
The overall view is still superficial. Recently I had a meeting with a new client and the topic of hair dying came up. The more we talked about it the happier I became that I went out on my own. While there is nothing wrong with working in a corporate environment, if you have to, it wasn't for me.
Back to the conversation. She was a little stressed about it because she like many know of the health risks associated with most dyes. But aside from this the reality: men can climb the corporate ladder with distinguished greys while women had better think twice before prolonging the inevitable trip to the salon for a fix. Skills or ranking for women is in the slow lane. Brave women take the major steps of starting their own businesses, others work it out in corporate, working hard and taking names. As to whether they make the money they deserve is the bigger question-still.
Another aspect of this is pride. We all like to be recognized for a job well done, but ideas given can remain fluid or be taken as the bosses' idea. Making us rethink if the next time we should just hunker down. Nope. Don't do it. Other ways exist to make your ideas take flight. Joining a networking group is a good option. You can discover which work for your business model even if the goal is not the totally strike out on your own. Networking is good for anyone looking to stretch outside of their comfort zone. Optimizing essential skills other employers may see as an asset to them.
Obviously you can run into the same fishbowl of checks and minuses, but you may gain more leverage as you increase your exposure, possibly your net value. In a time when employers are hiring at fewer hours per week, if this is something you can realistically handle, why not try out working a few assignments for someone or starting up a small business of your own. Now, you have to be careful, as your current employment may be similar to what your new project involves, so you need to research so there is not a conflict of interest. If it is polar opposite, why not see what you can do to keep the locomotive on the right track.
Either way, communities may offer other options, free ones, so you can see your dreams realized. Volunteer work can lead into an active, paying role where your ideas are not shoved into a drawer. Smaller companies will sometimes put an ad in the classified or online requesting new ideas for their companies. If the ideas are accepted, there could be a small stipend or invitation to come on board. The pay might not settle all of the monthly expenses but the idea is that you not jump from your job to the next big thing. Progressive, planned steps are best. See how the plan can mold into success.
Instead of actuating abilities to the lowest bidder, think outside the box, better yet, create your own unboxed, concepts to realities. There is no crime in trying. You deserve it.
Until next time~