After all the employee protests over the past few years – the “great resignation”, “quiet quitting”, “Minimal Mondays” and “coffee badging” – we have finally come to “embrace the job”.
Amidst all the economic uncertainty and the rising cost of everything, people are not feeling as confident as they used to be. Instead of languishing in search of something better, everyone is afraid of losing their job. With all the news about big corporate layoffs and the ominous and still undefined threat of AI, it makes sense that people are embracing their jobs.
A recent reports Job search site Monster.com revealed that nearly half of employed workers say they are currently staying in their roles longer for comfort, security or stability, while three-quarters expect to remain in the same job for at least two more years.
“Employees are staying put more than ever, but not because they’re complacent,” said Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster. “That’s because they’re cautious. Job security and stability have become emotional safety nets. The new loyalty is about survival, not necessarily satisfaction.”
If you’re one of these job seekers, take it from me: You’re ruining your future.
I’m not saying you should quit your current job. If you really like the company you’re working for and the work you’re doing and the people you’re working with, then good for you. But don’t just embrace your job. Because – unless computers are involved in everything you do – your work will not be the same in very short order. It may not exist. Tech companies are introducing AI-based agents, bots and software that – in the not-too-distant future – will do everything from writing press releases, answering customer questions, placing orders and reconciling bank accounts. Hugging your current job is like hugging your sick dog who is about to be laid off. There is no miracle that can save.
The good news is that your employer is just as confused as you. I would love to freeze time. But I also see big changes coming to my business, and I don’t have all the answers. My business depends on my people. I want them to come to me with solutions. I want them to support me, just like they want me to support them. Embracing their current job may prove their loyalty. But it is not helping my business. I know that my business has to adapt to the rapidly approaching technology wave. I will be loyal to any worker who is willing to grow and adapt with me.
This is why job seekers like me put employers at a disadvantage. People are so worried about losing their jobs that they only think about what they can do for themselves, not about my company. They make decisions to protect what they do. They don’t take risks. They avoid doing extra work. They shy away from taking risks. They will run away from responsibility. This can only go on for so long.
Business owners like me never “embrace” our jobs. We are constantly looking for new ways to make money. Or cut costs. Or run more efficiently. Embracing a job is a form of suicide. If we stand still, we die. It’s no different if you’re an employee.
If you’re not a big fan of the company, don’t just sit there. As long as your current job still exists, find something else. You are more marketable (and your negotiating position is stronger) while you are still employed.
It may seem like sticking to stability is the safe path. But this is a dangerous long-term strategy. You’re not learning new skills. You are not optimizing. You are not taking strategic risks. Hugging the job is a losing strategy. Now is not the time to stand still.
