Would You Prefer To Be A Self-Made Millionaire Or Win The Lottery?

@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
May 19, 2011 7:41am CST
I guess both are out of the question for me as I don't work and I don't go on the Lottery! John..on the other hand... I am slowly beginning to think that loads of money doesn't necessarily mean instant happiness. It may be different if you're a self-made millionaire as the money has been worked for over a period of time and it isn't over-bearing. Just look at how happy Sir Richard Branson is and you get the idea of what I mean. Mum told me about a programme she watched on telly about past Lottery winners. The amounts could range from a few thousand pounds to millions. Obviously, there are good points to winning a large amount of cash. You could move house, buy a fancy car, pay off debts BUT the problems arise when Lottery winners go PUBLIC or their win is sneaked out to the media without their knowledge. Why? Because so-called "friends" and "long-lost relatives" come out of the woodwork, that's why! Another problem is treating family with cash. One person got taken to court for giving one of his relatives less money than another and she wasn't happy about it! I mean, get a life! Even emigrating abroad doesn't work. People "find" you. How creepy! It does have its advantages, not having money although this discussion will be irrelevant if John wins the EuroMillions! Hahaha!
5 people like this
29 responses
@shynie (556)
• Philippines
19 May 11
Hi there! If the heavens would permit, how I wish I become a millionaire. Being a self made millionaire is a long and hard process and how could anyone resist winning the lottery. If I get to have a time, I usually bet. And always hopeful that i win.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 May 11
Don't overdo it though as you could end up like my hubby who has been known to bet with credit. Not a good idea!
• Philippines
19 May 11
To be frank with you, I would love to be an instant millionaire and just win the lottery and live the good life. It surely has its perks but also has its disadvantages. You were right when you said that when the news would leak that you won that huge amount of money, friends will resurface and relatives will be so concerned about you. Anyway, I don't play the lottery anymore. unless the jackpot prize is really big. Still, I have to agree that hard-earned money is still different in many ways. It's quite an achievement and it gives you that sense of purpose and fulfillment knowing that you went through all the steps to reaching your goal in the most honest and hardest way you could have had.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 May 11
Like I said, someone like Richard Branson RESPECTS money whereas someone who suddenly wins a load of it may not and squander it. However, that may be a good idea if long-lost relatives you cannot stand appear on the doorstep. "Sorry, Guys, I've spent it all!" Haha!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 May 11
I have a different attitude towards those that spend it all at once. There was one guy who bought a helicopter (amongst other things) and he couldn't even pilot it lol.
• Philippines
19 May 11
Haha! That would really be funny. Can't imagine their faces if I'd tell them that I've spent all of my money in just a week or so.
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
19 May 11
Both of them would be good to me... LOL... Hi Janey.. Yes, both of them would do... I'd like to be millionaire by working hard and I'd be gladder if I won the money... Money doesn't bring instant happiness.. I agree... I mean, it doesn't solve all of the problems.. .But yes, it solves most of them... Tell me, why do we work so hard??? To make money, right??? If I got that money instantly then I won't need to work for someone, I'll create my own company... ;) Money solves most of the problems...
1 person likes this
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
20 May 11
yeah, I agree... The hangers-on will be tough to deal with... Also, it would become tough to judge who is right or wrong, who to trust or not.. Because everyone will respect you and you can't find who is true to you and who is there only coz you're a millionaire... Being unemployed is a bad thing to a man... Man finds nothing more difficult than to handle the emptiness... I pray for him... I hope he'll get a job soon... And I pray for you too, that you'll soon win a lottery... :)
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 May 11
The freedom to do things would be good. What wouldn't be good are the hangers-on who want a piece of the pie, so to speak. If I had lots of money I'd buy my nephew a house. He's the nearest thing I have to a son of my own and he's unemployed so..yes, a lovely house where he can invite who he wants, when he wants..would be great.
@iwrite (5034)
• Singapore
19 May 11
More often than not, those who become rich because of windfall, ie. lottery would find themselves poor again, where else people who got rich because of they own credit have the ability to bounce back from failure.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 May 11
That's very true. A whole wad of cash can be quite daunting, I would think.
