SURVIVING QUICKSAND

Thousands of years ago, our ancestors thrived in tight-knit tribes where membership was more than a privilege — it was a lifeline.

In these communities, essentials like friendship, family, food, safety, and shelter weren’t just available

they were a given.

Exile was reserved for only the gravest offenses.

For those cast out, the consequences were dire, often a matter of life and death, especially in the unforgiving wilderness.

Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves in modern ‘tribes’, also known as corporations.

We build our lives, securing mortgages, paying for education, and meeting daily expenses, around these tribes.

This stability stands on a precarious foundation — a system where

despite our best efforts and adherence to rules

we can be expelled at any time and without warning.

We’ve constructed our lives on metaphorical quicksand

building our futures on hope.

This reality is encapsulated in the concept of “at will” employment

where either the employee or the employer can sever ties at any time.

But let’s be clear: the scales are not balanced.

An employee’s departure rarely impacts the company’s ability to provide shelter, food, or clothing for its remaining staff.

The reverse, however, can be catastrophic for the individual.

In such an environment, fostering psychological safety, honesty, and transparency is an uphill battle.

How can we cultivate trust when our livelihoods can be threatened at any time?

Building psychological safety begins with the individual.

With us.

By accepting the system for what it is and being clear-eyed about what we need in order to feel safe.

You can build psychological safety at work by building it at home first.

1. Be a Saver

Live below your means. Accumulate enough savings to shield you and your loved ones from unforeseen events. This might mean you can’t keep up with the Joneses, and that’s a difficult psychological paradigm in itself, but the peace of mind it brings is priceless.

2. Diversify Your Income

The digital era offers a plethora of opportunities to generate additional income streams. Explore these avenues to create a financial cushion.

3. Understand the Landscape

Recognize that corporations, though legally considered individuals, often prioritize their financial health over the well-being of their employees. This awareness is critical to understand that the “health” of the company can come at a high cost to individual employees.

While our ‘tribes’ have evolved, the need for security and stability remains unchanged.

By adopting a strategic approach to our personal and financial lives, we can build a more secure future, even in an uncertain world.

When you’re ready, there are two ways I can help:

1) I highly recommend the same 2-hour course ($150) I used to get started posting on LinkedIn (affiliate link): THE LINKEDIN OPERATING SYSTEM

2) We can work together to create a content system, tell your stories and amplify your brand: GHEIM@GRAYSONHAYDEN.COM