each session. Ski equipment cost roughly $100 to rent each time. And if you want to invest in a pair of your own along with all other equipment like boots, helmet, and apparel, it could set you back close to two-thousand dollars.
When I was a recent graduate, I used my old tennis racket from high school, reused tennis balls, and also purchased a set of skis from eBay and threw it in my trunk to save money on a rental. However, since I have started working for a sporting goods company that makes products for all of my hobbies, I have been able to save money buying these things at a big discount that I would have spent money on regardless.
The point is hobbies can be costly and set you back on your wealth journey. And by utilizing employer discount programs, the savings can add up through the years.
Traveling
If you enjoy traveling, for example, finding a role in the hospitality or the airline industry could give you significant employee perks that can save you money on the expenses that you would have spent money on already.
I have friends who work at United Airlines (headquartered in Chicago) and are able to grab free last-minute flights with open seats and travel the world over the weekends. Or you can apply to companies like Hyatt (also headquartered in Chicago) or Hilton International that offers discounts if not free hotel stays at locations all throughout the world.
Restaurants
If you're the type that enjoys trying different restaurants or simply doesn't like to cook, find a job at a restaurant group like Lettuce Entertain You can take advantage of the discount at the different locations under their brand.
When I was completing my master's program, I wanted to alleviate the financial burden of tuition by working at a nearby Japanese BBQ restaurant in the evenings after my day job, and on the weekends between my studies. As an added bonus, due to a busy schedule, I was able to buy food from the restaurant which helped financially lower my grocery bills while saving time on cooking.
Coffee
The same thing can be applied if you enjoy getting your daily $5 latte at a Starbucks or your local coffee shop. You can pick up a shift for just a few days a week or the weekends and not have to give up your primary job or school. You and save money on coffee while earning extra income. Places like Starbucks and Chipotle also offer tuition assistance programs or employee stock purchase plans.
Retailers / Shopping
Pick up a shift at retailers like Best Buy if you're an electronics person, or Foot Lock, or Nordstrom, etc. if you enjoy buying shoes or clothes. There are hundreds of retailers you can choose from and knock two birds with one stone by not only saving money on the things you would have purchased anyways while earning an extra side income for wealth building.
When I first graduated and traveled through my work, I was able to save money on travel expenses which equated to tens of thousands each year on flights, hotel, and meals (read: How to Travel the World for Free). In my current job, I am able to save a significant amount of money by using products from work that I would have bought anyways. I wouldn't suggest altering your career path just to save a bit on a discount, but it can be something to consider if you're looking for a job anyways.
Aside from the savings, working for companies that you enjoy and connect in beliefs and values could bring other perks as well like work satisfaction and enjoyment of working
with like-minded colleagues.
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