Myths about job security

Seeing several posts among the recent string of layoffs that espouse job security at large companies as a myth and touting being your own boss (freelancer, creator, entrepreneur, etc.) as the only secure professional path. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

First, the people behind the job security myth posts typically have something to gain from people buying into their myth. They have a book, course, or business opportunity that needs people to believe that working at a big company is less secure than the path that supports the poster’s business objectives. The people posting that job security at large companies is a myth are not doing so for the benefit of others. They are doing so for their benefit. The posts are self-serving.

Second, many of the companies that have had layoffs have been too fast growing and with yet unproven business models. Sure, in some cases, they are public companies with high valuations and wealthy leaders. Still, those things are separate from long-term viability and sustainability. These companies can’t be compared to other large companies concerning job security. Most large companies with proven business models and substance do indeed provide job security. A more reasonable position for the posters of the job security myth is that fast-growing companies can be riskier places to work than other, more well-established companies. Still, positioning working at a large company as not providing job security isn’t accurate in the aggregate.

Third, most people should work for a company rather than themselves or start their own company. Most people don’t want and aren’t wired for the demands and volatility of working for themselves. The consistency of work, compensation, benefits, structure, and infrastructure of companies is desired and needed by most people. Someone with entrepreneurial desires should follow them, but most people who have the entrepreneurial desire don’t truly understand the existence until they are in it and are surprised it isn’t as easy as the success stories make it appear. Doing something entrepreneurial and being your own boss is the path for some. Still, it is not more secure in any respect to working at a well-established, successful company.

Don’t be fooled by the myth that job security at large companies is a myth. The myth spreaders have an agenda that doesn’t align with the realities of job security for the vast majority of people.