1 person likes this
@iwrite (5034)
• Singapore
22 Sep 11
Janey1966 we need to have the knowledge to protect your wealth, else you lose what you have but if you learn to build your wealth, even if you lose it you can make it back again. LilyLoretta it is right, only a small percentage of the people would get the lottery would remain rich.
@Metatronik (6199)
• Pasay, Philippines
19 May 11
I would still prefer the self made millionaire because you would feel on how it was earned. At least you know the strategy and tactics in order for you to earn. More so there is a possibility that you know how to secure it. Unlike winning the lottery it has a possibility that you can't just take care of it.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 May 11
I know what you mean. You have time to sort your money out as it's not instant and who plans for a lottery win? I don't know of anybody.
@Orson_Kart (6004)
• United Kingdom
19 May 11
As a failed self-made millionaire, I'd happily settle for a large win on the lottery. It may not bring instant happiness, but I would much rather be miserable with loads of money than a one who cannot afford to call for a takeaway when needed. If I did win 'BIG' I would probably set off immediately on an Around the World cruise and let people try and 'find me'. ;)
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 May 11
What a great idea! Both myself and hubby love sport so our idea of fun would be to follow major sporting events around the world. I've never even been to Lords' Cricket ground so that would be first on the list as I could get a nice tan sat in there lol. Love the Steptoe avatar!
• United Kingdom
21 May 11
Your husband certainly bowled a maiden over when he met you. :) I said "World" and you look as far as Lords cricket ground. lol I'm afraid the sound of leather on willow doesn't do it for me. I'd much prefer trying out the great football stadia of the world. The Nou Camp and the Bernabeu sounds like a good place to start. Haaaaaaaarold!
@katcarneo (1433)
• Philippines
11 Oct 11
To be a millionnaire would be great but since I am not in a profession that will allow such a possibility (I'm a teacher) and I also do not purchase lottery tickets, I don't see myself being a millionaire any time soon. Although, I think about joining a game show at least once in my life. I'd like to join a game of skill, and not a game of chance, mind you. If I win a lot of money in a game show because I did so well, then I guess I can call myself a self-made millionaire!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
11 Oct 11
What a brilliant idea!
• United States
20 Jul 11
i'll take either.. i guess the plus of being self made tho is it's gradual and not as public as winning the lottery.you can easier deny how rich you are.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Jul 11
LOL. Well, the EuroMillions winners (165 million or something obscene like that) have done a runner because they made the mistake of going PUBLIC with their win..so have had to to into hiding now due to all the begging letters! What did they expect? They're from Scotland so aren't renowned for their spending so that lot of money will last them a VERY long time!
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
22 May 11
I would prefer the self made millionaire path myself as it is more satisfying. Like you say, gaining money does not guarantee happiness, but it certainly cannot hurt and I would not say no to a million dollars that I had won. But there have been lots of stories about lotto winners who have blown all their winnings and ended up right back where they were before hand. Sometimes even worse off! It is hard to imagine how they could do that, but I guess they just do not appreciate the money as much as when you earn it. I am going to be a self made millionaire one day. That is a fact and one that will be made a lot easier due to inflation!
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
22 May 11
Good point you made about giving to charities. Most successful people are givers. The universe rewards those who give.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 May 11
Haha! Good for you! I am sure you will reach your goal Bill, I have every confidence in you. I don't know how anyone could twitter away big wins either but I guess we're all different and some like to spend it all at once, others like to invest and the really intelligent ones manage to combine the two..and give away loads to charity of course.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
23 May 11
That's why Sir Richard Branson is comfortable in his own skin. The more he has the more he gives away!
