Why Traditional 9-to-5 Jobs Are Getting Unstable and Scary

You cannot depend on jobs for financial security anymore

Our grandfathers used to work in the same company for decades. Our fathers used to work in the same company for years. I used to work in the same company for months. You probably need not work in a company ever.

With the advent of advanced information technology and artificial intelligence (AI), companies are changing unprecedentedly. This shift affects businesses and the individuals who rely on them for employment.

In this article, I want to dive deep into why depending solely on a job might not be the best strategy anymore and how embracing freelancing and micro startups is not an option but a necessity.

Corporates Are Becoming Ruthless

Governments around the world are grappling with unsustainable debt levels, leading to tighter taxation structures. This means small businesses find it harder to survive over long periods, such as one or two decades.

The increased financial pressure forces companies to become more ruthless, often at the expense of their employees. You might have noticed numerous social media posts where people complain about the relentless demands of corporate jobs.

This isn't just a trend: it's a symptom of inefficient financial systems. Governments, burdened by debt, impose higher taxes on businesses and individuals to stay afloat.

Companies, in turn, pass this burden onto their employees, expecting more work for the same or even less compensation. The result is a work environment where job security is minimal, and stress levels are high.

They Will Be Lean and Loaded with AI

As AI technology advances, companies are seeking cheaper and more efficient ways to get work done. Just as businesses once outsourced tasks to countries like India and China, they're now turning to AI and automation.

This shift means fewer opportunities for human employment in certain sectors. It's not about blaming these companies; the market rewards efficiency and only the most adaptable businesses survive.

We've seen even large corporations shut down unexpectedly. Being ruthless and efficient isn't just a strategy; it's a necessity for survival in today's market. This reality makes it unlikely for anyone to hold a job for a very long time, as companies continually adapt and restructure to stay competitive.

The Myth of the Long-Term Job Security

Gone are the days when you could join a company and expect to work there for decades. The modern job market is volatile, and holding a single position for a long time is increasingly rare. This uncertainty can be unsettling, making it difficult to plan for the future or feel secure in your career.

I've personally worked with five to six companies, and except for one, I didn't stay at any for more than a year. This instability isn't unique to me; it's a reflection of the times we live in. The constant change and lack of security make it challenging to focus on long-term career growth within a single organization.

Digital Freelancing & Side Hustles

So, what can you do in such a brutal and cutthroat job market? In my opinion, the best way to navigate these uncertain times is to develop a side hustle. Having an additional stream of income can help you stay afloat during tough times and reduce your reliance on a traditional job.

Freelancing, especially digital freelancing, is an excellent transition from being an employee to becoming your own boss. By honing skills that are in demand, you can offer services directly to clients, giving you control over your workload and income. Freelancing allows you to build a portfolio, expand your network, and even pave the way to starting your own micro-startup.

One of the significant advantages of freelancing is the freedom it offers. You're not confined to a fixed schedule or location. You can work from anywhere, whether it's from the comfort of your home or while traveling to different places. Moreover, freelancing spares you from the toxic politics that often plague corporate environments.

After five years in the corporate world, I finally gained the freedom to build my own business. I started as a freelancer and eventually evolved into a micro-startup founder. I built a distribution list - a dedicated audience interested in my content and offerings. This approach differs from the path many social media creators take.

Building a Deep Marketing Funnel

Many social media creators focus on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, constantly churning out content to keep their audience engaged. While this can be effective, it's often shallow and demands continuous content creation to stay relevant due to algorithm changes.

My journey as a creator has been about building depth rather than breadth. I developed a deep marketing funnel, starting with valuable content that attracts high-quality individuals: people who appreciate in-depth articles and long-form podcasts. These are the people with the attention span and intelligence to engage deeply with the material.

I don't rely heavily on social media algorithms. Instead, I use email marketing to reach my audience directly. Many of you reading this might have joined my list through a paid advertisement or by opting into my content offerings. This method allows me to maintain a closer connection with my audience without depending on the whims of social media platforms.

Securing Your Financial Future

If you want to build security for your future and not be dependent on a job, I recommend following a similar path. Start by developing valuable skills and offering them as a freelancer.

Gradually, you can transition into a creator and business owner. Focus on building a deep marketing funnel rather than chasing fleeting social media trends.

By cultivating a small but dedicated audience, you ensure that there are always people ready to purchase your products or services. This strategy provides a consistent revenue stream, giving you the freedom to pursue your interests, read books, expand your knowledge, and even explore alternative investment vehicles like Bitcoin.

Cheers,
Deepak Kanakaraju