Am I the only one who thinks…

Anonymous

August 17,2022 at 12:49PM UTC

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Am I the only one who thinks…

Sometimes reading about the dilemmas and red flags, the do’s and don’ts of job searching and asking for raises and titles, and the general downsides of working for someone else is exhausting! I am so appreciative of this community of professionals who are willing to share the very best of themselves and their experience. But I find myself needing a break from the “Run, quit, call HR, sue the company” crowd. More and more, I find myself thinking that the corporate life is a bust and the only way to go is to find a way to work for yourself. So I’m asking the consultants and contractors out there: tell me about your journey. The high’s, the lows, and anything you’re willing to share. I appreciate you and look forward to learning from your experiences.

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AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 1:01PM UTC
Well said!! I’m also tired of hearing the knee jerk “contact HR and QUIT” responses.
I don’t think the corporate world is a racket tho— I think these responses are coming from folks who aren’t seeing the whole picture.
AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 3:25PM UTC
I hear ya about tge quick answers if RUN, etc.
As for working for myself, I'm actually in the midst of transitioning (will be completely 100% consultant in January).
I'm at the end of my career (65 yrs old) and have been slowly building a side hustle with the plan of partial retirement. Each company I've worked (as a full time employee) for over the past 10 years, I've kept some form of consultant work with. And as top performers have left they have kept my contact info and brought me on for certain project work. I have 3 active clients and 1 nit so actuve at the moment and a full time senior position. I'm very organized and never commit if I don't think I can deliver. The nice thing has been that none of these clients too big so I can easily support them.
I have uses that money to set up my consulting business with an accountant, attorney etc. I have dedicated work space and equipment that I have purchased so everything is separate.
I've been with my current employer for 3 years and I will share my plans of semi return in the fall. This way I can cleanly transition out, assist with any company deliverables by year end. I am hopping to consult on one of the projects next year when their funding is approved.
So there are different ways to accommodate the transition. I'm pleased at how the present economy encourages consultants v. Employee hires. It let's me build my business but I get to take on only the work volume I want which will be about 20 to 25 hours/week.
AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 8:03PM UTC
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am in the Data Analytics field and find contract work more and more attractive. I am at a time in my life where my career focus is less about advancement and much more about growth and balance. I am also highly organized and have a definite preference for working at a pace that I set for myself.
I wish you well with your "semi-retirement" plan!
AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 4:04PM UTC
I totally get where you're coming from.
AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 7:50PM UTC
Speaking as a single woman with no other adult for backup in the home, it's a real luxury to be able to turn down a job offer where things look sketchy when you need a job period,or even a decent pay increase to survive.
I think the "run, quit, tell HR" comments are from those that would not suffer harsh consequences from quitting or being fired or not taking the job.
AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 8:14PM UTC
I can understand that perspective. I have not experienced being a single parent and am blessed to have a supportive, invested partner in the rearing of our child; but I have been in a position where I didn't have any choice but to take the job being offered. I spent one memorable year (before children) homeless with no resources in a small city where I knew no one. Being homeless by myself was scary and I never want to go back to that. I can't imagine being homeless or on the verge of it with children.
So you're right. It really brings those comments into perspective when you consider the privilege of being able to say "no" and of being able to actively defend your right to fair working conditions. Thank you for your thoughts!
AnonymousAugust 22,2022 at 12:59PM UTC
Exactly!!! Thank you for posting this. So glad you made the right decisions and worked your way out of a horrible situation. It’s eye opening to say the least.