So is that what executives get to do, suck the life out of their employees all day? Some of them do and some of them are the kindest, most gentle souls who genuinely care about your well-being. I have not yet worked for those people, but I believe they are out there. In fact, I believe I am one of them. Maybe you feel the same.
I will never forget the words of my last boss. He was kind enough to hear my concerns and gratitude-filled resignation for about 5 minutes before calling two other employees into his office and asking why I was really leaving. Later he told me, “Tanya, you are a being with unlimited potential. But this job is limited in what it can offer you.” My response was something like, “Oh, so you do understand.” Then, dead silence. It was terrifying and awesome at the same time. For the first time in my life, I stood up for me. Not just the me everyone knew, but the me that has been patiently waiting to step into being.
Somewhere along the line of corporate jobs I have held, I failed to realize one important point. It is one that I am happy to share with my clients today. What you are good at is not always what you are supposed to be doing.
I recently learned about this study on work and mental health. The research compares the mental health of unemployed people compared to those with poor quality jobs. They defined jobs of poor quality as those with low pay, high demands, and little autonomy. The study found that the mental health of unemployed subjects fared better (or were about the same) as those with poor quality jobs. It makes sense. Some jobs are not worth having. Yet, unemployment is not an option.
When you feel that you have given more than your share to corporate Decepticons, ask yourself what it is costing you to stay where you are. The risk could be greater than the reward.
I have learned that no matter what you have done for a living, it cannot define who you are or what you will do unless you let it. Figure out what your passion is and own it. Run with your passion each day (instead of your employer’s) and the money will always follow you. Trust that wherever passion leads you is exactly where you are supposed to be; even if it means changing jobs or fields altogether.
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That's a great post and I can see how "the study found that the mental health of unemployed subjects fared better (or were about the same) as those with poor quality jobs." All of us need to figure out what we want to do with our lives to be happy and then build our careers around that.
I think so, too
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Figure out what your passion is and own it. I agree with this…
regards
I can definitely agree with you in all those areas Tanya. I lost a very dear friend 11 years ago due to stress he encountered due to his job. It got the best of him and he left a 5 year old little boy behind. That was the day I said no more. I'll never let that get the best of me.
People think that staying in corporate America is the only way, but when it can affect your health, it's time to start searching.
Thanks for sharing this with us. Glad you found your way and I have no doubt you are excellent at what you do.
Adrienne
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That's a tragedy. People talk about balance a lot these days; work-life balance, work-play balance, etc. If you think about it, our fathers and grandfathers never talked about balance. They worked hard so we could learn from their mistakes and make knew choices. I think we still carry some of their fears, especially when it comes to the J-O-B.
I'll never let that get the best of me either, Adrienne. Thank you for sharing your truth.
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I agree, thats is why I will only ever work for myself.
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that's the way to go! Thanks for swinging through Martin.
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Amen. Good for you, Martin!
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That's right Tanya. If you have the passion in you, the workload is getting lighter. And do not mind those people who are letting you down. Fight to what you believe.
Indeed. Then in an essence you're working for "fun" … to get to desired personal goals.
I can feel your sentiment because I have experienced that way too, I work in an agency as non-regular employee earning below than a minimum wage. They tell me I am fast learner so they gave me functions but as a regular one. Now, I am planning to live with my passion and that is writing.
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Cool, Cherry. Normally corporations give you those types of incentives to keep locked in the position that you don't really desire. You just have to make sure you don't jump into things, gradually move over towards your passion; unless you can start supplementing your passion's income right away.
Beautifully written. I cannot tell you how much this resonated with me. Its so important to break those chains of corporate incentives and realize our own potential!
I'm glad to hear that it resonated with you. You're absolutely right. Realizing one's own potential is everything as it colors what we say and do whether we are employees, employers or entrepreneurs. Thanks for the wonderful comment, David!
Tanya,
Great, great piece. I found this to be the case, not necessarily with a corporate position, but rather a full time academic position. It's interesting because outside the academy, I've found many people to believe that these positions are "cushy" and "great for spending time with family" however, the same issues apply in terms of employment satisfaction, professional growth, and simply doing what your passionate about even if it's not necessarily what you believe you are best at. this piece really resonated with me on a number of levels! Thanks for writing!
Tanya, well written post, straight from the heart. I feel the same way, having worked in the corporate world for ten years. I am much happier on the outside of the corporate wall, though I have many friends still on the inside who seem to be enjoying corporate life.
I hope you do find your passion and through that true contentment. With all of your potential, you deserve a career that's a great fit for you!
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And the sad thing is, all the world is becoming like that. It's all about the competition and the money. Corporations are killing each other for a couple of bucks and the ones that suffer are the employees, the normal people that have no choice but to work.
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You're right Martin, it's all about obtaining the proper mindset so you can escape the rat race so to say.
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America has been like that for a long time, the jobs they offer are static jobs, few have a chance of growing, people usually end up working at a desk for 20 years till they get fired. But what can we do with this competition? We need to make some sacrifices sometimes if we want to pay the rent.
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I couldn't agree more. It's all about creating value in the market so you don't have be told what time you can eat lunch. Otherwise it's a downhill "climb".
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