“I’m looking for the least possible amount of responsibility.” What a great line from the movie American Beauty.
In this scene, Lester Burnham, a tired and overworked 14-year advertising executive (played by Kevin Spacey), has just quit his corporate job. He’s tired of his life at home and his dead-end career. And upon seeing a “Now Hiring” sign at the local fast-food joint, he decides to really simplify and start all over as a burger flipper.
This scene came to mind when I read an article in the Los Angeles Times about high-powered and highly educated single young professionals who have recently lost their jobs. The article talked about a trend called “funemployment,” where many young professionals are opting to stay unemployed indefinitely.
Basically, these individuals gave their careers everything they had. And after years of sacrifice, they suddenly find themselves unemployed…and tired of the corporate BS. So instead of looking for another job, they’re taking advantage of the opportunity to do all the things they’ve been putting off for years.
Some are traveling the world. Others just want to hang out at the beach and drink margaritas, take road trips to see friends and family, or play golf every day.
To me, this is just more evidence that we’re about to see a massive paradigm shift in the way we view work. The current “work them to death” model in corporate America is broken. People are tired of sacrificing everything for their career, only to get a pink slip at the end. And we have a new generation entering the workforce that has a very different view of what the right work-life balance should be.
That’s why I’m confident that a large percentage of these “funemployed” will come back (when their severance and savings run out!) as freelancers and solo professionals – not as corporate execs. They want the high pay, but they’re not willing to compromise too much to get it. Which means that in many cases they’ll have to settle for less until they build their solo careers.
But I think most of them will be OK with that. The freedom to design the life they want and live by their own rules will be the biggest reward. And it won’t be long before many of them are earning more (and doing more of what they want) than they did in their corporate jobs.
What do you think? When you talk to friends and colleagues, are you sensing the same attitude changes about work?
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It’s much easier to stay on the slave, save, and splurge cycle than to build a plan for independent success. It’s a bit like the three little pigs. Most of my 20-something friends complain when they’re employed, play when they’re unemployed, then go back to pursuing straw-house (unbalanced, emotionally volatile) full-time employment because it requires less personal investment. I’ve tried to sell them on the rewards of self-employment, but they like the guaranteed paycheck, benefits, and built-in routine of the w2 and aren’t interested in anything else. To each their own…
“The current “work them to death” model in corporate America is broken.”
I’m not sure if that’s the right approach to perceive the corporate life in North America. Considering quite a few companies have benefit plans and a 5 day work week, that’s not really ‘working to death’. When I was back in Asia we considered it lucky if we worked only 5 days and didn’t have to pull overtime too regularly (for no overtime pay). And that’s just white-collar jobs, never mind factory workers. I’m no fan of working in an office, but I’m just saying comparatively speaking it’s a lot rougher in other parts of the world.
Amy – Good points. Although I have to admit that not everyone’s cut out for a solo career or entrepreneurship. Certainly not the right model for everyone, and that’s fine. Also, I’ve personally experienced “slavery” as a soloist (taking on way too much work), but that mainly happened during the first couple of years in business for me — back when I was afraid to turn anything down because I felt that the well would dry up. The benefit of being out on your own is the freedom to call the shots and turn the dial on work based on your needs, goals and values.
Charlene – I agree that workload is a relative thing. You will always find someone (or a group of people) who work much harder and longer. My point was mainly focused on North America. I would argue that Americans and Canadians now work longer hours than ever before. And as layoffs have increased, the remaining team is left with fewer people to handle almost the same workload. Also, to make it fair, if we compare the current situation in North America to the work conditions in Asia, we should also compare them to Europe, where I would also argue people work much less than they do here and lead much more balanced lives. What do you think?
Ed, I agree with the idea that following this economic slowdown there will be more freelancers and consultants out there. Those who are disciplined and good at their craft and who don’t mind marketing themselves will find a lucrative, flexible lifestyle. Others won’t like the lack of structure and will move back into the full-time corporate world. I’ve done both and really love the freedom to plan my time and seek out the work I want to do. While I don’t think corporate America is a terrible place to be, we could take some lessons from the Europeans on work/life balance!
Sharon – Good point about learning from the Europeans when it comes to work/life balance. While I’m not sure that mandatory 30-hour workweeks and 8-week vacations will work here, I’m seeing a lot of people realizing they need to enjoy life more…and be thankful for what they DO have. That’s a healthy view.
I left my job as a biotech researcher, working first at the University of Michigan and then as a faculty research fellow at CalTech, after four years of working 70 to 85 hours a week; 9 am to 9 pm, or midnight, 5 days a week and shorter days on Saturday. I quit trying to be a scientist at a high power university because it wasn’t worth giving up my life. I also watched the guy next door have a heart attack at 42, and he died from a second heart attack a year later. I figured, that could be me in a few years and quit to work as a freelance writer.
Let’s hope that the phenomenon of Americans working more than everyone else on the planet ends and this country becomes reasonable.
I definitely see a trend in the defense industry (DoD). Civilian contracting companines are finding it much harder to recruit younger, entry level employees. And those they do find are moving on to other jobs/careers within a few years.
Benefits packages just don’t appeal to younger workers as much as flexibility. I know if the company I work for allowed me to work remotely (which would be very doable), I would stay with them for life.
Evenutally, I think more companies will adopt remote work arrangements. Not out of design. Out of necessity.
Jerret – Interesting observation about Dod contractors. And I agree about younger (twentysomething) workers. The difference between my generation (gen x) and these guys/gals is tremendous! Flexibility is incredibly important — and they mean it when they ask for it.