@millertime (1394)
• United States
20 May 11
It wouldn't matter to me if I made it myself or hit the lottery. I would just like to have a few million to last me the rest of my life. It would just bring the peace of mind knowing I wouldn't have to worry about living expenses and I could do whatever I wanted with my time. I made up my mind a long time ago though, that if I won the lottery, I wouldn't go public with it. I don't think I would tell anyone actually. That way, I could do what I wanted with the money, including giving some to charities and causes of my own choosing. If I chose to give some of it away, it would be because I thought someone was deserving of it and not for any other reason. I would want to avoid having friends and family look on me and treat me differently just because I had money. I want people to treat me as the regular person they have always known and not have the money change people's view of me. I also wouldn't change my lifestyle very much. I've never really had a desire to live like a wealthy person. I have simple tastes and would be satisfied to know that I had the money if I need it for something but I wouldn't go overboard buying a bunch of "stuff". To me, an ostentatious lifestyle is just a waste. I think I could be quite happy if I won the lottery. Anyway, I keep buying tickets so I can find out.
• United States
21 May 11
Yes, I suppose it would, but really, the only reason I would like to win a huge amount is that it would be so much fun to be really generous with it and give a lot away. I would enjoy leaving a huge tip to a nice waitress or the housekeeper in the hotel just to make their day. I would change a few things about my life I guess. I'd travel more and I'd definitely fly first class. I'd have newer cars. That kind of thing. I doubt it will ever happen but it's nice to dream.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 May 11
Sounds good to me.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 May 11
A guy who won a couple of million was "shopped" by a member of the public to the press and he didn't want any publicity. I find this quite perturbing. This kind of news does get out one way or another and it's rare that it doesn't happen, unfortunately. I like the way you want to stay the same but that all depends on how much you won!
@EdnaReyes (2622)
• Philippines
19 May 11
Oh, how I wish I could be a millionaire by winning the lottery but that's impossible because I don't play or bet on any lottery games! I think I am born to work hard to sustain my daily needs. If lady luck would smile at me and grant me luck to hit the jackpot in my career,then I would be the happiest person to be a millionaire by working tooooo hard!
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 May 11
LOL! I'd like to hit the jackpot by actually gaining a job but I'm not in favour at the moment because hubby has let me down. Grrr!
@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
6 Jun 11
Well, winning the lottery would really be the easiest way to be rich if you get lucky. Being a self made millionaire would be very rewarding and you would feel a great sense of accomplishment. Winning the lottery would be extremely exciting and make us poor people feel real good. I know what you mean about people coming out of the woodwork saying that they are long lost friends or relatives. I know here in New York, if you do not want your name mentioned, that they cannot do that. I guess I will just keep on dreaming for now.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
6 Jun 11
The media over here have this nasty habit of weeding people out that have won the lottery, even if the people involved don't want to be "discovered." There is always someone, somewhere who will "let on for a price" and it must be awful for those who want to remain anonymous.
@Jlyn10 (11966)
• Malaysia
20 May 11
Well, I wish I was born as a millionaire's daughter, lol! So, I don't have to work so hard knowing that I would inherit whatever that is coming for me. If I want a house or a car, I'll just ask my rich daddy to buy them for me. How nice? I'll just keep dreaming, haha!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 May 11
Wow, how marvellous is that lol. I couldn't go out with a Sugar Daddy though. I saw a woman on telly who had done that and she's on her own all day in a massive house with a load of horses in stables. She was about 27 and he was in his late 50s! Bit of an age gap there! In actual fact she wasn't married to him which is a bit worrying because if he gets bored with her he'll trade her in for a younger model. I'd rather be skint! Haha!
@stary1 (6612)
• United States
20 May 11
I have heard stories of millionaires self destructing too. Wow sure can bring a whole new set of challenges, can't it. I think I could handle it ok. I have been up and down in financial situations and have learned from both. I know money can't buy happiness. However, money gives you freedom and can be used to help other people. I think if I won I would keep it a secret. Of course that might not be possible, but I'd try. LOL good luck to all the future millionaires. I hope they think of others as they spoil themselves :)
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 May 11
I do know of one couple who actually told the press conference about their plans and that involved giving much of it away, letting their cleaner move into their house and buying another one. Unfortunately, the guy's ex-wife wants in on it too. That's what I mean about doing well with the money but making sure you tell NOBODY you've won..until you give them some cash lol.
