Imagine being a child and constantly being asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The expected answers always revolve around a profession, a job that earns a monthly paycheck. This marks the beginning of our indoctrination into the corporate ladder mindset.
Photo by Armand Khoury on Unsplash.
From the very start, our education system ingrains in us the narrative of working for a company. It’s akin to Google’s algorithm, reinforcing what we consume until our vision narrows to focus solely on corporate employment. We are molded into ideal workers, equipped with skills and knowledge to make corporations prosper. Unfortunately, entrepreneurship and innovation often take a backseat, considered mere add-ons rather than integral parts of success.
Societal Pressure and Brand Identity
Society itself perpetuates the traditional corporate lifestyle as the ultimate brand campaign. In a world where personal brand identity is paramount, the company one works for becomes a status symbol, akin to driving a Tesla or wearing a Rolex. Friends, family, and acquaintances eagerly buy into this narrative, praising company affiliations without considering personal happiness or individual definitions of success.
Media Influence and the Need for Change
Consider the numerous movies where success is equated with a business suit and a job at a Wall Street firm. Hollywood’s idea of a plot twist is when a character leaves their corporate job to pursue a bakery or winery. But such career shifts should be the norm, not an exception.
Risk Aversion and Fear
Fear and risk aversion further contribute to this institutionalization. Company employment offers a sense of stability and predictability that entrepreneurial paths might lack, particularly in the initial stages. The associated risks of starting a business — financial uncertainty, long hours, lack of benefits — discourage many from exploring alternative routes. Reluctance to embrace uncertainty and risk further reinforces the institutionalized belief that company employment is the default choice.
Bureaucratic Barriers and the Fear Factor
Existing labor laws, tax policies, and social security frameworks cater to the 9-to-5 worker, making it difficult to venture outside the established norm. Fear acts as an unseen monster, like Jaws, preventing individuals from straying too far from the perceived security of a steady paycheck. The terror of the unknown becomes the bars of the corporate employment cage.
However, it’s important to recognize that the year is 2023. The gig economy is thriving, startups are becoming the new Wall Street, and work-life balance is no longer a myth. Countless opportunities to earn a living without being tied to a corporation exist. Nonetheless, this shift takes time due to the challenge of changing deeply ingrained beliefs.
Embracing New Narratives
It is imperative to foster a new narrative — one where corporate employment is viewed as an option rather than the default setting. Success should be redefined, risk should be embraced, and entrepreneurship should be recognized as a valid choice. Ultimately, money holds importance, but how one earns it should be a personal decision. Moreover, the topic of tying healthcare to a job warrants its own discussion.
John’s Journey
Let’s examine the experiences of a man named John, who has spent over three decades climbing the corporate ladder. With extensive skills and experience, he finds himself unemployed for almost a year. Despite an impressive resume filled with successful projects and leadership roles, he struggles to secure a job that matches his expertise and talents. John needs a paycheck urgently, but it’s apparent that he’s being edged out of positions with comparable status and pay, likely by younger, cheaper labor. Exhausting his unemployment benefits, he is compelled to take immediate action — but what?
Unlocking the Potential
Recognizing John’s immense knowledge and experience, a suggestion is made for him to offer himself as a consultant in his sector. This opportunity could allow him to earn good money over time and be his own boss. At the very least, it could serve as an interim solution until the right full-time position arises. John is flattered at the suggestion, but…
Overcoming Institutionalization and Fear
Despite the potential, John is gripped by fear. The thought of leveraging his skills outside the corporate context, of becoming a consultant, terrifies him. He has become institutionalized in the corporate world, associating work with a structured environment, daily commutes, and a secure monthly paycheck. The idea of being his own boss feels alien, like asking someone to navigate the Matrix without the aid of the green falling codes.
John fails to realize that he possesses a gold mine within himself. His experience and knowledge are assets that don’t require a corporation to monetize them. He can consult, teach, write a book, or even establish his own firm, potentially employing those he competes against for jobs. Unfortunately, the fear of the unknown and the comfort of the corporate sea have trapped him, preventing him from exploring the vast ocean of possibilities beyond the corporate shore. Jaws!
It’s time for John to realize that there’s more than one way to achieve success. Fear, though valid and real, should never be the reason to stick to the beaten path, especially when that path leads nowhere.
The Slow Evolution
Although perceptions are gradually shifting with the rise of the gig economy, increased support for startups, and the growing emphasis on work-life balance, many still hold the deep-rooted belief that working for a company is the sole means of earning money.
Leaving the Rat Race
Now, I understand that my tone may come across as casual, but I assure you it’s not my intention. Thirteen years ago, I made the leap myself after enduring a series of terrible bosses and/or crummy companies. One boss ended up in federal prison, a couple of others were really unpleasant people or equally poor managers, and one even tragically took his own life rather than face up to his criminal malfeasance.
Striking out on my own was my way of escaping the rat race of working for some real rats.
Walking away from the senior executive track came at a significant cost, and despite attempts to regain that level of position whenever a promising job opportunity arose, I found it fruitless. My journey has been a mix of challenges and rewards, and I was fortunate to have the support of my partner during the lean years. Looking back, I strongly believe that consulting was a smart move, and it is a viable option for individuals who have accumulated decades of experience, skills, and contacts.
So, when I witness others facing difficulties, like John, I wholeheartedly encourage them to consider a similar path for their own lives. It may not be the best choice for everyone, but consulting offers a real opportunity to leverage one’s expertise and network, whether as a stopgap measure until the right job comes along or even as a full-time pursuit.
Nevertheless, one thing remains abundantly clear: the world is evolving rapidly, and it doesn’t wait for anyone. The way to make a living isn’t always working a nine-to-five. It’s high time that our perceptions and beliefs align with this new reality, prompting individuals to take stock of what they have and seize the opportunities available to thrive.