How do you decide if something is a cost or an investment?
The question may not be as simple as it seems, especially if you’re unable or unwilling to look at the big picture (which is really not as easy as it seems).
Finding a general answer is probably impossible and trying to do so is quite a bit naive, but nevertheless, here’s my take.
If it increases the productivity, if it has the potential to open a new market, if we can write it into our resume, if it helps us gain new knowledge, if it makes us more reliable, more trustworthy or more valuable, if it can help someone, if it can make somebody smile, if it can make the world a slightly better place, it’s not really a cost — it’s an investment.