@stary1 (6612)
• United States
20 May 11
Friends and family and 'exs' can make life miserable I guess. Annoymous donations could be one way to go, but how does one xplain all the new things in their lives :) I also thought there were some contests that require one to agree to publicity, but I am not sure if the lotteries do.
• Philippines
22 May 11
I do place my bet on lottery with my never ending hope that someday, I could get a stroke of luck and win the money. Jackpot or even partial of the jackpot. My uncle, who is also fond of betting the lottery, advised me that once I won the jackpot - I should have it on "Manager's Check" just to be on the safe side. He told me to invest it properties. Of course I have those ideas on my mind already but if only Luck will allow me to win - the first thing I will have to do is call my mom who's working abroad - tell her that she doesn't have to work anymore because we have money. And maybe we can start on our piggery business. I hope, with God, all the luck and lotters support, I could win the lottery.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 May 11
Aww, well I'm one Lotter who wishes you loads of luck with the lottery as you seem to know what to do with a big win, if it ever happens. I do hope so.
@Savvynlady (3684)
• United States
1 Jun 11
Either way it is yours; if you ask me, there are folks out there that are millionaires but they are not telling a soul and personally that is the best way to be. keep your mouth shut and keep it to yourself if you possibly can. If you are self made and I truly believe that a lot of us can do it if we set our minds to it then things can happen. If you win it then you deal with those holding their hands out.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
6 Jun 11
If we ever won lots of money we would spend most of our time travelling to various sporting events. For example, the Men's Tennis Final in Paris yesterday..that would definitely be on our list..then the next one would probably be cricket in this country, then stay here for the Silverstone Grand Prix..then have a good think about where to go next. This all depends on how MUCH we won of course but it's a fantastic dream of mine to follow sporting events around the world. I'd love it and so would hubby!
@iwrite (5034)
• Singapore
20 May 11
More often than not, those who become rich because of windfall, ie. lottery would find themselves poor again, where else people who got rich because of they own credit have the ability to bounce back from failure.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 May 11
That's very true. Winning a lot of money can be a huge shock to some people and it can cause stress as they don't know what to do with it..or have been given poor advice. No-one can plan for winning the lottery, it's impossible as the amounts vary from week to week. Personally, I'd love hubby to win enough money for us to do this house up for someone else to enjoy, then move out to somewhere with a big garden for the moggy to roam around in.
@prinzcy (32326)
• Malaysia
26 May 11
Since I don't believe in becoming rich by winning lotteries, I would definitely try to be a self-made millionaire. Winning lotteries is like being one in million participants. I don't imagine my name being pull out, by luck, out of that millions. Seriously. And if I use that money to try to a self made one, I would probably succeeded. At least I'll see where the money flow to.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
6 Jun 11
Hubby goes on the lottery but - like you, I have never done so. Bores me rigid!
• United States
20 May 11
I would say self-made millionare. people tend to have more sense of pride that they earned the money versus having it given to them. When people win the lottery they tend to go on spending sprees and not know how to manage that large amount of money then their back to square 1 of being broke.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 May 11
I agree. There doesn't seem to be any advice on how to deal with winning the lottery, plus the fact these advisors come out of the woodwork when your mind is all over the place..and you end up doing your own thing anyway lol.
• Mexico
20 May 11
I would like to be millionaire by winning loto, because life is too short to become riich in a short life, many people have become rich by working but when they are old they just spend their money in hospitals or suporting family and very rare they enjoy a real fun, i wish to win loto soon to end my life traveling all aroounf the world, i will not save i will not worry for the future only enjoy,,,,,, a good life LOL wowow what a dream right?
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 May 11
It's a lovely dream isn't it? That's a good point you make about being too old to enjoy the fruits of your labour, so to speak, once you reach that goal of acquiring lots of cash. Better to put a couple of quid on the lottery and win big straight away! There are sooo many places I'd love to visit. Wouldn't it be great to just GO anywhere you like in the world and not worry about the cost? That would be bliss if you ask me!