The Poverty of Dignity; Is Entrepreneurship the Answer?

We must take a look at the poverty of dignity; of purpose if we want to see real change. The generation before mine (millennial) shamed those who didn’t go to college. As a direct result, we have a generation that is lost, stuck in a loop of attempting to find purpose. Some who went to college and have what can feel like an insurmountable debt and others who didn’t go to college but are working jobs (not careers) that they feel hold little weight towards advancement and aren’t sure what to do next. 

We have surrendered personal satisfaction, fulfillment, and growth to settle for mediocrity. It is no wonder why mental health issues seem to be at an all-time high.

We’ve heard some possible answers. One of the most commonly given answers is to look at going into trades. Being a plumber, electrician, welder, etc. These are great options, for the right person. If we’re being honest with ourselves though these aren’t jobs that are for everyone. There’s also a certain societal stigma that goes with these jobs, fair or not it’s a reality, and it’s one that keeps people from following these paths. 

What is the answer? How do we give a generation lost, hope? How do they find satisfaction in life and fulfillment of purpose? Sooner or later this is a conversation that we need to have on a national level because it will have long term consequences on our country and in the world. 

My answer which should come as no surprise to anyone who’s read my opinions or followed me in the past; Entrepreneurship. Let me caveat this by saying I fully understand entrepreneurship is NOT for everybody but neither is college, neither are trades. Yet we continuously push entrepreneurship the former as if they are the ONLY options. That has to change. 

Entrepreneurship, in my opinion, is more natural than a 9-5. No one wants to work 40 hours a week for 40 years in hopes of retiring to live off of 40% of their previous income… that’s asinine. Yet we’ve been conditioned to make that the norm. Entrepreneurship gives you freedom, It’s hard work at first and you will be working more than 40 hours… at first. But it can get easier and provide you with astounding opportunities that a 9-5 can never afford you… work 80 hours a week now for a few years to make more money than you ever imagined while having the opportunity to live a life that’s far from ordinary. 

The wealth that comes from freedom, true freedom is far greater than any dollar amount you can make. Entrepreneurship provides that possibility, the possibility to beat the poverty of dignity and to find fulfillment in your life’s purpose.