Involuntary entrepreneurs

 

Recently I came across an interesting article in the recruitment section of Tages Anzeiger, a Swiss daily newspaper. The article highlighted a new type of professional who have an excellent education and a solid work experience. Due to specific knowledge they are asked to help out in specific situations, in fact becoming independent contractors. The characteristic of such professionals is that they do not have a linear career but have tried different roads. They have excellent management skills and are well connected. What is very important to them is a meaningful job as they often have a vision they want to accomplish. This makes them harder and harder to employ in big organizations with rigid structures and frequent re-organizations. Or as Prof. Muhammad Yunus once said at a lecture: if you can’t find the perfect job, create it and become an entrepreneur. Interestingly, I think I know a couple of such “hybrid” professionals and maybe the current state of the economy accelerates this trend. Currently a few of my friends are dabbling with the idea of starting their own business.