Where do you go when you reach the top?
“I keep getting job offers, but they’re not appealing.”
“I’m already at the top firm in my industry.”
“I’m not gonna take a step down, so where do I go from here?”
(Privileged statements, for sure. But well earned.)
I hear this sentiment a lot from former colleagues and those in my coaching practice.
They’ve ascended the ladder with striking efficiency:
- Impressive logos on their LinkedIn profile
- Promotions every two years
- Well-padded bank account
- 10+ years of “experience”
They’ve nearly reached the ladder's top rung — there’s just a little room left. Despite the gains, this can actually be a terrifying position to be in.
Here, new questions creep in:
- Do I really want that top spot?
- Do I want the life of those above me?
- What am I sacrificing by blindly moving up?
- How do I stay excited and keep growing?
- What else is out there?
If you’re in this spot (and kudos to you), it’s a serious predicament.
Your “choice” comes down to three options:
- Up
- Out
- Solo
Analyzing the options
1. Up
- Meaning: Grind upwards within your company — reach the upper echelon.
- Pros: You unlock top-tier compensation and perks within the firm and establish notoriety.
- Cons: After 10+ years in a company, the external world sees you as a one-trick pony. Your personal growth stagnates. You’ll eventually be forced out…and scared about what’s next.
2. Out
- Meaning: Leave current company and move to a new one.
- Pros: You (kinda) shock yourself out of conformity. You gain a slight title/pay bump by “hopping.”
- Cons: You’re still doing the same type of work. If it sucked before, it’ll still suck.
3. Solo
- Meaning: Self-reliantly pursue a business of your own. (Realize: it CAN involve others and does NOT require you to leave your 9-5.)
- Pros: Entrepreneurship pushes you to develop new (timeless) skills. Opens new/unbounded income streams, relationships, opportunities. Brings excitement and (possibly) deep meaning.
- Cons: Difficult to get the flywheel moving. You don’t have the corporate safety net. It takes real skin in the game.
Final verdict
In almost every case, you should take option 3 seriously.
You’re probably most resistant to this one, and for good reason: you’ve never contemplated it because (a) it’s completely foreign and (b) you’re addicted to your comfort zone.
But just use your logical brain for a second. The “Up” and “Out” options are constrained — you have to play by their rules and you’re constrained by their caps (e.g., earning potential, type of work).
Options 1 and 2 (alone) don’t lead to wealth (money, time, and choice to live the life you want).
The “Solo” option, while scary, is unbounded. Your freedom, growth, and results are uncapped. It also provides you benefits that are simply unavailable within options 1 and 2.
As in most cases in life, the least popular (non-majority) option presents the biggest possible payoff.
Yes, you’ve got to weigh the tradeoffs. I advise you start by anticipating future regrets of action/inaction.
In my definition, Solo doesn’t mean “alone”; it means “self-directed.”
Solo only requires a few bucks, paired with dedicated pockets of time and energy. Low risk, immense reward.
So, what’ll it be for you? Up, Out, Solo?
Let me know if I can help you.
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