If you don't want to be an entrepreneur, do this instead

Not everyone needs to be, or should feel compelled to be, an entrepreneur.

But if you don't want to work for yourself, make sure you network as much as possible so that you and your family's future isn't entirely dependent on a faceless decision-maker a few levels up in your organisation, armed with a spreadsheet. To be honest, I can't stand the term network, because to me it sounds like something built around computers and cables and nodes, rather than actual, bubbly, fleshy, knowledgeable PEOPLE. Referring to people as a network riles me as much as referring to people as "resources".

They're not a resource - they're people with skills that help you to help others with your skills and abilities.

They're not a network - they're your supporters, helpers, colleagues and (gasp!) friends, for heaven's sake. For now, though, I realise full-well that I'm fighting a losing battle, so for the sake of brevity I'll get off my high-horse and talk about a "network" for now.

Having a network of contacts in place when the (seemingly) inevitable happens is a much better fail-safe than hoping you survive the next round of cuts in your organisation. And it is infinitely better than having your anonymous resumé languishing in an HR inbox or chucked out by a text-recognition app before you're even considered for a new job.

Every single positive thing that happens in your career or professional life is dependent on one person, somewhere, making a call on the value you can bring to their organisation.

Make sure you get out there so that you have the best possible chance of meeting as many of those people as possible.

- Carel