The second reason was, "People who work hard and save often think investing is risky. People who think things are risky often also avoid learning something new." 3. The third reason was, "People who believe in hard work, saving, and that investing is risky, rarely ever see the other side of the coin." This chapter covers some of the reasons why or how in- vesting does not have to be risky. Rich dad had a way of taking very complex subjects and simplifying them so almost everyone could understand at least the basics of what he was talking about. In Rich Dad Poor Dad, I shared the diagrams of the income statement and the balance sheet that he used to teach me the basics of ac- counting and financial literacy. In CASHFLOW Quadrant, I shared his diagram that explains the core emotional and edu- cational differences between the people found in the four quadrants. In order for me to understand investing, I first 120 Rich Dad's Guide to Investing needed to fully understand the lessons taught in those two books. When I was between the ages of 12 and 15, rich dad would occasionally have me sit at his side while he interviewed peo- ple who were looking for a job. At 4:30 p.m., which was the time he did all his interviews, I would sit behind a large brown wooden table in a chair next to rich dad. Across the table was a single wooden chair for the person being interviewed. One by one, his secretary would let the prospective employees into the large room and instruct each person to sit in the lone open chair. I saw grown adults asking for jobs that paid $1.00 an hour, with minimal benefits. Even though I was a young teenager, I knew that it was difficult to raise a family, much less get rich, on $8.00 a day. I also saw people with college degrees, even several with Ph.D.s asking rich dad for managerial or techni- cal jobs that paid less than $500 a month. After a while, the novelty of sitting behind the table on rich dad's side wore off. Rich dad never said anything to me be- fore, during, or after these interviewing days. Finally, when I was 15 and bored of sitting behind the table, I asked him, "Why do you want me to sit here and watch people ask for jobs? I'm not learning anything and it's getting boring. Besides, it is painful to see grownups so needy for a job and money. Some of those people are really desperate. They can't afford to quit their present job unless you give them another job. I doubt some of them could last three months without a paycheck. And some of them are older than you and obvi- ously have no money. What/s happened to them? Why do you want me to see this? It hurts me every time I do this with you. I have no problem with them asking for a job, but it's the desperation for money I can see in their eyes that really bothers me." Rich dad sat still at the table for a moment, collecting his On Which Side of the Table Do You Want to Sit? 121 thoughts. "I've been waiting for you to ask this question," he said.