Do we call that sort of behavior self serving? No. Let's call it "enlightened self-interest."

The internal personal drive to move ahead and achieve is what you want in an employee. Not just an owner and manager... But every employee needs to think like an independent contractor, like and entrepreneur, like an immigrant.

You cannot succeed in today's dynamic economic environment with employees that are cogs in a wheel. Avoid the cog mentality.

Every employee needs to understand that they, as an individual, need to bring value every day. They need to view the work world like an independent contractor. Should this scare an employer? All of this independent contractor mentality? Think about it.

If I view my employer like a client, I need to make sure that the value I provide -- daily, weekly, every pay period -- will get me re-hired.

Job security by an employer is an obsolete notion. There is a blur in the lines that separate employer and employee.

A company can no sooner guarantee a position in this ever-changing market anymore than an employee can guarantee that they'll pass up all other opportunities to serve just one company.

Companies are responsible for providing a workplace where true value can be added and workers grow and develop. In exchange, an independent contractor will passionately bring the greatest value to the enterprise in the shortest amount of time.

So is it so insane to look for opportunity? Employers should continually look for the best people to bring into their enterprise and workers should continually seek out opportunities inside and outside the "client" company. It's all part of building a future in a world where the speed of change is increasing. Where the line between your work life and your life life are becoming thin and broken.

This attitude of the immigrant, this independent contractor mentality is no longer just desirable it is vital.

Imagine if you worked as hard everyday as you did on the day before you leave for vacation. Think about it. That's attitude!