My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

Sexier Business, Lower ROI Principle

Reusability

A career selection rule stating that the more attractive or glamorous an industry appears, the lower the financial returns for most participants

How It Works

Attractive industries (fashion, arts, sports, entertainment) draw massive talent pools competing for limited high-paying positions, driving down average compensation while increasing competition

Components

Identify industries that seem glamorous or emotionally appealing

Research actual employment rates and median incomes in those fields

Compare to less sexy industries with 90%+ employment rates

Choose the boring industry and pursue passion as a weekend activity

When to Use

When choosing career paths, evaluating industry entry, or advising young professionals on career strategy

When Not to Use

When you have clear evidence of being in the top 0.1% of talent in a sexy field, or when non-financial factors (purpose, passion after mastery) outweigh income considerations

Anti-Patterns to Avoid

Following passion without researching market realitiesIgnoring data about income distribution in favor of outlier success storiesChoosing careers based on social status rather than financial viability

Example

“A talented athlete realizes they're not in the top 0.1% needed to make a living from sports. Instead of pursuing professional athletics, they enter finance or technology and play sports recreationally, achieving both financial security and athletic enjoyment.”

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