How to deal with golden handcuffs from your employer – Therapy for Men – Dr. Rick Pomfret – Thersapy4Men.com
As I’ve detailed in an earlier post, the concept of golden handcuffs is as paradoxical as the term. They are shiny and valuable in some ways. Meanwhile, handcuffs of any color or material are still handcuffs. Picture a job at which you are quite well paid and the benefits are stellar. Now picture that same job as being terribly dull and/or requiring you to work far too many hours.
Your company knows that dull and overworked are not exactly selling points. So, they overcompensate on the other end with top-end salaries and perks like bonuses, stock options, and so much more. How can you turn down such an offer?
Handcuffs Are Handcuffs
No one wants to lose their freedom. But plenty of folks equate freedom with money and material goods. Is it a fair trade-off to hate your job now but bask in the accumulated wealth later? How much is enough to make your own life miserable? If you find yourself in a situation like this, fortunately, there are many ways to make the right decision for yourself.
How To Deal With The Golden Handcuffs From Your Employer
Let’s say you took the bait and traded comfort for money. How can you find balance when your high-paying gig has you bored to tears and exhausted? Begin with the basics. Commit to taking excellent care of yourself. Sure, you have the money for fancy massages and spas, but you may no longer have the time to indulge. Therefore, pledge yourself to get as much steady sleep as possible, make healthy eating choices, and exercise each day. This will help sustain you until you decide to ditch the handcuffs.
If you’ve reached the point where you need a break — no matter how much they offer — here are some considerations:
- Plan Ahead: Invest and save enough money to give yourself the flexibility to leave on your own terms.
- Realistically Assess Your Lifestyle: How much do you really need to be happy? Would life be a lot more pleasant to have a job that enriches your life even if it meant going without a company car and vacation home? (Spoiler alert: Yes.)
- Educate Yourself About Your Company: Sincere promises about long-term viability are not a sure thing. Do the best evaluation you can as to whether or not there will be a payoff at the end of the rainbow.
- Check the Market: Golden Handcuff deals are no longer rare. Sadly, this means there are far too many that will drain your soul while filling your bank account. Take a good look around and see if you have more flexibility than you imagined. If you are going to voluntarily don golden handcuffs, make certain you get the best possible deal.
And never forget that through it all, only you can decide what makes you happy.
There’s More to Life Than Stock Options
Abundance is in the eye of the beholder. When an employer waves a golden handcuff situation in front of your face, they are counting on you being seduced by fancy perks and perceived status. They don’t tell you that such a job comes not only with long hours but also, with a large amount of expenses. From work clothing to childcare and beyond, you will be spending more than you imagine. And this doesn’t even factor in the intangibles.
When you look back at your life, will you remember the holiday bonus or the free time you had with your family and friends? Sure, society teaches us to chase the brass ring. But if you listen to your heart, you may find yourself far more interested in personal fulfillment.