Mercenary vs. missionary

For a long time, lots of companies were trying to motivate their employees by showing how they can have a positive impact on the world.

There was usually a mission statement and some hand waving about making the world a better place.

And a lot of employees bought it!

... until they felt a sort of cognitive dissonance that recognized that their work actually has very little positive impact, at least in the way the company promised.

They were recruited as missionaries, but in fact, found out they were in a sort of profit making cult.

This is actually a useful experience, because then it opens your eyes to the possibility of becoming a mercenary.

A mercenary is someone who sells their skills for their own reasons, not for anyone else.

Instead of adopting someone else's vision as your own, you can set your own vision, and find the optimal way to get there.

Going 1099 is one way you can become a mercenary.

You can split the way your earn money from your own personal mission.

Going 1099 will give you more resources and autonomy, a war chest and power.

Once you have enough, you can pursue the mission that resonates with you.

Like taking naps on Friday afternoons (for us sleepy mercenaries).

Or going on a long vacation with your spouse and kids.

Or writing that novel you've been thinking about.

Becoming a mercenary in your day job allows you to be a missionary in the ways that are meaningful to you.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.