The rapidly evolving landscape of the "white collar gig" economy requires a critical mindset shift that professionals in job transitions need to make. In this eye-opening episode of "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY" my remarkable guest, Monique Mills, Founder and Chief Innovation Strategist of TPM Focus, joins me to talk about an urgent situation affecting highly qualified and experienced professionals.

We both know too many individuals in transition after being laid off who are clinging to the idea of a traditional full-time job, complete with regular paychecks, corporate perks, and benefits. But, as Monique emphasizes, the urgency of the situation lies in that the longer they resist embracing the changing employment landscape, the bleaker their financial future becomes.

As a seasoned entrepreneur who worked in corporate for a long time as well, she shares her invaluable insights. Monique has seen it all when it comes to career transitions and building companies from scratch. We discuss how the gig economy is evolving far beyond personal services and food delivery. Professionals from various backgrounds and across most industries are entering the “white collar” gig economy, and companies are actively seeking their skills and expertise on a project basis or in entrepreneurial roles – because they bring VALUE to accomplish specific goals.

Monique predicts a significant shift in how employment is structured, and she shares why it's essential for everyone to acquire entrepreneurial skills, project management expertise, and sales acumen – all of which are underpinned by effective communication skills. “I know this may sound harsh, but it doesn’t matter that you’ve been working for decades. You still have to prove yourself every day. Whether you are employed or are exercising entrepreneurship, your performance is always being carefully evaluated. So, it’s time to let go of this entitlement mindset,” she warns. It might explain why job seekers are oftentimes required to go through several rounds of interviews, including with panels formed by company leadership, and then struggle to understand what went wrong – why did they choose someone else?

This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the ever-changing job market and seeking valuable insights on how to adapt to the new world of work. Explore with us the concept of a "white collar gig" economy and learn how to stay valuable and relevant in this evolving landscape.