J.T. O'Donnell
In the last year, I've become obsessed with the concept of Professional Emancipation. Our team has been researching the trend and there is conclusive evidence to support there's a major collective shift in our career mindsets occurring. In fact, my team designed an Evolution of the Employee infographic that documents this trend. Here are some additional stats to prove it:
- 72% of workers would rather work for themselves.
- 86% plan to actively look for a new job this year.
However, in spite of the research and stats, the reality is the majority of our dissatisfied workforce won't do anything of impact to improve their situation.
- 70% of employees in the company they work for and aren't seeking it either.
- 58% of workers think they don't need help in their careers and can figure it out for themselves.
Why are so many professionals unhappy but unlikely to change their situation? The answer lies in The Golden Handcuff Effect...
Golden Handcuffs = Held Hostage By Pay & Benefits
When we are unhappy in our career but don't know what to do to change it, it's far easier to rationalize we should stay in our current situation because of the pay and benefits. After all, we have financial obligations and a lifestyle we wish to uphold as a way to offset the career dissatisfaction. Suddenly, The Golden Handcuff Effecttakes hold. We feel held hostage by our employer. We have feelings of conflict. We know we should be grateful to have the job, but we can't get rid of the nagging feeling that our career isn't within our control. It feels like we are accepting a bribe - there is something unsettling about the situation, but we feel powerless to change it. Sound familiar? If so, then I suggest you read on. Recent history indicates if don't address it, you could find yourself in the unhappy position millions of fellow workers who didn't pay heed are in now.
Example: Laid-off (Set Free), But Ruined Nonetheless
Ask someone in their 40s, 50s, or 60s who got laid-off in this recession from a job they didn't enjoy how hard it has been to find work. First, they got let go - a total shot to their confidence. Then, as they looked for a new job, they couldn't find anything that inspired them. Soon after, they realized they needed a job ASAP, but because they'd been laid-off and didn't have a clear plan and passion for their next career move, they are discriminated against. Before they knew it, they were out of work for more than a year, their savings were gone, and their financial situation was, and still is, unstable. Try being optimistic about finding a satisfying career with that hanging over you? It's not easy. These folks learned the hard way how Golden Handcuffs will ruin your career - even if you are set free.
Solution: Professional Emancipation
The best way to avoid the very real scenario above is to recognize you are not an employee. You are a business-of-one. It's time to take full ownership and learn to engage in smart business practices that will strengthen your professional position. I'm not suggesting everyone quit their jobs and start their own businesses. That's not necessary. What I am suggesting, is you treat your career as a business, and learn how to work "with" employers instead of "for" employers. This fundamental shift in mindset will help you see what you need to do to take control and find the kind of career success and satisfaction you want and deserve.
