In a recent LinkedIn post, Justin Welsh discusses a fundamental dynamic he observes in traditional employment: the inherent gap between an employee’s value and their compensation. Welsh frames this not as a criticism of employers, but as a standard business practice that has persisted for centuries.
According to Welsh, the employer-employee relationship, while offering stability and benefits to the worker, allows the company to retain the majority of the upside generated by that employee’s efforts. He states:
“Your job thinks you’re worth more than they’re paying you. That’s just how business works. You get a little stability, some benefits, and a predictable paycheck. They get to keep the upside.”
Welsh, who spent 16 years in traditional employment himself, emphasizes that this model is not inherently flawed and has served many well. However, he identifies a significant missed opportunity for individuals who dedicate decades to skill development without ever testing their market value independently.
The Experiment of Self-Employment
The core of Welsh’s message revolves around the importance of running an “experiment” to gauge one’s skills in the open market. He encourages individuals to consider whether their abilities can solve a significant problem, if clients are willing to pay a premium for that solution, and if it can be achieved without overwhelming disruption to their lives.
As Justin Welsh notes, the crucial question for professionals is:
“Can you solve a valuable problem? Will someone pay you handsomely for it? Can you do it without blowing up your life?”
He posits that if the answer to these questions is affirmative, the next challenge lies in structuring that skill into a sustainable income stream that doesn’t consume one’s entire existence.
From Employee to Entrepreneur: A Decade of Learning
Welsh shares his personal journey, detailing how he spent nearly ten years refining this very concept while building his own one-person business to a reported $15 million in revenue. This extensive period was dedicated to understanding how to translate market value into a viable business.
He elaborates on this transition, stating:
“I spent nearly a decade figuring that out while building my one-person business to $15M.”
Drawing from this experience, Welsh has distilled his learnings into a concise guide. He explains that after reviewing numerous articles, personal notes, and conversations with successful entrepreneurs, he has identified seven key lessons that he believes are essential for anyone considering or currently navigating the entrepreneurial path.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Welsh’s insights suggest a strategic approach to career development that extends beyond traditional employment. He advocates for proactive validation of skills in the marketplace, even while maintaining the security of a job.
According to Justin Welsh, the act of testing one’s value is not about immediate departure from employment, but about gaining crucial data. This data can inform future decisions, empowering individuals to potentially leverage their expertise more directly and profitably.
He points out the common pitfall:
“There’s a big mistake some people make. They spend 20-30 years becoming more valuable and never even dip their toe in the water to find out whether their skills work in the market on their own.”
Ultimately, Welsh’s post serves as a call to action for professionals to explore their potential beyond the confines of their current roles, encouraging them to “run the experiment” and discover the market’s true valuation of their skills.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Justin Welsh on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 4, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →