July 4, 2010 60 Comments

A Day of Independence

The US is a country built on a story: the story of our independence. We left Britain (and Cuba and Haiti and Iraq) to assert our independence and do our own thing (such as name our towns after British towns and set up neighborhoods full of Cubans and Haitians and Iraqis). Independence matters to us.

Except, it seems, with regards to our financial independence.

We’re a nation where most people get their money from one source. We wave our flags. We choose the beer we want to drink. We pick the color of our car. We vote. Okay, we only vote for singers and dancers, but we vote.

But we want our money to come from one company. We want to be dependent on one source for our future bread. We worry about losing our job because it’s the only thing paying the bills.

Independent?

The most peace and content and happiness I’ve yet felt on this earth comes from the fact that I choose every project I work on, and that my future is firmly held in my hands.

I went from having not enough money to pay the mortgage to being okay and having enough to share with charities that matter to me. Though I don’t strive to be independent (I prefer having teams and collaborations around the things I do), I appreciate the baseline of independence my work choices have brought me.

What about you? How much does your independence matter? What are you doing to earn yours? A new rocket will launch shortly. Watch for it.

Related posts:

  1. A Different Kind of Independence
  2. Vote for Videobloggers on the Vloggies
  3. Declaring Your Indepdendence

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  • http://www.sweet-joni.blogspot.com Joni_In_MN

    This comes at a time when it's most needed! I've been at “this” all night. What I mean by “this” is I've several projects in the works; several things I started or said I was going to start & once again my mind is “jammed”. The impending doom if I may… “brain over-load” aka “over-whelmed” & to be honest… I've not yet finished any 1 project tonight (10 hrs). Anyone been thru this? I'm up for advice! Please contact me at sweet.joni@gmail.com rather than tieing up Chris's blog. Thanks much & Happy 4th of July.

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  • acerlilly

    Having the financial means to make vital independent choices is something to work toward. Keeping our government and our private lives separate is supreme. When the government finances you, you are not free to choose.

    Oh and BTW Chris, saw an article about servitude and independence this morning. Took us 200 years to find it? Never a good code breaker around when you need one http://story.londonmercury.com/index.php/ct/9/c…

  • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

    Well framed. I’ve been financially independent for over 10 years now (having my own gig, not working for “the man” so to speak). I won’t lie and say that it’s not been tough sometimes. Some months we had no idea where the next check was coming from. Other months we had more work than we could handle. All in all we always made due and eventually found a clearer path to stability as things grew. It may not be the same for others as it is for me but independence requires dependence, a heavy dose of faith. I can only do what I can do, the rest I’ve put into God’s hands and haven’t looked back since.

  • Brian

    Hi Chris, I enjoyed your Independence Day post. Thought you might enjoy this take on the subject from R.W. Hampton, a New Mexico entertainer and rancher, who, with more than a dozen CDs out, has been called “the voice of cowboy music.” Inspired by his USMC Sgt. son's upcoming departure for his second tour of duty in harm's way, R.W. wrote this song, “Not For Sale,” earlier this week: http://www.rwhampton.com/blog/. It's resonating with his constituency.
    Best regards, Brian Ferriman, Savannah Music (USA) Inc. (R.W.'s manager)

  • http://twitter.com/JonStow Jon Stow

    I'm still living in or near a British town, not in the US, but I value my independence. I used to expect my income to come from one company until one day it didn't. I learned to be independent because I had to. I overcame my pre-conditioning. I learned out of necessity that sometimes it is necessary to have more than one business and income stream.

    I agree that people should be open to being independent before it is thrust upon them, but our societies have brought us up to be in denial in a changing economy so that some do really think life is about voting for singers and dancers.

  • http://twitter.com/JonStow Jon Stow

    I'm still living in or near a British town, not in the US, but I value my independence. I used to expect my income to come from one company until one day it didn't. I learned to be independent because I had to. I overcame my pre-conditioning. I learned out of necessity that sometimes it is necessary to have more than one business and income stream.

    I agree that people should be open to being independent before it is thrust upon them, but our societies have brought us up to be in denial in a changing economy so that some do really think life is about voting for singers and dancers.

  • http://davidhorne.me david horne

    Well Chris.

    It is hard to be free if we are not financially, spiritually, and politically free. The privilege we have in the US to make our own choices in those areas is what our founders risked it all for. Isn't it funny how when our future is in our own hands we fight for it. We care about what decisions are made.

    Thanks for the independence day thoughts and I hope you have a great time with your family.

  • http://rrdasgupta.com/blog R R Dasgupta

    @chris : great post. I linked it on my wall on facebook. From an India standpoint, we are still largely a “working-for-someone” economy, but things are rapidly changing. Never before (especially the downturn) have we seen so much buzz around entrepreneurship. Ofcourse the naysayers keep saying things like “its fashionable to be an entrepreneur (because you really don't have job)”. This working for somebody else has even entered the sports arena and games get played not for its glory but for the money that's on the table. The only silver lining is that there are those few people who will not trade in their souls and independence for the regular paycheck, and we can only inspire each other in this journey. Thanks again for the reminder.

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  • http://www.TravelTalkWithJenny.wordpress.com TravelJenny

    Great post and thank you Chris for the reminders Sometimes I think we take our freedom for granted and we need a stark reminder as to how lucky we are. I am thankful each and every day for the ability to run my own company, be independent and love what I do! Happy 4th of July!

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      Great post I must say. Simple but yet entertaining
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  • http://www.bizworks360.com Mary Ann Halford

    Chris, your post hits on what it means to be American. When this country was founded, it was about courageous people building their own lives in a new world and making things happen. Things are tough in the US economy right now and having my own consulting business, I know that first hand. But I also know that I have the power and the ability to innovate, strike strategic alliances, and make things happen. Also, we have never lived in a time where there were so many tools available to all of us to build our own independence. I wish the government – both parties – would be talking more like you and Gary Vaynerchuk right now! Happy Fourth!

  • richdixon

    Chris–I revised my site using THESIS, and I really like it. Thanks for steering me to it.

    I like your thoughts, but I'd quarrel a bit with the claim that “your future is firmly in your own hands.” I think I know what you mean, but a great deal is not in your hands and never will be.

    That said, I agree that we ought to control what we can and that we can always control how we respond to events that may be beyond out control.

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  • http://www.businessbuilderbookclub.com Joy Johnson

    I started writing about my theory of what business will look like in the future and it got very long so I posted it to my personal space instead – http://www.buzzibutt.com/2010/07/04/businesses-… (not my business page – not trying to promote anything)

    Basically, I see the future as very modular – the world of box dwellers. The boxes link up to form useful work units. I thought of it originally years ago watching the Borg Collective on Star Trek but I'm more sure than ever it's where we're heading. Getting there will mean going through some pretty rough patches.

  • http://www.saxondesign.com Pamela saxon

    Chris, I have been a freelancer since I had my first job at the age of 17 when I got my very first professional acting job. I am no longer involved in show biz in that way, but as a freelancer I have never looked back, no matter how many well-meaning friends, family and teachers tried to nudge (or scare) me into getting “a real job.”

    Now that the old idea of job security no longer really exists, I am finding that many of those same friends who have lost jobs are finding it difficult to transition, whereas this way of living is a deep part of who I am and has become a part of my psyche. And because of this, I feel completely independent. I still have trouble making my mortgage on some months, but I am so very thankful that I chose to adapt to this way of living at a very young age and am not being forced into it now, in my mid-forties.

  • http://www.hanifinloyalty.com/ billhanifin

    Chris, A great post for today and some powerful thoughts for each of us as we navigate a new economy.

    Each path chosen, depending on another for income versus creating your own has risk and there are no absolute winners. The risks however are similar to earthquakes and hurricanes. While you can see the hurricane coming and prepare to limit damage, you can't do so for an earthquake. At least, if you're smart and watchful, you can prepare for tough times in your business, while those waves of corporate layoffs can come like an earthquake, leaving people unprepared.

    Some people ask me why “waste” time participating in social networks. I surprise many by telling them it's risk management. By building your credentials and a valid network online, you are much better prepared should the earthquake come one day. Beyond that, there are additional benefits for growth and expansion, but you know all that……

    Happy 4th of July,

    Bill

  • http://www.TheFranchiseKingBlog.com The Franchise King

    Chris,
    I love being independent! After I made the conscious choice to leave a franchise brokering group 3 years ago, it's been a bumpy, but fun rocket ride.

    Like you, I get to choose which projects and companies I work with. Franchise companies aren't being slammed down my throat by the “leaders” of that group, anymore. I choose which ones I want to work with and represent in my franchise consulting business.

    I'm one of the few totally independent consultants in my field, and I love it!

    JL

  • http://www.wellplannedweb.com/blog/ Deana Goldasich

    I declared my independence on June 26, 2009 when I decided not to return to the corporate insanity and, instead, followed my dream of working for a select few clients while running my own company. I have never looked back. At the time, I did wonder for a few moments if I was nuts (http://bit.ly/d03axp). However, it is independence that remains my primary driver. Thanks for the great post Chris!

  • http://www.dogwalkblog.com/ Rufus Dogg

    Proudly independent and interdependent since Dec1 , 1995. Before people take to the streets and protest how the government is taking away their freedoms, they should look first at their own house and recognize the shackles they are in. First and foremost is the job they are clinging to because they can't afford to be without health care insurance. http://www.dogwalkblog.com/the-real-tyranny-in-…

  • cameronplommer

    I think this past recession and most recessions have been caused because of the lack of entrepreneurship in America. I've written about this recently: http://ow.ly/26R0t. We are so dependent on others to provide a paycheck. If more people had that entrepreneurial mindset our country would be a lot better off.

  • http://www.ManishaThakor.com ManishaThakor

    Great point, Chris!

    We had this interesting run in the US from the 1960s – 1990s where “The Company” was like a big 'ole security blanket. So much was taken care of for us – everything from mapping out a path for career advancement to making sure our golden years would be financially golden thanks to corporate pension & health care benefits.

    Going forward I personally hope we see a return to more of a “rugged individualism” mindset where we all work hard to add value in our unique ways. That's how big, bold new ideas come about that benefit everyone.

    From the standpoint of achieving financial independence in this new world order – I'd also toss out that this will require that we each take responsibility for trying to learn as much as we can about personal finance. If there's one thing I learned during my 15 years in corporate America working in the financial services industry… it's that no one will ever care as much about safeguarding your finances as you will!

  • sue_anne

    I would like to be less dependent on one job, and I find the idea of freelancing exciting. However, in reality, I need the stability of a regular paycheck and someone paying my health insurance.

    Maybe one day I'll get to the point where I can have enough reserve on hand that some of that doesn't matter, but that's going to take some work to get there.

  • http://Twitter.com/Ed Ed

    The worst of this problem is that too many want that one company to be
    the government.

  • http://facebook.com/marismith Mari Smith

    Beautiful post, Chris. Indeed, there are many facets and layers to true independence. Being an entrepreneur and having the ability to call your own shots is one of the most magical experiences in the world. We soon become “officially unemployable!”

    I left school as quickly as I could (in the UK, just before I turned 16!), went straight into the workforce and was an employee 'til my early 30's. But, since I set foot on American soil in 1999, I've always been an entrepreneur. I absolutely love my life and career. And, I'm also aware that it comes with responsibility; as I scale my business and add more staff, I feel responsible for them. In a good way.

    Not everyone has the personality type or drive to be an entrepreneur. The employees who support the entire infrastructure of our country/world are the pillars of our society. We need them.

    And, for those people who love running their own businesses, in order to truly scale and bring more to the world, it's crucial to build a team, outsource, delegate, hire. We get to empower others and create true interdependence.

    Much as I'm a mega fan of Tim Ferriss and his entire Four Hour Workweek concept – the fundamental message isn't necessarily about quitting the 9-5 as it is to do your dream *now*. Whether that's traveling the world, having a baby, writing a book, becoming a partner in a law firm, meeting the President… whatever.

    In essence, as I'm writing this out, I feel that true independence is an inside job. It's the ability to be completely at choice – to know that each morning you get to choose your thoughts and decisions, choose who you spend your time with and choose how you invest your resources… whether you're an employee or entrepreneur.

    I'm reminded of this quote by Frankl: “…everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”

  • christina_brown

    Like our ancestors, I left college (May 2009) and have yet to get off the MayFlower yet. I have not seen the U.S yet. :) Where is my brave new world?

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  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    This is full on brilliant. THere's a lot in that one sentence, Ed.

  • http://enterthelaughter.com Marti_L

    Wishing you and yours a Happy Independence Day, Chris!

    I do have multiple streams of income – Ads on my blog, the three books I've written, T-shirts and other products at CafePress and a new venture – doing publicity for fellow writers. Not getting rich (yet *grin*) from any of them, but it feels good to have several sources.

    Thank you for all of the wonderful advice you offer here. Peace and joy to you!

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Huh? A great deal is never in your hands? I'm not sure I understand. Can you re-state? Because I put great deals in my hands every week or so.

    Agreed on the rest. Just not sure I got it.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    True about having some legs up being in this country. I know many in other countries who find their way to a kind of freedom. My thoughts on this kind of thing were strongly formed by Victor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning.

  • richdixon

    Sorry–didn't say it clearly. I meant to say that there's a lot of stuff in our lives thay's not in our control. I think it's great to take control of what you can, which is your point. But your future is never entirely within your control.

  • richdixon

    Sorry–didn't say it clearly. I meant to say that there's a lot of stuff in our lives thay's not in our control. I think it's great to take control of what you can, which is your point. But your future is never entirely within your control.

  • http://davidhorne.me david horne

    Oh, I see where you are coming from.

    Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Victor Frankl

  • http://www.neverstopmarketing.com jer979

    One of your best in a long time, my friend! Couldn't agree more. Happy Independence Day to you.

