Job Security or Self-Security? 7 New Perspectives on an Old Paradigm - Christine Kane

One of the scariest things I ever did was quit my first (and only) “real” job so I could begin my own brand of creative work in the world.

I became – gasp! – self-employed.

I was warned of the risks. I was told I’d lose my benefits and security. I was told it’s “hard out there” working for yourself.

The assumption so many people base one of their biggest life choices on is that working for yourself is risky.  After 16 years of making a living on my own terms – I believe the exact opposite!

So, here are seven new perspectives on the well-worn idea of “Job Security.” (My reasons why NOT to have a job.)

1. Having a job is risky.

When you have a job, someone can take away your income in two words: “You’re fired.”  This is happening more and more as companies crumble in the face of global changes.

If you ask me, there’s nothing secure about that.

In your own business, when a client or customer moves on – then guess what?  You get to say, “Next!”

2. No Bonus Pay for Messing Up.

When you mess up at your job, you get punished, maybe even a pay-cut. Then you have to run around “making nice” to the people who might lay you off or promote someone else who’s younger and “hungry.” (Hungry for what? More time at the office?)

When one of my clients faces challenges in her business, I remind her to be excited. She’s getting paid to learn!  Every mistake teaches her more about how to succeed.

Instead of getting an MBA – she’s getting a TBF. (Trial by Fire!)  TBF’s yield a high ROI!

3. Your Ceiling isn’t Adjustable When you Have a Job.

Often, I show clients multiple places they can generate income in their business within the next few months.  Their eyes light up as they realize that the possibilities are endless.  They stop thinking in terms of “hours for dollars,” and start thinking of passive income.  (Hey, why not get paid while you sleep?)

In a job, you can’t adjust your income based on the value you provide. Instead you have to ask for a raise.  Not fun.

4. Pantyhose.

As I write this, I’m working.

I’m wearing a Tarheels baseball cap, a t-shirt, and jeans. I’ve got my feet propped up on the deck railing as birds sing at the feeder.

When I had a job, there was a dress code. And rules about what you could have on your desk. There was limited time for lunch, and no time for creativity.  And don’t even get me started on pantyhose!

5. Your money doesn’t go as far.

Did you know that employee income is the most heavily taxed income in the U.S.?   As an employee, almost half your salary will go to taxes.  You get to spend what’s left on living expenses.

One of my first self-employed discoveries was that my money went MUCH further – because I could invest in myself with pre-tax income.  Any good accountant will help you make your dollars expand in your own business.

6. Focusing on your Weaknesses.

Have you ever heard of a “360?”

That’s when your co-workers and supervisors (and anyone else who wants to chip in) analyze your job performance. You learn all about your weaknesses – and you get a review outlining the ways you need to work on them. Often, people leave these “360” reviews in tears.

In the world of the solo-preneur, we don’t mess with our weaknesses. The motto is Strengthen your Strengths. Hire your Weaknesses. In other words, as you become aware of your weaknesses, you don’t waste your precious energy fixing them.

7. Negative Environment.

Many office environments don’t encourage creative thinking or positive focus. Instead, there’s lots of negativity among employees who feel powerless.

In your own business, you set the tone, and you choose who enters your environment. You become personally responsible for every aspect of your life.

This is often more uncomfortable than sitting back and blaming “The Man,” but it will absolutely free you.

—–

There has NEVER been a better time to have a business.  The world is now at your fingertips.  If you are self-employed and still find yourself struggling – don’t blame yourself. The “job” paradigm can be a tough one to break. (I’ve been there!)

Whether you’ve been dabbling in a business on the side, or you’ve been self-employed for years, join me LIVE on Tuesday, December 6 from the comfort of your own laptop!  You’ll be able to take part in a session of my Uplevel LIVE retreat totally free of charge!   Click here to find out more!

30 COMMENTS ADD A COMMENT
  • Wendy

    I guess there were no ideas… 🙁

  • Wendy

    I hear you Christine! But what if you are stuck in the jail of debt from car, school (&c)? I would be more willing to jump and trust the net if I were by myself, but honestly, am afraid to do so because my actions would impact my husband, tas well. He is a musician, and I know you know all about that!

    Any ideas?

  • Joanie Veage

    Wow! About number 7!. I gave up my regular job. A life long, lucrative career, with extensive world travel, and the bit for my passion. Cooking. Started my own personal chef service so I could control my envornment in the private sector. What happens when you do your best work, and the more creative you are, the more jealously and contempt you get from the other hosuehold staff. I ofetn feel pretty helpless, as a result of my environment. I’m working on it every day using the tools I get from Christine, and I feel confidant, that i can set my intent for the day, and get through it.

