Entrepreneurship is the answer for Millennials
The traditional, simplistic idea of the American dream goes like this: go to school, attend college, graduate with a degree, obtain a good job and you’ll be set for life. It’s a formula that has been implemented in society for generations, and even normalized in other cultures across the globe.
Growing up, I always dreamt of what life would be like once I became an adult. I’d work a job I enjoy and be able to afford nice things with the money I’d make. It wasn’t until I got to college that I realized I would need a proper vehicle to achieve those dreams, and that “just a job” wouldn’t be enough.
In fact, many millennials have discovered the harsh reality that a stable job is no longer good enough. With companies laying off dozens of employees a year, and college graduates struggling to find decent paying jobs, the whole idea of job security has become something of a myth.
Author Robert Kiyosaki first predicted that entrepreneurship—and specifically network marketing—will have a rise in modern society in his book, “Business of the 21st Century.”
It’s a smart idea to have a backup plan in case you lose your job or an emergency situation arises. Creating assets on the side while working a day job can provide the security that pensions and 401(k) accounts used to fill.
Companies like Uber and Airbnb capitalized on the concept of business marketing by turning an asset, such as your car or home, into an income generator. Other companies, such as Mary Kay and Amway, operate on a multi-level marketing platform, using direct selling as a networking tool.
The success of either being an independent contractor or freelancing with one of these companies has attracted people to deviate from the traditional 9-to-5 work life.
And no one seems to thinks twice about the prospect of having to work for someone for the entirety of their life. After all, it’s been ingrained in our brains, told to us over and over by parents, teachers and society.
Humans were never meant to be employees—they were first, and foremost, makers of their own product.
As the gap between the rich and poor increases every year, graduates are struggling to pay off student loan debt. Now, it is a necessity to find alternative means of making money.
Setting yourself apart from the masses also provides a greater opportunity for success. Adults have become conditioned to shrinking their dreams and goals because they realize that the means of achieving them are near impossible.
The problem isn’t that the dream is too big, but the means of accomplishing it is inefficient. Turning a hobby into a side project or spending non-productive time building equity will have a far greater return on investment than any retirement plan or savings account.
In the 21st century, jobs are only a temporary means of making income, but long-term security comes from making something of your own to pass down to the next generation, and to be able to live your life to the fullest. Entrepreneurship is that answer.
Featured Image: Illustration by Bethany Wilson
Wow, this is really good stuff! I completely agree that millennial’s are changing their thought process from the “job security” to hustling and creating their own security.