The Truth About Job Security with Chip Meyers

The Truth About Job Security with Chip Meyers; Franchise Match Podcast EP 105

Breaking free from the job security myth could be your path to genuine financial freedom and empowerment. Join Chip Meyers on this podcast as he shares invaluable insights for anyone standing at a professional crossroads and considering a path of self-employment. Chip recounts his experience of drastic career change after being ‘involuntarily separated from payroll.’ His story illustrates the initial panic and fear that can accompany a sudden job loss, especially when financial responsibilities loom large. ‘I am the primary income provider for my family,’ he shares, emphasizing the real pressures confronted during such transitions.

“By my own experience, I’ve found that if someone moves forward confidently in the direction of their dreams… they will meet with success unexpected in common hours.”  Shared by Chip Meyers.

Like many Americans, you’ve probably been told that getting a good job with benefits is the key to financial security. But what if that advice is outdated? What if the “safe” corporate job you’re counting on is putting your financial future at risk? Recent data shows a troubling reality: traditional job security is becoming a thing of the past. Meanwhile, competent professionals are discovering that franchise ownership offers a surprising path to absolute security and financial independence.

This journey requires facing fears, redefining personal goals, and making strategic decisions that align with one’s aspirations. Chip Meyers, an experienced Career Ownership Coach™ with The Entrepreneurs Source, shares his transformative journey from a corporate employee to a successful entrepreneur, offering rich insights and practical strategies for those considering their path in business ownership.

The Job Security Myth Is Cracking

The numbers tell a sobering story about modern employment. In March 2025, layoffs and discharges affected 1.6 million Americans, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s just one month of data.

Even more concerning, at least 95,000 workers at U.S.-based tech companies were laid off in mass job cuts in 2024, reports Crunchbase News. Companies like Intel cut over 15,000 jobs, while Tesla eliminated more than 14,000 positions.

But here’s the real kicker: 52% of workers now say it would be difficult for them to find the kind of job they want if they were to look for a new one today, according to a 2024 Pew Research study. That’s a massive jump from just 37% who felt this way in 2022.

Think about that for a moment. More than half of all workers feel trapped in their current situation, knowing they’d struggle to find something comparable if they lost their job tomorrow.

The corporate world, which once promised lifetime employment, has changed dramatically. Even government jobs, long considered the gold standard of security, aren’t immune. The government has laid off about 62,530 workers in the first two months of 2025, a whopping 41,311% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to Reuters.

Before becoming a Career Ownership Coach™, Chip had a lengthy career in corporate sales. Despite his success, an involuntary separation from his company forced Chip to reconsider his future. This pivotal moment led him to recognize the illusion of job security and the potential fulfillment that self-employment might offer. He took the leap into entrepreneurship, facing the challenges and uncertainties head-on, and eventually found success in franchise ownership.

Embracing the Unknown

Upon losing his corporate job, Chip’s immediate instinct was to seek another job. However, upon deeper reflection, he questioned why he should return to a system that no longer served his personal goals or happiness. This introspection led him to ask if other paths could fulfill his need for income and benefits—a critical reflection for anyone standing at a professional crossroads, encouraging them to take the time to consider their options.

Transitioning from the structured environment of a corporate career to entrepreneurship entails not merely altering one’s daily tasks but fundamentally altering one’s mindset.

Unlearning the Past

Reflecting on his transition, Chip realized that he needed to unlearn much of what his corporate career had taught him. “What I realize now is kind of this illusion of security and stability,” he notes. This realization is crucial, as many employees cling to the perceived stability of traditional jobs despite mounting evidence to the contrary.

Rather than focusing solely on financial stability, Chip prioritized achieving work-life equilibrium, notably as familial responsibilities increased. This balance allowed him to respond flexibly to urgent personal matters, something a conventional job might not have accommodated. The ability to weave work seamlessly into life’s other demands illustrates a core benefit of entrepreneurship.

