A few things have changed in my life recently; I resigned from a corporate job to pursue a more creative career and have begun prioritizing healthier mental hygiene. I now spend more time observing and analyzing the social interactions around me, and this shift has taught me valuable lessons.
Not going to lie, I often reflect on my choices and realize that I lack a proper approach to business. Many of my friends face the same issue, which I believe stems from a false sense of humility ingrained in our generation. We were taught not to speak too much about ourselves and our skills, with the belief that if we were good enough, someone would recognize it. Unfortunately, this approach has backfired, leaving many of us in a state of self-doubt.
It may seem easier to work with a friend, but it often entails dealing with their quirks for the sake of friendship. Knowing someone’s struggles, aspirations, and goals makes it difficult to make rational business decisions. Moreover, understanding each other's vulnerabilities can lead to an abusive business dynamic. While trust is crucial in any relationship, having it from the start without earning it can diminish its value for some.
The rigid corporate structure exacerbates these issues, creating an awkward dance of ambition and indifference that leads nowhere and can turn social ties into power plays. Although I may never fully understand thriving in the corporate world, I can see how it encourages certain behaviors. The financial stability and routine it offers come at the cost of individual initiative, as challenging the status quo could disrupt the system.
As unethical as it sounds, this is the unfortunate reality of many friends doing business together. A constant, irrational race to be in a better position leads to frustration and rivalry that can destroy lifelong friendships. This reality is disheartening, as we were taught to support our friends and celebrate their successes. Instead, what often happens is a destructive power struggle for momentary control.