A salary feels safe — until you realize it's a cage. In this solo episode, host John Odermatt shares the story of being unexpectedly laid off after 16 years in corporate America and how it forced him to confront how little control he had over his own income. He introduces the "eat what you kill" mindset — the idea that income should be a direct reflection of your skill, effort, and output. John breaks down the hidden trade-offs of salaried work, including the illusion of security and the slow erosion of purchasing power through inflation. He contrasts the salary cage with the hunter mentality, where immediate market feedback replaces annual performance reviews. John argues that the greatest risk isn't going out on your own — it's never finding out what you're truly capable of. He closes with practical, low-stakes advice for salaried workers who want to test the hunter life without blowing up their financial security. Chapters 0:00 – Introduction: The Salary Cage 1:18 – Sponsor: Good To Go Bodies 90-Day Fitness Program 2:42 – John's Story: 16 Years in Corporate America & Getting Laid Off 8:12 – Terminology: Where "Eat What You Kill" Comes From 13:04 – The Primal Satisfaction of Hunting for Your Income 21:24 – Salary vs. Entrepreneur: The Real Trade-Offs 22:01 – The Biggest Lie About Salary: It's Not Actually Secure 17:19 – The Advantages of the Hunter Mindset 21:25 – Why Doesn't Everyone Go Out on Their Own? 23:44 – Ed Mylett's Definition of Hell & The Real Risk of Playing It Safe 27:34 – How to Start Hunting Without Quitting Your Job SUPPORT LIONS OF LIBERTY: Help keep this podcast going! We rely on listener support to continue bringing you content on freedom, political reform, and personal empowerment. Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/lionsofliberty Support us on Locals: https://lionsofliberty.locals.com/ Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen – it makes a huge difference! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices