Responsibility to Yourself and Your Employer

We pause this blog for a public service announcement regarding on the job, day to day career management.

If I have struck a nerve with you and drawn you back to keep reading I suspect it may be because you are thinking about making a career change or changing jobs. That or it's my striking good looks and incredible wit. Probably a fair mix of both now that I think about it.

For a second, instead of thinking about what's next, think about what's now. Whether you realize it or not, you've got duel responsibilities when it comes to managing your career. Obviously, you are responsible to yourself and your family to make sure your career is pointed in the right direction, to make sure you are happy, and to make sure you are being true to your needs, both emotional and financial. If you find that this responsibility is in anyway not being met, you and only you have to take steps to change it. No one will do it for you. Ask the tough questions. Figure it out and steer yourself in the right direction.

At the same time, you're responsible for the management of yourself on a day to day basis on the job, the one you are actually doing now. You need to make sure that you continue to add value to the company by doing the job you were hired to do and doing it well.

Sometimes, these responsibilities come in conflict with each other. You find your personal needs are not being met. You become unhappy. Disillusionment sets in. Discontent takes over. Resentment creeps up. If you feel any or all of these about your current job and find that your career isn't headed in the right direction and that you aren't being true to yourself and your needs, it is easy to let the second responsibility to your company slip. But it's crucial that you not let this happen. Even if you have your eye elsewhere. Remember, it's not your current job's or employer's fault that you've reassessed your needs and now feel that you must make a change. So don't take it out on them. They are paying you good money, which they can easily decide not to pay you if you become a malcontent. Don't let that happen.

Again, I turn to http://www.careerealism.com/ for some advice: How to Be More Likeable: 10 Things to Do Today. In case you can't tell I like this site a lot. Haven't found one better than it yet. They have a wealth of daily resources that can give you the kick start you need.