Is a Job the Answer?
Let me get this out of the way: this post is biased. Biased because, well, it’s my blog wherein I share my opinion, and dare I say expertise (I just did), on all manner of things and because I am of the particular persuasion of which I am about to write. So here goes: I haven’t had a job in more than six years and I couldn’t be happier.
While people of this fair nation, from one end of the political spectrum to the other, worry about who will create jobs and who’s fault it is that there are few choice jobs, I am busy building my business each day. When people complain that the economy is so bad that they can’t find meaningful employment, I often suggest that they try working for themselves. Unfortunately, my fine suggestion is met with a litany of reasons as to why it’s impossible, unfeasible, or not an option.
I find it sad that so many are snowed by the idea that a job = security. Security, just like freedom, is relative. To whit: there is no security in collecting a paycheck from one employer. None. And lest you think that a corporation, an entity, has your interests at heart, let me ease your mind. It doesn’t. But you know what? That’s ok. Armed with that knowledge, you have the freedom to make a choice. The choice of whether to be the one who determines your future and the type of work you do, or to relinquish that control to the whims of the employment climate.
As a self-employed person, I create my own economy. I support, in part, the lives of others: my team of talented collaborators and the merchants that I patronize for my business needs. I rest with a bit more assurance that the various payments that I collect from a diverse group of clients is a hedge against the precarious position of working for an employer. Have I lost business over the course of the last six years? Indeed, but there has always been another client or project around the corner. I need not have faith in the market, I have faith in myself, and I’m damn good at what I do. I am fortunate that I have a fine group of colleagues and clients who refer me, who know that me and my team provide solid, creative, and stellar work.
So, is it a little scary at times being free from the corporate clutches? Hell yes! Is scary a bad thing? Hell no! Scary just means that I am aware of my situation, alert to the changing project load landscape, and ever-vigilant to keep the pipeline full. I admit that autonomy and self-determination is not for everyone, but I would much rather go through my life each day awake and present instead of numb by job boredom or clock-watching as I wait for some guy in a suit tell me when I can take my lunch break. I’m too independent and smart for that. And I have a feeling that maybe you are, too.
(Image Credit: Some rights reserved by alancleaver_2000)
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10 Comments for this entry
Sheila Sornsin
Amen, sista! Well stated and so true. Don’t complain about the economy, do something constructive about it. We all create our own destiny and I am grateful to be creating mine filled with joy, freedom and creativity to express myself fully. I love it!
Amanda
Love this! I get the exact same nonsense when I suggest that people should work for themselves. People just don’t get it – and until they figure it out on their own, there’s not much we can do for them.
The stability of a j-o-b is just code for lazy and unwilling to change.
Scott Powers
Amen sister (and my one of my favorite forces of nature)!! Last summer a consulting gig had me in the corporate world for a few months. It was my first time sitting in a cube in about 10 years. The misery of the full-timers was soul crushing. No one really wanted to be there, and I truly felt sorry for them and grateful for the life I have carved out for myself. You are right Shanna that there are some days where this entreprenuer/self-employed gig will bring you to your knees with fear and doubt. As I like to tell people, it’s not always easy, but it is always worth it! Great post!
shanna
thanks, all, for your thoughtful comments. it’s comforting to know that y’all get it and understand that while working for yourself can be challenging, the alternative (a j.o.b.) is pretty bleak 
Keep doing what you do–the world is a better place because of it!
Jenny
A very timely post as I’m just finishing my last 3 days working for ‘the man’ and I have to say I’m terrified aboutthe prospect of working for myself as it’s something I’ve never done! Hopefully it will go better than expected!
Emmanuelle
Just came across this post and I have to say, it’s very timely! I am currently building my business and hope to escape the soul-sucking corporate world in a few months from now, I can’t wait!
shanna
You can do it, Emmanuelle! I heartily support your journey!
Ashley
Hey Shanna,
Interesting post. I too have listened to friends complain about how bad the economy is, and how they just have to wait it out… It is sad. And frustrating. You just want to shake them and say, “Take control of your life man!”
But, the fact is, not everyone is meant to be an entreprenuer. It is scary. The path is unmarked. And it takes a huge amount of belief — in yourself!
Then, there are people who would love to work for themselves, but have no idea how to make that dream a reaility. That was me a year ago. Up to that point, every job I worked in just didn’t feel right. When I finally did set out to do my own thing, I was paralyzed with fear of failure. Ah, that dirty word. FAILURE. It even looks menacing, right? Ultimately, I took responsibility for finding the tools I needed.
In short, after crossing the entreprenurial bridge, many of us have a tendency to look distastefully upon 9-5 jobs.I know I do. But, I have to remind myself that working full-time for a company can be worthwhile, and there are many people who happily do so. It can help one learn how to work in a team, make friends/contacts and learn skills they wouldn’t have otherwise learned. To each her own.
shanna
Ashley,
Thank you for your thoughtful comments; you make several important points. Yes, not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur, but I do believe more people are suited to the life, or at least they would be, if they had the right tools and support. So many people live from a base of fear and this is the cause of much pain and discontent.
Unfortunately, much mythology abounds around working for one’s self (no security, etc.) that I feel it’s my personal mission to enlighten people to the realities. Yes, It can be hard, the hours can be long, but the autonomy and ability to innovate cannot be beat! But, as you mentioned, a job can be beneficial, I certainly learned much at all my jobs—even if the main lesson was that I didn’t like working for others ☺
Sue Ann Gleason
What a poignant and timely post. I, too, create my own economy. It’s scary, it’s exhilarating. And, it’s teaching me lessons I could never have learned had I stayed in the job that was sucking me dry and stifling every ounce of creativity I could conjure up.
I love this entrepreneurial life with its loops and curls and twists and turns. I’m tending a garden which helps feed me when the client load is down and money is tight.
I’m creating group programs at a price point that people can afford.
I’m ever present to the many gifts I have that do not require a “steady income” and I’m getting very creative about how to stay afloat in a sea of possibility. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and inspiring me to stay the course.