Can you truly build wealth through a traditional 9-5 job? Former real estate Managing Director Silvia Eldawi doesn’t think so.
In a recent episode of The Numbers Game podcast, Eldawi shared her perspective on what it really takes to achieve financial wealth—and why a career alone won’t cut it.
According to Eldawi, there’s a key difference between being rich and being wealthy.
“Wealth is mega money, let’s be honest. Wealth is something that you can pass on to generations. Being rich and being wealthy are two completely separate things,” Eldawi explained. “You can get rich through a career, but nobody gets wealthy through a job.”
She outlined three main paths to wealth: real estate investment, investing in businesses, or investing in stocks. Without ownership in one of these areas, she argues, accumulating true wealth remains out of reach.
“You need ownership for wealth,” Eldawi stated. “Career? No. That might set you up… you might get rich so that you can then take the step to buy a business or invest in a business or invest in real estate.”
Eldawi’s take challenges the conventional wisdom that climbing the corporate ladder is the surest route to financial security.
While high salaries and career advancements can provide comfort and stability, she believes true generational wealth is only possible through strategic investments and ownership.
Her comments have sparked debate, with some agreeing that financial independence requires breaking away from traditional employment and others arguing that high-earning professionals can build wealth through disciplined saving and investing.
“Wealth is an abundance of time, money and resources and a strong network. Being rich is somewhat different. Having a high paying job makes you rich but not wealthy. Having freedom of time, abundance of money and resources makes you wealthy. This is what I believe,” one person commented.
Another chipped in:
“This is both the same thing it just sounds more technical. To become an investor you need to have a high-paying job; then your job becomes managing the investments. Job income is ultimately the foundation of your wealth. Unless you inherited money.”
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, Eldawi’s perspective offers a bold take on financial success in today’s economy.
