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“Eat What You Kill” Is Hard

Traditional Employment vs. “Eat What You Kill” Roles: Understanding the Difference

In the modern job market, individuals often face the decision between traditional employment and pursuing “eat what you kill” roles. Understanding the distinction between these paths can help individuals make informed career decisions based on their skills, mindset, and financial goals.

Traditional Employment

Definition: Traditional employment involves working as a salaried or hourly employee for a company. Employees typically receive a predictable income, benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans, and job security.

Characteristics:

• Steady paycheck
• Employer-provided benefits
• Structured environment
• Defined responsibilities
• Clear career path and opportunities for promotions

Best Suited For:

• Individuals who value stability and financial predictability
• Those who prefer a structured and supportive work environment
• People who are risk-averse and prioritize job security
• Employees seeking mentorship and professional development within an organization

“Eat What You Kill” Roles

Definition: “Eat what you kill” refers to roles where income is directly tied to individual performance. Independent contractors, commission-based sales professionals, consultants, real estate agents, and certain attorneys often operate under this model. These individuals generate revenue through their efforts and earn a percentage of the value they create.

Characteristics:

• Commission-based or performance-driven income
• Flexibility and independence
• Higher earning potential with no income cap
• Increased responsibility for business development
• Little or no financial security

Best Suited For:

• Highly self-motivated and disciplined individuals
• Strong communicators and negotiators
• People comfortable with financial uncertainty and fluctuating income
• Goal-oriented professionals who thrive on competition
• Entrepreneurs or those who enjoy building client relationships

Personality and Work Ethic Profiles for Success

Success in “eat what you kill” roles typically requires a distinct set of personality traits and work habits, including:

1. Self-Motivation and Discipline: Independent workers must set goals, stay focused, and remain productive without supervision.
2. Resilience and Grit: Facing rejection and setbacks is common, requiring perseverance to push through challenges.
3. Confidence and Persuasiveness: Effective sales and negotiations rely on the ability to build trust and influence others.
4. Risk Tolerance: The lack of guaranteed income demands comfort with financial uncertainty.
5. Networking Skills: Successful individuals actively build and maintain relationships to generate leads and referrals.
6. Time Management: Efficiently allocating time between prospecting, client management, and closing deals is essential.

Who Should Avoid “Eat What You Kill” Roles?

While some individuals excel in performance-based roles, others may struggle. You may want to avoid these roles if you:

• Prefer a predictable, stable income and comprehensive benefits
• Lack confidence in your ability to handle rejection and uncertainty
• Struggle with self-management and require external motivation
• Dislike direct sales, negotiation, or client management
• Have a low tolerance for financial risk and fluctuating earnings

Conclusion

Choosing between traditional employment and an “eat what you kill” role is a highly personal decision. Assess your financial situation, career goals, and personality traits to determine which path aligns best with your strengths. For those with resilience, independence, and a hunger for high earnings, the rewards of a performance-based role can be significant. However, for individuals seeking stability, growth within an established organization, and comprehensive benefits, traditional employment may be the ideal choice.

Paul Fioravanti, MBA, MPA, CTP, is the CEO & Managing Partner of QORVAL Partners, LLC, a FL-based advisory firm (founded 1996 by Jim Malone, six-time Fortune 100/500 CEO) Qorval is a US-based turnaround, restructuring, business optimization and interim management firm. Fioravanti is a proven turnaround CEO with experience in more than 90 situations in more than 40 industries. He earned his MBA and MPA from the University of Rhode Island and completed advanced post-master’s research in finance and marketing at Bryant University. He is a Certified Turnaround Professional and member of the Turnaround Management Association, the Private Directors Association, Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), Association of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&MA), the American Bankruptcy Institute, and IMCUSA. Copyright 2025, Qorval Partners LLC and/or Paul Fioravanti, MBA, MPA, CTP. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution without permission.