There’s Nothing Wrong with Being Employed!

Lately, there’s been a growing trend on social media where so-called influencers talk down on people who have jobs. They claim employment is a trap. They say there’s no money in it and that the only path to success is starting a business. According to them, if you’re not running your own hustle, you’re wasting your life.

But let’s pause for a moment and think about this.

That kind of advice, while loud and confident, is actually quite misleading. The idea that everyone should be an entrepreneur is not just unrealistic—it can even be dangerous. Running a business isn’t a walk in the park. It’s not just about having a great idea. It takes capital, patience, the stomach for stress, and the ability to handle failure. And here’s the truth—many businesses don’t survive. We hear about the few who made it big, but for every success story, there are hundreds that quietly closed shop.

Now let’s talk about employment.

Being employed is not a curse. In fact, it can be a very smart and stable path for most people. A good job provides a steady income. That predictability allows people to plan their lives, save consistently, invest wisely, and build wealth over time. Some of the most financially secure people I know are career professionals who’ve grown gradually in their fields. They are not famous, but they live well, send their kids to good schools, own decent homes, and retire comfortably.

And there’s more. Employment is also a great environment to learn. Think about it—where else would you get paid to build your skills, expand your networks, and work on large, meaningful projects without bearing the full weight of financial risk? Some people use that platform to eventually start a business, but many simply choose to grow within their careers and do very well for themselves.

Let’s also be honest—society needs employed people. Not everyone can or should be a business owner. Who would teach our children? Who would treat us when we’re sick? Who would engineer our roads, protect our communities, or keep the banks running? Not every role needs to be a private hustle. And just because something is not “trending” on social media doesn’t mean it’s not valuable.

There’s this popular but flawed comparison where someone says, “The business owner makes more than the employee.” Sure, that can be true in some cases. But what we often forget is that many employees earn more than small business owners—especially in the early years. A mid-level manager in a large organisation can sometimes take home more money than someone running a struggling business. Not every business is profitable, and even those that are take years to build.

Also, many business owners work longer hours, face more stress, and don’t always get paid consistently. Meanwhile, a well-employed person might enjoy health insurance, a pension, a paid vacation, and a predictable paycheck. That’s not something to take for granted.

So again, don’t let flashy success stories on social media fool you. You don’t need to be a business owner to live a good life. If you’re employed, growing, and managing your money well, you’re already on a solid path.

We all have different paths. What matters is that you’re building a life that aligns with your values, one step at a time. And if employment helps you do that—stand tall. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being employed.