Transitioning into business ownership, especially when considering franchising, can ease the daunting leap into entrepreneurship.

The Franchise Advantage

Here’s what might surprise you: franchise ownership offers better long-term security than most traditional jobs. The statistics are compelling. Franchises have a higher success rate than traditional startups, largely due to the established brand, proven business model, and ongoing support from the franchisor. This makes them a more secure and less risky option for aspiring entrepreneurs.

• Research from FranchiseInsights.com indicates that 72% of Americans aspire to be their boss, while franchise businesses have historically achieved a 90% success rate compared to 15% for traditional startups.
• The International Franchise Association (IFA) and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report that franchises generally have a steady success rate of approximately 90% over the first five years, while independent businesses see much higher failure rates (20% fail within two years, 45% within five years, and 85% within ten years)

Chip opted for franchising, valuing its systems and support network as critical supports in his journey. “Franchising at its core is all about systems and support,” which can be invaluable for new entrepreneurs lacking experience. Franchises often provide a roadmap that reduces early-stage stumbles, allowing entrepreneurs to focus more on growth and execution rather than basic setup.

Competent professionals recognize that proper security comes from owning their income source, not depending on an employer’s goodwill. This shift toward ‘career ownership’ represents a fundamental change in how people think about work and security. It’s about taking control of your career, making strategic decisions, and owning the outcomes, rather than relying on a job for security.

In 2024, the overall number of franchise establishments was projected to increase to 821,000 units, and franchising added nearly 221,000 new jobs, according to the International Franchise Association. This growth reflects a broader trend of people seeking alternatives to traditional employment.

The benefits extend beyond just financial security. Franchise owners report better work-life balance, more control over their schedules, and the satisfaction of building something for themselves and their families.

Overcoming Fears and Doubts

Fear of failure and the unknown are significant barriers to becoming an entrepreneur. Chip advocates for turning these fears into questions that seek solutions, reinforcing the importance of information in reducing uncertainty. “Evidence defeats doubt,” he asserts, highlighting the power of knowledge in dispelling fear.

Making the leap from employee to business owner can feel overwhelming. That’s where professional guidance becomes invaluable. Career Ownership Coaches and services, such as Franchise Match, help bridge the gap between your current situation and your entrepreneurial goals.

A Career Ownership Coach provides personalized guidance, simplifies decision-making, and helps you identify the right opportunities for your goals. These coaches understand that not every franchise is right for every person. They help match your skills, interests, and financial situation with the right opportunity.

For Chip, franchising provided not only a business model but also collaboration with seasoned peers. This established network reduced feelings of isolation and increased confidence, vital elements for a successful transition. Chip’s narrative is also one of personal growth. The flexibility of being his boss allowed him to address personal obligations without detrimental impacts on his professional life. These benefits underscore the profound personal enrichment entrepreneurship can offer.

In synthesizing Chip Meyers’ experience, several actionable insights emerge for anyone contemplating entrepreneurship:

• Self-Reflection is Key: Before transitioning, take the time to deeply assess your personal goals and determine whether your current roles align with those goals.
• Explore All Pathways: Consider franchising or other structured systems if the uncertainty of starting from scratch feels overwhelming.
• Leverage Existing Skills: Identify and apply transferable skills from past careers that will provide a foundation for new ventures. 
• Embrace Learning: Be prepared to unlearn old habits and embrace new, potentially uncomfortable methods.
• Manage Financial Realities: Accurately assessing financial needs and strategic planning will alleviate unnecessary stress.

The old model of job security is broken. Waiting for someone else to provide your financial security is like waiting for someone else to exercise for you – it simply doesn’t work. The professionals who thrive in today’s economy are those who take control of their financial destinies. They recognize that building wealth requires ownership, not just employment.

Chip Meyers put it best: “Design your future based on your vision, not your past.” This means looking beyond the traditional employee mindset to consider alternatives that offer absolute control over your income and future.

