Why Startup Job Creation Is Not News to U.S. Economy

I am always on the lookout for startup news. Earlier this month, I read the Kauffman Foundation's report which indicates that without startups, there would be no net job growth in the U.S. economy. Initially, I was elated until I read the complete report.

Startups, or age zero firms, create an estimated 3 million jobs per year. While this statistic may "wow" you, control yourself. After year 0, startups join the ranks of existing firms which actually lose more jobs than they create.

The author of the report admits that startups have a definitional advantage because they can't lose jobs. They can only create. Some of the jobs created in inception will surely be lost the following year when they move from startup status to existing firm status.

I have said before that I love all things startup. However, how can such a temporary creation of jobs matter to the U.S. economy? I think we need to dig deeper to determine the primary reasons for net job losses each year. How can we move from short term survivability to long term sustainability?

In Search of Meaningful Work

With the unemployment rate still as high as 9.5%, many people are searching for jobs. I am praying that they either find or create meaningful work. What is meaningful work? In Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell describes meaningful work as having three characteristics: autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward.

Author and speaker Daniel Pink agrees with two of the three characteristics, but has discovered some interesting research about effort and reward. He has discovered that when solving complex problems, what motivates us is not the "carrot or stick". We are driven by a sense of purpose. You can view a short video of Pink's teaching below.

I believe that meaningful work is a clear sign that we count for something – that we matter to the world. Meaningful work is a major component of human dignity. I hope that everyone will find what you were created to do.

Celebrate Good Times. Come On!

This has been an exciting spring! We finished another year homeschooling the three younger children. My oldest daughter just completed her ninth grade year at a fantastic Christian school and we made it through my son's graduation from high school. As parents, we are about to let him fly. Phew! It is not easy. We set some parameters for locating a college, and believe that we have found a great place for him to mature during this transitional period. My son has agreed to do his one page personal plan complete with solidified values so that he can begin to make decisions without the aid of mom and dad.

It just occurred to me that I have three platforms for my life's work. I am in my sweet spot when I am helping individuals and organizations develop and grow. I am like an actor in a play. The stage is the same, but the scenes change from home, to church, to business. Yet, I deliver similar lines with intense passion. Of course, I know that life is real and I am sure glad to be living it. This truly is a fabulous journey and we are establishing great relationships along the way. God has been so good to us.

I don't always live a balanced life. Life coach Christopher McCluskey once said we worship our work, we play at worship, and we work at play. Well, beginning tomorrow, we are vacationing. For one week, I am letting go of work, worshiping privately and not corporately, and enjoying my family. I encourage you to do the same. Take some time off, stop, and smell the roses.  Celebrate good times. Come on!