You Inc.
More than ever I have come to the realization that the only employer that I should really be concerned about pleasing is myself. A conversation I had yesterday evening and another today at lunch have reinforced this thought of Olivier Inc.
Whether you are an employee in a small or large company. Whether you are self-employed and run a business of one or of hundreds you need to look after yourself. Not the company, not the government (especially), not a union, not anybody will do it as well as you can. You owe it to yourself to network with people in and out of your place of work. To keep up your connections with those people that you have crossed paths with and whose work and/or personal traits appeal to you. You owe it to yourself to be knowledgeable of the latest trends in your field of work and in your hobbies. You owe it to yourself to be curious about what others are doing and to show interest. To reach out. To prepare for the next thing. To think about the next challenge.
A job is always temporary whether you are a permanent employee or a temporary one. If you work in a large corporation you should consider your current job or assignment as your current contract with the corporation. If you are a temporary or contract worker you are familiar with this. If you are self-employed you are even more aware of the fragility of your income stream and the need to advertise and market yourself.
As employees of corporations (especially long-time employees) we tend to forget the importance of networking outside of our employers' networks. We get caught up on projects, on the day-to-day of work, and do not focus on our own objectives - our own company (Olivier Inc.). We tend to think we'll have the job forever and that things "will work out".
Don't think this way. Make sure that You Inc. will always be employed and advancing (and by that I mean learning and being challenged) by taking care of yourself. Don't forget to. EVER.
Comments
Seriously, though, I agree with you.