Through all my corporate experience I have observed a phenomenon that exists in nearly all workplaces. It is the idea of working feverishly against corporate promises.

Certainly you or someone you know is familiar with a situation where so and so was told by their boss that if they can work real hard and just get through this project (or quarter or year or phase) that big opportunities will come. It seems that the promises are always related to promotions, pay increases, or the ultimate promise of the company going public and making boatloads of cash. Granted, things like this actually happen, but I'm suspicious that more often than not, they don't. We all seem to learn the hard way that we have to cover our ground and be willing to say "show me the money" to our employers. In spite of learning that, many of us still work our tails off (long hours, overcommitment, various sacrifices) all in the name of a someday or a probably.

What do we do about this? Aren't we all trapped working for the man? The only real solution I know of is entrepreneurship. The somedays and maybes begin to be in our full control. If we want to accomplish something, we can wake up and work on it. We don't need to wade through the same process of approvals. The downside, obviously, is greater risk and creating our own system of customer outreach.

I've been kicking around the idea of freelancing again especially because I have had a lot of great project opportunities lately. Nevertheless, like all of you, I must weigh the risks and take the plunge at the right time. But I can't help but feel some fatigue coming on from spinning my wheels.