Why I’ve Never Stayed at a Job for Over a Year: A Corpo-Mercenary Mindset

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been bombarded with career advice since high school. Whether it was from your parents, teachers, or random strangers on the internet (myself included), everyone seems to have an opinion on what you should do with your life. “What career path should you choose?” is always top of mind for high school seniors and college students.

From a young age, I never fully understood the idea of a “career.” Maybe I was too influenced by books like Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild” and preoccupied with the works of Thoreau in the dusty McGill University Library. Whatever the reason, I’ve always approached my job search and “career development” with a different mindset — one that I like to call the Corpo-Mercenary.

Despite the increase in contract gigs and freelancing, the corporate career mindset — “Careerist” — is still predominant in many parts of the world. Before I dive into the differences between the Careerist and the Corpo-Mercenary, let me clarify two things: this is not career nor financial advice. What I’m about to share with you simply is my own experience and perspective.

A divergent mindset

The Careerist and Corpo-Mercenary are not actual characters but a mindset in which you can approach your job search and professional development. A “Careerist” refers to the mentality of “white-collar” workers who are content sitting at a desk and listening to an ad nauseam of meetings. They trade their precious time for pennies on the dollar of what their company makes and hope to climb the corporate ladder.

During a company dinner party, where we invited several “careerist” clients, I engaged in yet another mundane conversation about work. The “Careerists” were surprised when they learned I had never stayed at a job for over a year. They advised that I would experience greater satisfaction if I stayed at a job for over a few years. I had to bite my tongue from saying: “You just spent the last half hour complaining about the working culture in your current company.”

We are taking advice from people who are not going where we want to go. Take what is useful and throw away what’s not. You need to live your life, not someone else’s.

What is a “Corpo-Mercenary”?

Working for yourself within an established organization is a rare concept in many parts of the world. Although contract work and freelancing are becoming more popular, a “Corpo-Mercenary” takes on a full-time position at a company with the mindset of an “entrepreneurial mercenary.” They are dedicated to their work and paycheques, but only as long as it aligns with their own motivations and “Life Mission.” These individuals always seek opportunities to pursue their own path. In the following section, I will outline five common tropes among “careerists” and five mindset builders for a “corpo-mercenary.”

5 Common “Careerist” Tropes

“It’s going to look bad on your CV.”

Careerists want you to believe that investing longer into a company will open up doors, but in reality, job hopping can demonstrate a diverse set of skills and experiences. Changing companies requires confidence and courage, especially in today’s globalized work environment.

“Put the company first. Don’t you want to make Manager?”

Have they offered fair equity, compensation, work from anywhere benefits, and unlimited paid time off? If not, it’s not worth it. Remember that success isn’t only measured by managerial positions, so don’t get stuck in mid-management hell.

“We’re a family.”

The recent layoffs in the tech industry serve as a warning that companies are not like families. Although relationships with bosses and coworkers can be positive, it’s essential to keep in mind that their primary objective is to serve shareholders and provide for their own families, not their employees’ and colleagues. Don’t get caught up in the kumbaya moments.

“We have a great company culture.”

Careerists often tout their company’s culture as a selling point for staying long-term. But the truth is, a company’s culture is not a substitute for fair compensation, work-life balance, and meaningful career development. Don’t be fooled by complimentary snacks and ping-pong tables — they won’t make up for a toxic work environment or stagnant career growth.

“Be a team player.”

What kind of team am I playing on? Will this team take me to where I want to go? Being a team player is an important skill to learn, but it’s also crucial to advocate for yourself and your own ideas. Don’t let groupthink stifle your creativity.

If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.

5 “Corpo-Mercenary” Mindset Builders

“Death before dishonor (to your mission)”

Prioritize your own well-being and mission over the company’s bottom line. There’s no reason to sacrifice your mental or physical health for your job. Maintaining good health will equip you better to face any challenges that may come your way. Remember, you don’t have to be a martyr for your job.

“Disloyalty pays.”

Although you should not be solely motivated by money but rather by the opportunity to learn new skills and hone your craft, job hopping can increase your income and expose you to new experiences and opportunities. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, workers who changed jobs experienced an average pay increase of almost 10%, compared to the median worker’s increase of only 2%.

“Stay hungry”

Don’t get complacent in your current role. Always look for chances to acquire new skills and try new things. Don’t hesitate to consider switching to a different career path if you’re not in a role that offers continual opportunities for learning and personal growth. It’s crucial to figure out your next move if you’re not on track to achieving your ideal life.

“Embrace failure.”

Failure is inevitable, but it’s also a valuable learning experience. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from taking risks and gaining knowledge from your mistakes. Instead, embrace the concept of “failing fast” — quickly recognizing why you failed, learning from it, making improvements, and persevering.

“Blaze your own trail.”

Your trajectory in life should be a reflection of your own values and passions. Don’t let societal expectations or the pressure to conform dictate your career choices. Never put your current work ahead of your Life Mission.

To corporate or not

Corporate jobs are not necessarily “bad.” Sometimes, they are a necessary evil to get us the training and mentorship to get to where we want to go. Adopting a “Corpo-Mercenary” mindset can help us make the most of the opportunities presented by our current job, viewing it as a stepping stone towards the life we desire. Eventually, we will be ready to take the next step in our journey to achieve our Life Mission.

We cannot become the type of people we want to be by doing the type of work we wish we never had to do.

What we do matters.