It is based on the belief that the world we live in has fundamentally changed. That the old model – work hard, build a career, create value for your employer – is no longer working for many people.  We need a new model, one that provides security and financial stability, one that works for the employee as well as the employer.  This blog is about building that model.

The Way We Were

As long as there has been work, there have been disagreements between employees and employers   Just look at the history of the union movement.  But believe it or not there was a time when forward looking companies facing an economic downturn did everything they could to avoid layoffs.  Business leaders actually felt the most important asset was the employee.  It wasn’t just a slogan.  People could actually count on being able to build single employer careers.  People and companies worked together – not just for the company but for the employee.

When the economy nose dived everyone pulled together to find ways to work through the downturn.  Making money was important and everyone strived to be profitable, but ROI was not the only bottom line.  People and families were important too and if sacrifices were to be made ROI was sacrificed before people were sacrificed.  Somehow this environment was more humane than the bottom line at all costs behavior largely evident today.

Today’s Reality

While there are organizations that still value employees and work diligently to avoid layoffs, the reality for most of us is that employees are just another ‘part’ in the money making process.  Just read the headlines. Layoffs are being announced daily.  The current run rate…more than 600,000 jobs lost every month.  Everyone knows someone who is unemployed.  And for many reality is that they are plug and play employees.  Plug in and work to drive revenue in good times, unplug and be laid off when demand for the company’s products and services declines.  It’s kind of like just in time manufacturing.  People have become just another part of a product.  Use when needed, loose when not. And today this is all being exacerbated by a global economy where work can be shifted based on paying the lowest possible salary.

Finding a New Way

It’s time…no, past time…to find a new way.   For many of us, the good news, is that we’re part way there.  Many households have two wage earners, a husband and a wife.  That diversification provides a level of security.  At least the chances of both wage earners being sent to the unemployment line at the same time are rather slim.  Further diversification – finding more ways to make money – creates a higher level of security.  

Diversification and how to get there is the topic of the Getting To Plan B blog.