Right on, Ed! As more former Wall St. head honchos go to work for $25,000 a year, those of us currently freelancing face a new and interesting challenge: Where will you be when these well-educated, skilled individuals flood the freelancing market? Will you be ready for the onslaught by working now to create a solid business and loyal clients?
I began freelancing in 2006. No one had ever heard of freelancing or outsourcing. A mere two years later, outsourcing was a popular buzzword and the market was overcrowded with “freelance writers” (and designers, etc.), thanks, in part, to books like the 4-Hour Work Week. I didn’t have to worry about my competition, but many other freelancers did, as they scrambled to achieve the impossible: reduce their fees and match the costs and speed of foreign freelance houses.
I feel certain history will repeat itself, albeit the players may be even more sophisticated this time around. To glide through this change, I’m going to keep my nose to the grindstone, ignore the recession, and treat my loyal customers like gold. How about you?
Victoria – My plan is the same: Deliver great copy and great service, always make good on my promises, and add more value than the next guy/gal.
But frankly, the key to success is to ALWAYS treat your clients like gold, not just when the going gets rough. It’s funny — the people at my bank are now suddenly super-friendly and courteous. And the retailers I frequent are now going out of their way to treat me right.
I’m glad. But it’s disappointing that they couldn’t bring themselves to deliver great service and value before the downturn. The busiensses that truly impress me are the ones that always treat me right, regardless of what’s happening in the economy.
I am from Spain, I can assure you that in Spain we do a lot of hours in our jobs and we haven´t a balanced live because our companies are not very flexible. In some countries in north of Europe they have more flexibility and so they have a more balanced live.
Now in Spain, you can see that people that have been working 20 years in a company is fired due the crisis, although the companies are still making money, so I ask myself: why I should work in a company if I will be fired sooner or later?
I think that in few years I will be freelancer in order to manage my life and don´t be pending of my boss desires.
Ed and all, this is a valuable thread of thought. As a “newbie” gen x freelancer, I am still employed in corporate media. Those of us who’ve survived the lay-offs and mandatory “furloughs” are almost all seeking new sources of income. I’ve watched industry professionals of 25 years escorted from the building simply because they make too much money. Corporate doesn’t seem to agree that paying a good salary for experience is a smart plan. Some flounder around hoping for another chance in media. (Many of the best in the country are waiting up to a year for new contracts.) Meanwhile, as you said, two people are left to do the jobs of four. Some of my co-workers are in technical or traditional schools gaining skills and education for entirely new careers. “Job Security” is a myth. But, we are a generation taught by our parents to work hard, put in the long hours, give it all and expect compensation from the company. Maybe it used to be that way. For me, I know I have valuable skills and abilities. My company has used them and outsourced them shamelessly without compensating me properly. I think I’ll get in the driver’s seat for a while. What do you think?
Glynda, I am almost certain Ed will agree with me when I say Go For It! The opportunities in freelancing are virtually unlimited, regardless of your skill set. Someone…probably many someones…are waiting with baited breath to pay you to put your talents to work doing what they can’t do, or don’t have the time to do. One word of caution: Freelancing is addictive! Rather than slaving away for an employer who shamelessly outsources your talents without your consent, freelancing offers the perfect mix of client promotion and self-promotion. Everyone wins! I began about 5 years ago with no clue about what I was doing. Freelancing fell in my lap after my own experience with downsizing, and I ran with it wholeheartedly. So grab your keys and start the car because, with your skills, I have a feeling you’re going places!
Glynda,
It’s the reality of our times — a complex dynamic, for sure! Your analysis above is dead on. Because of that, I’m seeing more and more people get on the proverbial driver’s seat and go for a more scenic, more fun drive around the countryside (in a red convertible!). Today, 31% of the U.S. workforce is either self-employed or temporary. Within 10 years, experts predict that number to climb to 40%.
May as well start building your plan now. This shift we’re seeing is not an aberration. It’s an unstoppable tidal wave!
Ed:
Right on! I came to a realization last year, after I was “downsized” for the second time in six years from a corporate marcom job:
- What’s the best way to find a job: networking.
- What’s the best way to find freelance work: networking.
If there is no such thing anymore as “job security,” why shouldn’t I go freelance, do the work I love, choose the clients I want to do it for, and do as much of it as I want/need/care to/am able?
The truth shall set you free!
Mark
Good point, Mark. People say they don’t believe there’s job security out there. But most will still feel safer in a job than on their own. Sure, nothing is 100% safe. But I’d rather be the one making the decisions than be at the mercy of executives or a board of directors who are making decisions based on quarterly profit targets.
Plus, I don’t ever want to look back and say, “Gee, I wonder what would have happened if I had tried doing my own thing…started my own business…launched my own practice…”
I hear that all the time. It’s sad.
Ed, this conversation is making me feel old. I’m a gen-old, I guess. Baby boomer. I was self employed for years. Then I decided to get a job because I was tired of constantly selling myself, my husband wanted to go back to school, so it made sense to have a “regular” paycheck. Fast forward to last March, when the company I worked for melted down as part of the financial debacle. Now I’m back where I was 10 years ago, but with less energy for the selling and having to start from scratch.
Don’t know about the gen x, gen y, 20 somethings, but I’m just tired. . .
Susanna – I can sympathize with your situation. The last 2 years have been tough for millions of professionals. But I’m convinced that we’re entering an era where ALL workers (whether self-employed or working for someone else) will HAVE to be more entrepreneurial to survive. So while I understand your not feeling up to it now, think of it as a blessing in disguise. The skills and habits you’ll have to develop in order to do well as a solo professional will serve you well no matter where you go in 1, 2, 3 or 5 years. All the best to you!