Overcoming Fear with Information

According to Meyers, addressing fear involves turning it into questions that need answers. He advocates for using discovery and education as tools to expand one’s career horizon. “Evidence defeats doubt,” Meyers states, stressing the importance of arming oneself with information to counteract fear.

Meyers spent 27 years in the corporate world, which he describes as providing an “illusion of security and stability.” He underscores a significant realization: proper security stems not from external employment but from personal control and ability.

Faced with the volatility of corporate employment, Meyers sought alternative paths that aligned better with his personal goals. His exploration into entrepreneurship was not merely a career shift but a life transformation. “I’m very blessed,” he remarks, acknowledging the support of his family, which enabled him to pursue what he “wanted to do, not things that I had to do.”

Franchising: A Structured Path to Ownership

Franchising became Meyers’ chosen path—offering a balance between independence and structured support. He elaborates on the unique advantages of franchising, including established systems, community support, and a network of experienced peers. “A franchise company has already made all the mistakes for you,” Meyers notes, highlighting the appeal of leveraging proven business frameworks over starting from scratch.

Addressing common misconceptions about franchising costs, Meyers contrasts royalties against the value of the infrastructure and market insights franchises provide. “I never had a commission plan where I kept 90% of the revenue,” he explains, illustrating the value proposition of franchise participation.

Beyond financial considerations, Meyers emphasizes the importance of achieving a harmonious balance between work and life. He rejects the notion of a rigid “work-life balance,” promoting instead a more fluid “work-life equilibrium.” This shift in focus proved critical when confronting personal challenges, such as caring for his father, which required flexibility that conventional corporate roles could not provide.

Transitioning into entrepreneurship allowed Meyers to design his professional life around personal priorities. His philosophy, “working to live rather than living to work,” reflects a broader desire to integrate professional endeavors with personal fulfillment.

Actionable Insights for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Your Next Step: It’s just a call!

Call a Career Ownership Coach® today!

If you’re tired of worrying about layoffs, limited income potential, and lack of control over your career, it might be time to explore franchise ownership. The statistics clearly show that franchises offer better long-term prospects than traditional employment for those willing to take action.

Our coaches will help you to evaluate your current situation honestly:

– How secure is your job?

– Are you building wealth or just earning a paycheck?

– Do you have control over your financial future?

– What would happen if you lost your job tomorrow?

Working with a Career Ownership Coach through Franchise Match can help you explore options without pressure or cost. You’ll discover opportunities you never knew existed and learn how to transition from employee to business owner safely and strategically.

Your future self will thank you for taking action today. Because in a world where job security is increasingly an illusion, career ownership might be the most secure choice you can make.

Chip Meyers’ narrative is a testament to the transformative potential of career transitions. His journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship underscores the importance of aligning career choices with personal aspirations and values. By embracing change, addressing fears with informed strategies, and leveraging structured opportunities like franchising, individuals can unlock new pathways to success. As Meyers reminds us, “Design your future based on your vision, not your past,” advocating a proactive approach to career and life planning.

Chip Meyers’ journey exemplifies the courage required to transition from stability to uncertainty, underscoring the profound personal and professional benefits that await those willing to pursue their dreams. Whether through franchising or independent ventures, crafting a work life that aligns with personal values can lead to unexpected successes and self-fulfillment.

Ready to explore your options? Connect with a Career Ownership Coach through Franchise Match to start your journey toward absolute financial security and independence.

 

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Dedication:

We dedicate this book to the tens of thousands of clients who have allowed us to guide then through their Journey of Discovery – courageous people who have made their dreams come true by taking the path less traveled. You inspire us every day. May you, the reader, also achieve your dreams and may this book empower you and assist you in your journey.

—The Entrepreneur’s Source Career Ownership Coaches

We help them define their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals and provide education on the best ways to achieve them. We don’t sell franchises – we help people achieve their dreams of self-sufficiency through business ownership. The approach is different, the experience is different. And it works.

 

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