    • Christine Kane

      Joanie – I’m not sure I understand what you are writing here? Can you elaborate so I can offer some support?

  • Iris M. Gross

    Two words: Pre-existing condition. This should strike fear in the heart of anyone thinking of going out on their own. If you’re married you can lean on your significant other. If you’re single, just be warned.

    • Christine Kane

      Iris – I do understand the fear that health challenges can bring up, and I have so much compassion when anyone faces a challenge like that. Sending you light and love with whatever you are facing.

      AND I still believe that we can set up our lives based in what we want to be and do and have, and that fear and warnings are not the highest places from which to make decisions.

      I know that if I had stayed in my job because of health benefits (and yes, this was long before I met my husband), that I would now be in terrible health and emotional instability. (And quite possibly no longer alive!) Regardless of our choices, we will all face different levels of challenges – but I never want the fear of the unknown to dictate my choices.

      That said, everyone has to decide for themselves HOW they wish to live and where their priorities sit. Thanks for your input in the conversation. And many blessings to you.

  • Jane

    I can’t believe how you have summed up everything that has been going around my head for the last year or so. I finally plucked up courage and handed in my notice this Monday! I am so looking forward to all the possibilities of being my own boss, especially wearing my comfy Uggs all day instead of those uncomfortable high heels! Fantastic post x

    • Christine Kane

      Jane – Congratulations! Can’t wait to watch where you take this now —

      And yes to Uggs. Wearing them now!

  • Jennifer

    Ok, Ok…I hear you and I am quitiing soon. I have done evertying but set the date!

    See you next week at Uplevel Live and I am so looking forward to it.

  • Barb Churchill

    Christine,
    I was just having a conversation with my trainer, Scott Craig, this morning about J-O-B-S and how exciting/challenging being in biz for yourself can be. I was encouraging him to go to your website and scope things out, and what should happen? You were in my in-box! I forwarded this to him so he can listen in on the 6th. Thanks so much and can’t wait to see you next week!

    • Christine Kane

      Thanks Barb! I have a feeling Scott will really benefit from this kind of learning. He sounds like an awesome trainer!

  • Stephanie Leach

    I quit Corporate America two years ago. It was hard to ignore the nay-sayers. . . the ones that believe security is in your company matched 401k . . . but I did it anyway. After the initial shock of it, I soon discovered the joy of creative work. You are so right – office cubicles squash creativity. Can’t wait to attend one of your events one day!

    • Christine Kane

      go Stephanie! And we’ll all greet you with open arms when you finally make it to an event!

  • Jennifer Carson

    Thanks for a great article. Never having to wear pantyhose or uncomfortable shoes – these are reasons enough! Everything else is just icing on the cake…

    • Christine Kane

      Okay – so I still wear uncomfortable shoes at times – but ONLY when they are so freakin’ COOL.

  • Phillis Benson

    Love it — as a Former (as in my former life) Human Resource Manager . . . great post, as always! Can’t wait for the Virtual Event…. thank you! Cheers, P.

  • Ulla Thøgersen

    I simply love the idea of hiring my weaknesses 🙂

  • skinny latte

    Christine, this is an incredibly timely post for me! Thank you! 🙂

    • Christine Kane

      Yay Skinny Latte! (fyi – i’m more of a whole cream latte girl myself!)

  • Anna

    So, last night I had a full-on “OMG, what are you thinking by quitting your job have you lost your freakin’ mind???” meltdown and today, here you are! It seems like you read my mind when it most needs to be read 🙂 Thank you for this and for being who you are in the world!

    • Christine Kane

      You’re doing great Anna. It’s a little scary sometimes of course, but I’m happy to be supporting you as you step into your calling!

  • Mindful Mimi

    Hi Christine,
    I think I saw you wearing pantyhouse at your recent retreat when you were wearing that gorgeous orange dress. What’s up with that? 🙂
    M

    • Christine Kane

      I actually wasn’t wearing stockings at all, my friend!

  • Martina

    Amen. 😉
    See you soon.

    • Christine Kane

      Are you coming to Uplevel LIVE??? From overseas?? Woohooo! Can’t wait to see you there!

  • Katie Vrajich

    Your posts always make me laugh! I am a big advocate of creating job security through creating your own jobs, so this post caught my eye. It also had some great reminders for me though! I loved “Strengthen your Strengths. Hire your Weaknesses” and I am working on that hiring part as we speak. You are so inspiring to me Christine! Thank you. 🙂

    • Christine Kane

      Thanks Katie! Your life will be forever changed when you begin hiring people who love to do the stuff you were born to completely suck at! 🙂