Need work? Trying making your own.
How do you find a job in today's economy when most companies aren't hiring and few jobs are being created? Commentator Charles Handy says the thing to do is make your own work.
London Business School founder and Claremont Graduate University's Drucker School of Business Professor, Charles Handy. (Liz Handy)
More on The Economy, Jobs, Commentaries
TEXT OF COMMENTARY
KAI RYSSDAL: Maybe the toughest part of today's unemployment number to wrap your brain around is that there aren't a whole lot of places that 10 percent of the work force not working can go. Companies aren't really hiring, not many new jobs are being created.
Commentator Charles Handy says the thing to do is make your own work.
Charles Handy: Let's be realistic -- jobs are going to be in short supply for the next few years. Of course, it does depend on what you mean by a job.
The other day, I was having lunch with an advertising executive. He was bemoaning the fact that he had lost his job while still at the height of his powers, as he saw it. Just at that moment, the electrician who was working in his house put his head around the door. "I won't be back for a couple of days," he said. "I've got another job to fit in." In his world, a job meant a client; in my friend's world, it meant an employer.
There's no obvious limit to the number of electrician-type jobs that can exist. Or plumbers. Or accountants. The world is full of potential clients -- for something. The problem is that you have to create the something yourself, and most of us are not born entrepreneurs. Particularly if we have grown up and even grown old in institutions, moving from school to college to organization, places where work was shoved at you, yours only to pick up your shovel or pen and deal with it.
It's best to practice it young if you can. I said to my kids, "When you leave college don't get a job at first. Find someone who will pay you money for something you make or do for them. It will be good practice for life later on." But it's never too late to start, and more of us will have to, one day, now that life is longer and organizations much slimmer.
I did it. I became fed up with organizations -- grew out of them really -- and went on my own when I was 49. Cold-calling potential clients, learning to live a cash-flow life after a salaried one. It was hard at first. But I learnt to love the freedom, and the joy of working with people rather than for people. Besides, if you are your own boss, it's up to you how hard you work, or where, or when, or why.
Ryssdal: Management consultant Charles Handy is a founder of the London Business School. His most recent book is called "Myself, and Other More Important Matters."
Comments
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From HI, 02/26/2010
My husband and I are presently unemployed because we created our own jobs 5 years ago and became entrepreneurs. While I do agree that the present situation calls for all of us to go out on our own, entrepreneurship isn't a cure-all or a sure thing. It's an adventure with its own risks and losses as well as the potential gains.
It is clear that after a bit of rest from falling on our arses, our family will be creating our own jobs again.
From Roswll, GA, 11/14/2009
What a great advice. Thanks NPR you are the best.
From Seattle, WA, 11/11/2009
In just a few words, Mr. Handy has concisely articulated a notion that I have held for months: that the future for many of us is to be our own leader. How wonderful it was to hear this broadcast on the air! (I'm saving the podcast for posterity.)
Despite its many uncertainties, the one sure thing about being self employed is that you know who is in charge, and who is in charge of your destiny.
From NY, NY, 11/10/2009
Thanks!
We've been working on this notion for the last few years: that its essential to harvest the "working knowledge" of mature professionals: and the only way for effective leveraging of what you know into what you do!
We're working on a community-based rollout of the idea in Manhattan, now.
Best,
Ian Miller
From FL, 11/10/2009
Excellent, insightful commentary by Mr. Handy. I'd love to see him as a regular speaker on Marketplace.
From San Francisco, CA, 11/09/2009
I enjoyed Mr. Smith's commentary. Everything he says is true, but there is more to creating a viable business. I know this from experience as I am on my second stint as a self-employed consultant. I wish I knew during my first stint what I know now. He has the zeal needed to be an entrepreneur. It also takes skills beyond the field for which you wish to offer your services. You need to be able to market and sell your services/products. You need to manage your business, all the backroom stuff, scheduling, managing supplies, administrative and financial work, and the list goes on.
I propose that curricula be expanded to include such courses aimed at small businesses. SBA states that the vast majority of businesses have 10 or less employees. Given the shifts in the economy, and as more people think of self-employment this might be a practical step to reduce the high failure rate of small businessees.
From San Antonio, TX, 11/09/2009
Yes and then there's the dark side. The dark side that wouldn't exist if we all had universal health coverage through the government instead of through employers. I did a business for three years before having to call it quits because of an "oops baby". Plus later I found out I had testosterone problems- after I was working for the man again. I think government supported universal health coverage (not politician managed) would be a great boost for entrepreneurs.
From San Rafael, CA, 11/08/2009
What sage advice! I left Corporate America in 2001 and feel incredible freedom. I started my own coaching practice, and now I also speak and write on career transitions from www.WorkFromWithin.com
Yes, I work hard, especially to keep myself calm with the ups and downs of my business. I can especially relate to what Mr. Handy said "I learnt to love the freedom, and the joy of working with people rather than for people." For me, it's a pure pleasure to serve people, and to serve myself in the process. I've seen how self-employment can really unleash creativity, which we need to create the new products and services that will jump-start the economy and benefit people.
So glad for this story!
11/08/2009
Spectacular and timely Marketplace. I chose to change careers and enter the corporate world when I was 35. I'm much older than that now. I was laid off last February and will never play the corporate game again. Hearing Handy make the distinction between being salaried and having to pay attention, instead, to my own cash-flow said it all.
11/07/2009
Very well done. With respect to people growing out of organizations, one of the things that keeps people are the health care benefits. I wonder, if we had a true public option for health care, how many of us would would take Mr. Handy's advice and go out on our own?
From Traverse City, MI, 11/07/2009
Mr. Handy hit the nail right on the head. I left corporate America at 41 and would prefer to never work for another company again. I work harder than ever, but I sleep well at night knowing that what I do for people has a greater positive effect on my customers who greatly appreciate me. Like I told another business owner yesterday, I have over 400 bosses and for the most part, I really like each one. Even in a bad economy, creativity and perseverence (along with some prayers...)have allowed us to make it through. Maybe not perfect, but better than constantly worrying about losing your job.
From Minneapolis, MN, 11/06/2009
I felt the Mr. Handy's comments were too simplistic. With the prohibitive nature of health care costs and the pressure on every company to save a buck, working independently (as I do) is just not feasible over the long term for people who do not have the ability/experience to leverage a livable wage. Sure, at age 49 he had the network to support a fledgling business. At 29 I only wish I was in the same situation.
From West Roxbury, MA, 11/06/2009
Wonderful piece--captures the feelings I've found difficult to articulate or wasn't sure I could trust. Thank you.
From Littleton, MA, 11/06/2009
Fantastic piece...I'm not yet burnt out from corporate life, but it was a refreshing story to remind me of our longevity and what we all can do and look forward too...I just bought his book...Thank you. Keep up these stories...
11/06/2009
making your own jobs may be the best way to undo unemployment-
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