Job security is a myth (and what to do about it)

If you’ve been keeping up with tech industry news, you might have heard about the massive wave of layoffs over the last 15 months.

It’s a bloodbath out there — over 150,000 people have been laid off across 500+ companies, including:

• Cisco: ~10,000 people (12% of their workforce)

• Intel: ~15,000 people (15% of their workforce)

• Dell: ~12,000 people (~25,000 total since 2023 — 19% of their workforce!)

The big irony here is that about 10 years ago, tech used to be considered one of the safest career paths.

But as it turns out... these days, going to college and getting a programming degree still doesn’t guarantee a steady paycheck.

It’s an uncomfortable fact of life that a lot of people are waking up to post-COVID:

Job security is a myth, no matter what industry you work in.

Doesn’t matter if you’re a great employee.

Doesn’t matter if you’ve been loyal to the same company for years, putting in great work, earning steady promotions.

And it doesn’t even matter if you make $100k+ a year at a Fortune 500 tech company.

At any point, some bigwig executive can decide it’s time to “restructure,” sign on the dotted line, and take away your livelihood... and you just know he won’t even lose a wink of sleep over it.

Such is the way of the world.

With that in mind, if you’re waiting for things to feel more stable (with your career, income, etc.) before pulling the trigger on your first acquisition...

Let me ask you this:

How much more stable does it need to feel?

Because even if you don’t get laid off, there’s a hidden price to pay for staying in a W2 job:

• Your earning potential will always be capped after a certain point (and raises won’t keep up with inflation)

• You’re trading your time to build someone else’s company and lifestyle — not yours

• You’re missing out on years of compound growth and skill-building that comes with business ownership

The opportunity cost is not in your favor!

Of course, if the time’s not right, and you’re genuinely in a place where it doesn’t make sense to buy a business yet... then by all means, bide your time. I don’t advocate making reckless moves.

But if you’re simply on the fence and need a little push to help you make up your mind...

Take a quick look at the 2-minute survey below.

Fill it out and let me know if you’re interested in investing into a deal, and what your budget is. If something comes across my desk that matches your goals, I’ll reach out.

It’s an easy way to get your feet wet and see what opportunities are out there. No pressure, no obligation:

👉 I’m interested in buying or passively investing into a business (2-minute survey)

Or, if you have a business that you’re looking to sell, and want access to qualified buyers, let me know here:

👉 I want to sell my business

Onward,

— Ben Kelly