I’m Harrison Wilder, a corporate strategist and entrepreneur with an Executive MBA from George Washington University. Having managed multimillion-dollar companies and advised top-level executives, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding the right system of work can change everything for professionals seeking growth and financial freedom. Let me share with you two distinct work systems—and how choosing the right one can lead you to the life and career you want.

The Factory System: Trading Time for Dollars

Most of us were introduced to the factory system early in life, starting with school, where bells dictated our day and teachers determined our progress. This same structure is present in the workplace, where employees clock in and out, trading time and effort for compensation. It’s straightforward: put in your hours, complete your tasks, and get paid according to the amount of time you contribute.

This system is effective at creating a dependable workforce, but it also comes with significant downsides. The only way to increase your earnings in this system is to work harder or longer or hope for a promotion that slightly increases your pay. Even as a manager, a six-figure salary might be the peak, but it often requires giving up precious time and energy, day in and day out.

The Value System: Leveraging Your Skills and Talents

Here’s the exciting alternative—the value system. Unlike the factory system, which rewards time and effort, the value system rewards the quality of value you bring. In this system, you’re no longer constrained by time as the only metric for compensation. Instead, you focus on delivering unique skills, insights, and solutions that fulfill a need. The more value you provide, the more the market is willing to reward you, often without limits.

In the value system, your work’s merit isn’t determined by a manager; it’s judged by the marketplace. And in this marketplace, you have endless opportunities to grow financially. If you’re ready to step into this new system, I’ll walk you through a few practical steps you can start today.

Step 1: See Yourself as a Business

The first shift in moving to the value system is viewing yourself as a business. Even if you’re still employed, treat your role as your own enterprise. Your employer becomes your primary client, and your job is to deliver value that benefits them. This mentality lets you approach your career with a mindset of ownership rather than obligation.

When I started as a busboy at an Italian restaurant, I was purely in the factory system—working hours for a paycheck. But later, as I moved up in the restaurant industry, I began studying management and operations, taking on more responsibilities, and becoming indispensable. I was learning valuable skills that I use to this day. This shift in mindset moved me from just doing tasks to seeing myself as an asset—a value creator.

Step 2: Understand Your Value Proposition

Once you view yourself as a business, it’s crucial to understand what you bring to the table. If you look around and see colleagues who work less but earn more, it’s likely because they understand their unique value proposition.

So ask yourself: What do I really offer my employer? What unique strengths or skills do I bring that add value to my company? This could be anything from generating new business, solving critical problems, to maintaining team morale. The key is recognizing these contributions and then positioning yourself as a person of value.

Step 3: Acquire New Skills and Expand Your Offerings

If your current role doesn’t allow you to deliver significant value, consider acquiring new skills. By developing expertise or expanding your responsibilities, you increase your market value. Look at your role not as a static job but as a dynamic opportunity to evolve and offer more.

Think of it like this: when Moses was tasked with a huge responsibility, he looked at the resources he already had. Similarly, ask yourself: What skills or resources do I have? What additional talents can I develop to increase my value?

Step 4: Find More Clients for Your Business

The final step is all about growth. As your “business,” seek out new opportunities to deliver value. This could be a promotion within your company or even an entirely new job if your current employer is too entrenched in the factory system.

For some, this will mean finding additional clients or opportunities beyond their current job. To attract wealth in the value system, selling is essential—selling your skills, your ideas, or your solutions to those who see the worth in them.

Final Challenge: Shift Your Mindset and Start Adding Value

This week, here’s a success challenge: Look at your current role and ask yourself what additional value you can add. Then, put this value into action without expecting immediate financial rewards. Instead, pay attention to how your mindset changes as you begin seeing yourself as a business.

Whether you’re seeking career advancement or preparing to launch on your own, the shift from the factory system to the value system opens doors. Financial freedom and professional fulfillment are within reach, and they start with choosing to operate in a system that rewards the value you create.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to rethink how we work. If you have any questions or insights, drop them in the comments. Until next time, keep challenging yourself to add value wherever you are, and watch your career and life transform.