I think that everyone has lied sometime in his or her life. I can remember a couple times from my college years (decades ago!). But as I matured, I came to value the truth and expected it in my friends and those I work with. My friends have remained truthful, employers not so much.

One employer statement that seems really untruthful, and grates on me, is “our people are our biggest asset.”  I can list employer policies and actions that make that statement a lie. I’ll bet you can too.  Let’s start with those popular euphemisms “downsize” and “outsource”.

What’s your current employer doing to destroy your trust and loyalty? Have you told them?  Do you dare?  Do they care?

The smart companies today are identifying those key employees they can’t afford to lose. They are those creative people that create value for the company. And they’re creating a workplace that supports them and retains them. There’s lots the company can do – but it starts with TRUST – and no lying.

Petti

In 1996 I finally realized that I wouldn’t have enough money saved to be able to fully retire. And that was before the market decimated my 401K.

My Plan B

Instead of retirement I needed a Plan B – some other way to earn income.  I wanted work that didn’t require early rising, a daily trek to the office, and only 2 weeks vacation per year. I wanted to be “in control” of my income and work destiny.

I made my Plan B:  get a doctorate and teach adults online. By 2000 I had my degree and shortly thereafter began teaching online. In 2007 I left my corporate job and began fully implementing my Plan B.  I’m now happily living out my plan, plus some extra activities I’ve added along the way.

Self Employment Plan

I believe that every adult, employed or not, needs a Plan B – a Self Employment Plan.  The economy has changed, the workplace has changed, and companies can no longer afford to offer you job security.  You must create your own sense of security by knowing that you can support yourself, no matter what happens.  Your life, your feeling of security, your sense of job satisfaction should not depend on another person or another company.

Next week I’m starting a series of seminars on creating a Self Employment Plan. I’m looking forward to helping others create their own Plan B.