Being an employee in the corporate world - Is it for everyone?

that was inspiring.

 

Apparently, part of "growing up" is pissing all over somebody else's dreams after you've given up on yours. Why would anybody tell someone to commit to a life of doing something they don't want to do?

 

Exactly.

 

I feel for you man, because I know exactly how you feel.

I left the insurance industry to work in psych for four years. I took a huge pay cut, but life seemed....worth it, if you will. Maybe you ought to find something that gives you a greater sense of purpose. That's what I found in psych and why I'm going into nursing.

 

I actually feel fortunate that I never got used to making the money, or the lifestyle that came with it. Even what you got for teaching full-time seemed huge to me, and I used it to save for going back to school. I learned how to cut back some parts of my lifestyle and survive on a part-time salary while I go to school full time (in my field you can't really go part time and make it). It makes me a little sad that I can't take road trips anymore, what with the gas prices, but it's good not to need or expect much. If I was teaching full time, even with paying back loans, I would be quite well set with even a few "luxuries" by my standards. I can't imagine not being willing to give up the salary that y'all make, since I wouldn't need that much anyway, but on the other hand I did not get used to it.

 

I feel you.

That is why I wake wishing I was Lebron James or Floyd Mayweather.

40%(could argue its 30%) media related and training burdens.
60% millions in the bank and being The Boss.

The best life to live.

 

I would have thought that the reason you entered the corporate world is because you liked what you did

"corporate world" is such a generalised term and to say that "the corporate world" is boring is a bit unfair

you cant possibly say that been a derivatives trader is boring? or working on multi billion dollar M&A transactions? or advising high net worth individuals?

 

Freedom is 100 times more important to me than money. The problem with working for a big company is that you get locked into big company rules and politics. You have to work the hours set for you (a big issue for me - if I can finish a project in 3 hours in the middle of the night, why do I have to sit at at desk working for you for 8 hours during the day?), dress by their rules, follow corporate policies.

All of that drives me nuts because it eats into my ability to make choices for myself and the only thing I get from it is a paycheck that isn't guaranteed forever. Ask the people who worked for Enron.

Now, I would take work for a non-profit or for a small company. I'd even do consulting work for big companies (have already done that and I'm sure will in the future). But, working in a big corporate environment is just not for me.

 

For the opposite gender, gold digging and child support gets this done

 

Nominee for quote of the century.

 

buy a motorcycle and pull an Easy Rider.

 

I don't think the world fooled you- I think you fooled yourself. Did you not have an idea that this was going to be how your life would run if you were to pursue this industry? Seems pretty short-sighted on your part. You should really watch the movie "Lost in America." Trust me, those same things you complain about now can seem great later if you are faced with the constant worry of where/when the money is coming in. But, you're 23, and your viewpoint is typical of many people your age. And yes, this is a 40 year-old individual sitting on his soapbox preaching to you.

You have every right to make whatever decision you'd like regarding your career- just remember that there are people scraping and struggling to get by who would KILL to have your life. And also remember that the "Into the Wild" lifestyle you mentioned seems glamorous from afar, but it can be a whole 'nother thing actually living it. How do I know? I got out of the "corporate world" and started my own business in 1999. I'm fortunate in that my business survived the first several years, unlike several of my friends with similar ventures, and I wouldn't trade my position for the world. But I've seen more often than not where the corporate, 9-to-5 life is just fine for most- they find ways to "experience life" and do the things they've always dreamed of. And the one way they are able to do this is simple: money.

 

OP, if you haven't, see Office Space.

 

Starting your own business is great and all, but you have to first figure out how badly you don't want to fail in that pursuit. Think about it.

 

Working in the corporate world isn't for everyone, but neither is working in the public sector, or working for yourself, or even working period.

The key? Find your own happiness. Not everyone's happiness is the same.

 

Best post yet.

 

Thank you SIR!!!