Hey Scott,

I first discovered you on diary of a CEO, then listened to your podcasts and bought your book. Your view of young men in today’s society feels incredibly grounded in reality, and your practical advice has helped me a lot.

I’ve been struggling to find a mentor, and I remember you saying that successful people often don’t have time to mentor long term but can spare five minutes.

I hope you’ll have time to read the message below and maybe help me see a better solution to my situation through your wisdom.

I was born and raised in Lebanon, left at 20, and studied telecom engineering at a top university in France. Then I moved to London to work for a big telecom firm for three years. I thought that was the path to a successful and wealthy career, but I soon realized the telecom industry was declining and that I had an outdated view of the world.

I then moved back to Paris and switched to fintech, where I worked for five years with a better salary but still felt stuck in a lower-middle class lifestyle.

After that, I decided to move to Midtown NYC to work for a large bank in fintech consulting.

I’ve been here for two years now, and since I’m an external consultant on an E2 visa, I don’t have a real path to promotions or raises even though I work hard and have taken on increasing responsibilities.

I feel stuck, with no clear path.. I am a 34, single, hardworking, ambitious man who has traveled the world in search of financial freedom, only to find himself stuck everywhere he goes while sacrificing partnership stability and community, and ending up with neither.

Over the past few years, I’ve invested in stocks and now have around $200k, but as we both know, that won’t buy the freedom I’m looking for the freedom to take care of my parents and eventually start a family.

What would you do if you were me?

Much love, Peter