A 2021 CENTER FOR TALENT INNOVATION report found that 65 percent of Black professionals believe Black employees must work harder to advance.
by Laura Onyeneho
Houston Defender
The once-coveted corporate ladder climb is losing appeal for a growing segment of the workforce, particularly millennials and younger generations. For decades, the formula for success was clear: put in long hours, demonstrate unwavering loyalty, and patiently wait for your turn at the top.
Today, however, the equation is being rewritten. Workers prioritize work-life balance, individual fulfillment, and a sense of purpose in their careers, often at the expense of the traditional corporate trajectory.
The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly catalyzed this shift. Confronted with a global health crisis, many workers were forced to re-evaluate their priorities. Suddenly, the relentless pursuit of promotions and corner-office titles seemed less important than personal well-being and a healthy separation between work and personal life.
A 2021 survey by Paychex Inc. found that 62 percent of global employees now expect their employers to prioritize their well-being. This sentiment is reflected in social media trends like “quiet quitting,” where employees focus on completing assigned tasks without exceeding expectations, and “quiet ambition,” where individuals prioritize personal goals alongside work.
Broken Trust and Lack of Diversity
Millennials entering the workforce today inherit a corporate landscape where trust in the traditional system is eroding. They witness examples of dedicated employees passed over for promotions and a lack of diversity within leadership positions. A 2022 report by McKinsey & Company revealed that while Black professionals make up 12 percent of the workforce, they only hold 3.2 percent of executive positions. This lack of representation breeds frustration and a sense of limited opportunity.
Jasmine Smith, a pseudonym chosen by a source who wished to remain anonymous, provided insights into the situation. The 30-year-old Black millennial professional describes her disillusionment with the corporate world.
“After working years in human resources, I realized I was constantly overlooked for promotions despite consistently exceeding expectations. Those in leadership all look the same—White women in their 50s—and there were very few people of color in leadership positions. I felt invisible,” she said.
Smith plans to leave the corporate world to launch her own business.
“Things aren’t set in stone yet, but once I do, I’ll have the flexibility to set my hours, work with clients who value my skills, and build a business that reflects my values,” she said.
Smith’s story is not unique. Many Black professionals cite a lack of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives as a major reason for leaving corporate jobs. A 2021 Center for Talent Innovation report found that 65 percent of Black professionals believe Black employees must work harder to advance.
NEKPEN OSUAN WILSON, a Houston-area certified career coach. Credit: Nekpen Osuan Wilson
Nekpen Osuan Wilson, a certified career coach in Houston, said that a lot of Black people in the workforce don’t feel valued by corporate America, so they feel better off on their own.
There is an allure in pursuing entrepreneurship, which offered her greater control and flexibility once she left corporate America as a management consultant for a Big Four firm. Now, she helps her clients navigate shifts in their careers.
“I tell my clients to start with the end goal in mind because everyone wants different things, whether it be more income, benefits, or better work boundaries,” Wilson said. “Then, there is also the wellness piece. Many clients are burnt out and tired of the grind and competitiveness. Both have challenges, whether you move up the corporate ladder or start a business. You have to choose which ‘hard’ is best for you.”
The rise of the gig economy and technological advancements further empower individuals to pursue career paths outside traditional corporate structures. Platforms like Uber and Upwork provide more flexible work arrangements, while online tools and resources make it easier than ever to launch a business. This shift allows individuals to integrate work seamlessly into their lives and become the “CEO” of their careers.
While the corporate ladder may not disappear entirely, its dominance is dwindling. Companies must adapt to this changing landscape to attract and retain top talent. Offering competitive work-life balance programs, addressing diversity concerns through concrete action, and creating a more inclusive work environment is crucial.
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