Let’s Get Real: Navigating the Workforce in 2025
I’ve been told my superpower is that I’m “real,” and part of how that plays out is that I tell the truth.
Calling it like I see it has become my north star. Sure, I wrap it in compassion, so it doesn’t sting too much, but I don’t shy away from unpopular truths. Newsflash: most leaders appreciate “real talk.” They’re data-driven beings who shudder at the idea of making decisions based on bad intel. Be the bearer of truth—it’ll take you far.
This article isn’t here to sugarcoat the workforce or corporate world. Instead, buckle up for some insights on navigating the current business terrain. Whether you're a seasoned pro, sliding into retirement, or a fresh-faced manager trying to light a fire under your team, let’s dive in.
Work Drama
We’ve all heard the same tired tropes: employees these days are unpredictable, hopping in and out of jobs like rabbits, wanting top-tier salaries and fancy titles without much experience. Younger folks drop “boomer” like a spicy insult, while older workers grumble about “soft skills” disappearing. And the corporate grind? Well, it’s alive and thriving.
Every leader has dreams of finding magical employees—those unicorns who get results, arrive on time, go the extra mile, and communicate effortlessly. Unfortunately, these mythical beings aren’t shipped in; they’re built, slowly but surely.
Let’s zero in on some workforce axioms for 2025.
1— This Economy Doesn’t Care About Your Wish List
Look, I get it. The job market might not be what you hoped for, and blaming greed feels cathartic. But technology has catapulted us into turbo productivity—more than our parents ever dreamed of. With AI, cloud computing, and smartphones, companies demand specialized skills and independent go-getters. If your manager has to micromanage every move, the wheels will come off the bus pretty quickly.
Also, let’s talk work ethic. No matter what field you’re in, hustling is non-negotiable. Median U.S. salaries in 2024 hover around $50-60k. Want perks and big bucks? You’d better be ready to bring double the value.
2— What you call a job, executives and shareholders call a business
Businesses are hyper-rational and non-human. They work on the principle of self-preservation and don’t care about your personal life when a major project is due or when the market has a correction and you just got comfy in your dream role.
That doesn’t mean heart-centered people can’t lead businesses, or that C-suite folks are heartless. It’s just the reality of the game.
Take this example: back in my LSU days, I worked as a line cook and shift manager at a 24-hour eatery. It was a local legend—practically a rite of passage for the campus crowd. Post-Hurricane Katrina, the place became a lifeline for medics and military staff stationed nearby. We cooked non-stop for two weeks with limited resources. Our GM joked, “There is no schedule right now; if you’re awake, come to work.” Hyperbolic? Sure. But this hustle embodies how businesses operate under pressure.
People love to call business owners greedy, but I dare anyone to form an LLC or S Corp and see how tough it is. The reality is, ninety percent of them fail.
For the corporate crowd, understanding this reality—and not taking leadership issues personally—is why older employees tend to navigate things better. Middle-aged pros have seen it all: restructuring, team implosions, recessions, and personal hardships. By this point, priorities shift—kids, family, and life itself take precedence over workplace drama.
Sure, life can throw curveballs but understanding that business is a game can bring you some clarity. I hate to sound like your libertarian brother who’s been reading Marcus Aurelius but, happiness is your responsibility. Work is work—what you do outside of it is on you. Surround yourself with good people. Take care of yourself. And remember, life is short.
3— Work is Basically an Episode of Survivor
Ever watched the island theme reality show? Work is eerily similar. Alliances, immunity, backdoor deals—it’s all there. Leaders must juggle promises, business principles, and the rollercoaster that is capitalism. When funding dries up or political chaos unfolds, yesterday’s vows might hit the chopping block.
Adaptability is crucial. Build alliances, but know the game’s limits. Decisions can seem unfair or ruthless, but don’t take it personally. The key? Deliver results, be resilient, and brace for curveballs.
Still annoyed at your boss or ex-boss? Channel that energy into reflection. Grab a journal and jot down every connection you made, skill you honed, certification you earned, and experience that elevated your resume. Every job has merit—even the ones you disliked.