I received a disturbing call from a friend a few days ago.
"I just lost my job," he said as his voice quivered with obvious fear. "Man, can you believe that? The biggest problem for me is I can't even tell you why I was let go," he continued.
Like you, I've been hearing similar stories far too often. Frighteningly large numbers of talented and qualified individuals are finding themselves unemployed. And with an increasingly tight job market, the chances of them finding similar work for similar pay is difficult at best.
To me, this recent economic phenomenon raises several key points I'd like to share:
1. You can't lose a job that you don't own. Have you ever heard of Oprah, Trump or Gates losing their jobs? (Theoretically, I could argue that business owners are fired by their customers. Still, if a business fails, it isn't a firing but a closing - although the financial hardships might be similar.).
2. Businesses don't exist to make you better for YOUR sake. They do it for theirs. Sure, they will spend millions sending you and your colleagues to workshops, conferences and even business school. But don't get it twisted. They don't send you out of the goodness of their hearts - and I'm not suggesting that they should. You are their to make the organization better. If you improve in the process, then good. But, remember, don't take it personal. They most certainly don't. That's why it's called a job and you receive a pay check.
3. Gain the skills in their businesses to gain ground in yours. During my working (for someone else) days, I always saw it as getting paid to learn. I suggest that you do to.
I'm sure my point of view will ruffle a few feathers. If so, that's fantastic. That means that you are listening. So, remember, whether you agree with my assertions or not, learn while you earn. You just might need those skills a lot earlier than you think.
D.K. Sutton
