The Start-up of You

Adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.

In the late 20th century, during the United States’ postwar economic glory years, building a career was much like stepping onto an “escalator.” If you completed your postsecondary education, landed an entry-level job at a large company, and obtained on-the-job training and experience, the escalator would reliably carry you upward. Assuming that everything went well, you would rise steadily, gain increased income and responsibility, and eventually retire. 

Globalization and the digital revolution have rendered this traditional American career path obsolete.

Many companies no longer train employees in new skills or offer professional career development support. Often, the leaders of such companies believe their workers haven’t embraced the degree of company loyalty or the long-term commitment that would make training them worthwhile. Companies expect employees to be job ready on day one and to pursue additional training on their own. Today’s contract based employer relationship demands employee performance.

Most employees today are “free agents.” No matter...