The FREE BIRDS are ready to fly. Learn more about this global CEO's insights… and he has a new book in town!

From the desk of Miles Everson:

Welcome to today’s edition of  “Return Driven Strategy (RDS)!”

I hope you’re having a great day so far.

For those of you who don’t know yet, RDS is a pyramid-shaped framework with 11 tenets and 3 foundations. When applied properly, these principles help businesses achieve their organizational objectives.

Today, I’m so excited to share with you a topic that has always been close to my heart.

Keep reading below to better understand the future of work in today’s ever-changing landscape.

The FREE BIRDS are ready to fly. Learn more about this global CEO's insights… and he has a new book in town!

Imagine standing on the edge of a vast frontier, where the old maps no longer guide the way and the rules of the past are no longer relevant…

You’re not alone in this uncharted territory.

All around you, millions of others are stepping away from well-worn paths, driven by a need for flexibility, freedom, and fulfillment.

This isn’t a mere shift—it’s a revolution… and it’s transforming the very fabric of work as we know it.

The Broken Promise of Traditional Employment

The traditional employment model offered workers a promise of stability and security. Loyalty to a single employer was rewarded with career progression, pensions, and benefits that ensured a comfortable retirement.

However, as decades passed, economic pressures and corporate priorities eroded these assurances. Defined benefit plans gave way to defined contribution plans like 401(k)s, shifting the burden of retirement planning onto workers.

Promotions became rarer, wages stagnated, and the cost of living outpaced earnings.

Today, many workers find themselves juggling multiple jobs or relying on social safety nets to make ends meet. Dual-income households are the norm, and even then, financial insecurity remains widespread.

For many, the traditional employment model no longer guarantees stability, let alone prosperity.

The Rise of Independence

In stark contrast to the struggles of traditional employees, the independent workforce is thriving. According to  MBO Partners ’  “State of Independence in America”   report , the number of independent workers in the U.S. has surged from 38.2 million in 2020 to 72.7 million in 2024.

These workers are not just surviving; they’re thriving!

A staggering 84% of full-time independents report being happier, 79% say they’re healthier, and 65% feel more financially secure than they did as traditional employees.

So… why the dramatic shift?

It’s because advances in technology have democratized entrepreneurship, making it easier than ever for individuals to offer their skills and services directly to businesses.

The fractionalization of work—breaking tasks into smaller, more specialized projects—has created opportunities for independent professionals to excel.

Meanwhile, younger generations are embracing independence earlier in their careers, driven by a desire for flexibility, autonomy, and meaningful work.

This divergence between traditional employees and independent professionals highlights a growing dichotomy in the workforce.

Gallup ’s recent findings on full-time employment paint a bleak picture: Employee engagement is at an 11-year low, job satisfaction is plummeting, and turnover rates are soaring.

In contrast, independent workers report higher levels of engagement, satisfaction, and well-being. This “Great Detachment” from traditional employment underscores the need for businesses to adapt. Otherwise, they risk losing their top talents to the independent market.

The Need for a New Social Contract

As the independent workforce grows, the systems that support workers must also evolve. The current social contract, built around long-term, full-time employment, is outdated.

Healthcare, retirement benefits, and financial opportunities remain tied to traditional employment models, leaving independent workers at a disadvantage.

To address these challenges, policymakers and businesses must work together to create a new social contract that reflects the realities of the modern workforce.

Key components of this contract could include:

• Portable Benefits: Ensuring workers have access to healthcare, retirement plans, and other benefits regardless of their employment status.


• Accreditation Systems: Certifying independent professionals based on their skills and qualifications to enhance their marketability and credibility.


• Financial Inclusion: Providing independent workers with access to mortgages, loans, and other financial opportunities traditionally reserved for full-time employees.


• Lifelong Learning: Developing education systems that support continuous learning and skill development, enabling workers to adapt to changing market demands.

The shift towards independence is not just a challenge; it’s also an opportunity.

For workers, it offers a chance to craft careers that align with their passions and priorities.

For businesses, it provides access to a dynamic, innovative talent pool. By embracing this new paradigm, organizations can become more agile, competitive, and resilient.

The  “Free Birds Revolution”  book is your guide to navigating this seismic shift!

Packed with stories from pop culture and entrepreneurial icons, I reveal in this book how the independent workforce is reshaping the future of work.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• The Six Forces Shaping the Future of Work: Explore the unstoppable “Everson Evolutions” driving the rise of independent professionals.


• The Death of Employer-Employee Loyalty: Understand how the social contract is evolving and what it means for businesses and workers alike.


• The Motivation to Fly Solo: Discover why more professionals are choosing independence and how your business can attract top talent.


• Becoming a Free Bird: Embrace your own independent spirit and take control of your career.

“Free Birds Revolution”  is essential for those of you who are ready to redefine your work life. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a business leader, this book will help you thrive in the dynamic landscape of independent work.

Click on this  link  to get a copy of the book.

The Free Birds are about to fly. Are you ready?

Join the revolution and let your career take flight!

—

If you’re looking to gain a better understanding of Return Driven Strategy and Career Driven Strategy, we highly recommend checking out  “Driven”  by Professor Litman and Dr. Frigo.

Click  here  to get your copy and learn how this framework can help you in your business strategies and ultimately, in ethically maximizing wealth for your firm.

Hope you found this week’s insights interesting and helpful.

Stay tuned for next Tuesday’s Return Driven Strategy!

Today’s workforce is undergoing seismic shifts due to demographic changes, technological innovations spurred by artificial intelligence (AI), economic and geopolitical disruptions, and changing worker sentiment.

Learn more about  this outcomes-driven approach in recruitment  in next week’s article!