Paolo, you often highlight the importance of finding the positive in the shared understanding between employers and employees that no one is coming to rescue them from a life they’re dissatisfied with. Could you explain what you mean by this?

When I say there’s something positive in the shared realization between employers and employees that nobody is coming to save you from the life you don’t like, I’m pointing to a massive, often overlooked shift in mindset that’s happening in the workplace and beyond. It might sound harsh at first, but this realization is actually incredibly liberating once you embrace it.

For years, there was this unspoken agreement—or maybe illusion—that if you worked hard, stayed loyal to a company, or followed a prescribed path, the system would eventually reward you. You’d have job security, a pension, a stable trajectory toward a better life. Employers were supposed to offer this sense of security and purpose, and employees were supposed to give their time and loyalty in exchange. But let’s be honest: that old contract has been shattered for a while now, and both sides are starting to see it more clearly.

Employees are realizing that the idea of a company providing lifelong security is more myth than reality. With economic instability, corporate restructuring, and industries being disrupted overnight, people are waking up to the fact that no employer is going to guarantee your future happiness, fulfillment, or financial security. On the flip side, employers are recognizing that they can no longer expect blind loyalty from employees if they’re not offering an environment that fosters growth, meaning, and well-being.

So, what’s the positive side of this shared realization? It’s that, for the first time, people are starting to take radical ownership of their own lives. When you truly understand that nobody is coming to rescue you from a life you don’t want, you become empowered to create the life you do want. It’s a wake-up call that pushes you to be proactive, to invest in yourself, and to design your life and career in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.

For employees, this realization can be a catalyst to upskill, to learn continuously, and to think like an entrepreneur, even if you’re working within a company. It’s about understanding that your career trajectory is in your hands, that you have the power to switch paths, to negotiate better conditions, or to start something of your own if that’s what aligns with your values. It’s about not waiting for a boss or a company to hand you opportunities, but seeking them out and creating them for yourself.

For employers, this shift is a reminder that if they want to attract and retain top talent, they can’t just offer a paycheck and call it a day. They need to invest in creating a culture that empowers employees, gives them room to grow, and aligns with their need for purpose. They need to provide more than just perks; they need to create an environment where people feel valued and see their own future in the company’s success.

This new reality forces both sides to engage more honestly and intentionally. Employees know they have to take care of themselves, to develop a sense of autonomy, and to make sure they’re always growing and adaptable. Employers know they have to offer real value beyond just money if they want to keep people engaged. It’s a system that, in its ideal form, challenges everyone to level up.

And here’s the beautiful part: once you accept that nobody’s coming to save you, you become more creative, resilient, and self-reliant. You start asking deeper questions: What kind of life do I really want to live? What skills do I need to get there? How can I make sure my work is meaningful and aligned with my values? You stop settling for a life dictated by someone else’s blueprint and start crafting one that’s uniquely yours.

So, yes, it can feel unsettling to realize that you’re on your own in this way, but there’s an enormous sense of freedom and potential in that realization, too. It’s the spark that can ignite profound, positive change—if you’re willing to take ownership and invest in your own future.