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  • Eileen Marrinan

    OMG That is sooo the truth and Europe is doing a MASSIVE about face as they realise that socialism ( the company is the government) hasn't worked.
    Which is why I find it ironic that while Americans are celebrating Independence Day with such joy and furvore they are sleepwalking into devolving everything that Independence Day stands for?
    The freedoms and responsiblities celebrated on Independence Day are what has fueled American prosperity for both employees and entreprenuers alike and to abdicate those to government is utter folly.
    Don't go down the socialist road that Europe (and Australia for that matter) have gone-hey u may have hit a few big potholes along your road and I'm not saying mistakes havent been made- but the Independence road is the one that will bring America to where she needs to be :-)

  • http://www.goshorty.net/ ShortyInDaHouse

    My independence matters greatly which is why I left my job in human resources to pursue my writing passion. Since that time, I fell in love with blogging. Now, I'm working on getting paid greatly for both. And total independence is not an option, I need a team to make it all happen – like you.

  • http://www.goshorty.net/ ShortyInDaHouse

    It's on the way. Patience, Ms. Brown, patience.

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  • http://traversejapan.wordpress.com/ Hamilton shields

    I often hear the counter-argument to your idea:”but I want security.” I like your argument that this is a false choice. Even though we may feel as the responsibility for our wages, jobs, security is taken care of by our employer (a huge, if false, relief) each generation a recession or crisis reminds us that at the end of the day no one else will put the bread on the table for ourselves and our families.

    I talk about these ideas with my pears at school, but it's tough to convince them of the risks they are taking relying on a single employer. Watching job hunting here in Tokyo, you can see the stress melt off students once they get a job offer. Relying on one employer to satisfy the promise of a good life they are in for far worse 5 or 10 years down the line: they inevitably realize that rare is the employer who cares about your family or your happiness. And yet, you are expected to give everything but the rare bank holiday to them. Doesn't seem quite fair, I vote for liberty.

  • http://www.joshchandlerva.com Josh Chandler

    Marti,

    The fact you are diversifying your sources of income puts you five steps ahead of your competitors. Too many will rely on the fact that one day that Google Adsense block at the top right hand corner will produce hundred's of dollars per day (well, for one that is likely wishful thinking!)

    If one of your income sources doesn't produce any income, you will have others that will.

  • http://www.linkedin.com/in/haniawhitfield Hania Whitfield

    Then you need to tie in the discussion of courage here. To get your independence, you have to have the courage to fight for it. Te founding fathers had amazing courage, especially considering their own armies were losing hope and deserting. They did everything in their power to continue the effort to gain independence and they won!

    Thanks for reminding me that I need to so the same to get to my independence! CHARGE!!!!

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  • http://www.borgidacpas.com Tom Scanlon

    The road to financial independence has changed. It used to mean getting a job at a Fortune 500 and enjoining the “good life.” Your parents likely had one of everything, one job, one wife, and one house. And they were very happy. The company used to provide lifetime employment and a nice pension when you retired. The government kicked in with social security benefits. Times have changed, just a wee bit.

    For the past twenty years, we have lived in the free agent society. Get a new job; a nice a raise, stock options, signing bonus and a parking space out front. This too, well, is hard to find.

    So, it appears that being an entrepreneur is the best path. This has the perception of being the most risky, although it is not. This path is actually one that, done correctly, can reduce your risk.

    It’s taken a lot longer that it should have, but we are finally returning to our roots.

    Happy Independence Day.

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  • MobiKeith

    We left Britain (and Cuba and Haiti and Iraq) to assert our independence and do our own thing (such as name our towns after British towns and set up neighborhoods full of Cubans and Haitians and Iraqis).

    I've read this sentence over and over again, and still dont understand it. Just dont understand the references to leaving Cuba, Haiti, and Iraq in relation to the colonies standing up to Britian's tyranny.

    I lived my entire life in MA ( raised in the depressed area of New Bedford ) before moving to So Fla 6 yrs ago where the population of 5M has a large Latino presence (Cuban principally), and Haitian, as well. So Fla has many many problems, but is known for its widely ethnic diversity.

    That said, is there anyone out there who left a company and started from scratch, I mean really from scratch? Not taken work with some of the former employer's clients and secured work with new clients.

    Work independence is very attractive when you can leave an employer and continuing working with some of that company's clients.

    But not only am I seeking completely new clients, but am doing so in new industries around new skill sets and functions. ( after being in sales my entire career, am seeking independent marketing work.

    I remain just wondering and working hard for my independence down here in So Fla.

    Go Sox!

  • DC

    Thank-you for posting this – it made me consider the various dimensions of independence, both from the perspective of the founding of our country AND my own individual life. I wonder if I'm truly a) Aware and b) Grateful for the vaious elements of liberty in my life, including the fight to become financially independent.

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