“Doors of opportunity don’t open, they unlock; it is up to you to turn the knob.” ~Lily Taylor

There are many reasons why Filipinos look for jobs, local or abroad, and I have identified what I think are the top 10 reasons. The thing is, one does not realize the consequences of going after these things, so let me point them out to you…

1. Steady Paycheck. The boss dictates how much you and I get. No matter how hard you work, your boss or the company will dictate your salary.

2. Promotion. The company makes it more and more difficult for one to get promoted. Promotion eligibility is so restricted making it almost impossible for anyone to level up for a certain period no matter how deserving! Talk about control, huh.

3. Balance. Most, if not all, people in the rat race do not have the time for the more important things in life due to long days and weekend work. I know some who work 12 to 16 hours a day! I wonder what their loved ones have to say.

4. Job Satisfaction. You work hard for the money (instead of money working hard for you!), but neither you nor your boss get the satisfaction you’re looking for.

5. Training. Someone who lacks training and experience gets promoted to be your supervisor or manager. Great!

6. Travel/Location. Bosses show favoritism and give some employees better assignments, better offices, and better trips (that come with bonds)! The boss can assign you to any company location and force you to double travel time and expenses. No choice.

7. Rewards. The reward for a job well done is…more work!

8. Recognition. Your boss or peer takes credit for accomplishments which were supposed to be yours.

9. Loyalty. The reward for loyalty is a plaque of appreciation, which you can display but not pay for food and bills.

10. Self-Development. I am always doing my best for the companies I worked for, but they are not doing their best for me!

In fairness to the past 3 companies I worked full-time for, I am grateful for the experience, skills development, training, acquaintances, professional and personal relationships I acquired while working there. I was blessed to have very good employers.

It’s just that the totally different world of business was opened to me, and I can’t ignore it.

I have Robert Kiyosaki’s educational tools to be thankful for because I learned how we were ‘brainwashed’ to work for money instead of money working for us and how we were trained to be professionals minding others’ businesses instead of minding our own business.

It’s not that easy to shift from employee to entrepreneur, but I think it’s worth the journey.

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