Valuation
Found myself contemplating my worst work experience, circa 2000/early 2001
I don't think anybody wants to be in a situation where he or she doesn't feel valuable.
To my thinking, it's the difference between sticking it out through the hard times -- knowing that there's something tangible and worth saving -- and running for the door at your first opportunity, because it's hard to place honest, emotional value in something that doesn't give a crap about you. This is life -- relationship or career.
Think about it: at your worst positions, have you ever been treated like a valued member of the team? And at your best, weren't your generally positive contributions generally posited on?
I guess that's where entrepreneurship has a leg up. Right? Because if you're calling the shots, doing all the work, and reaping the consequences (whether success or lack thereof), you know your own value. And only the customer -- and their dollars -- can prove you wrong. Not nearly as subjective as, say, proving yourself to the third boss to the left, two levels up, in a major corporation.
As I get older, I find that my job satisfaction is far more keyed to mutual respect and the accomplishment of agreed-upon goals than it is "making a difference" or fulfilling some personal artistic need. The primary responsibility of my most rewarding job to date was akin to watching paint dry, yet I did it, did it well, and loved the consequences of doing it: an environment of appreciation and respect, if somewhat subdued and formal due to the nature of the business.
When I initially conceived of writing about the above, I meant for this to be much longer, but there's really not much else to say.
I don't think anybody wants to be in a situation where he or she doesn't feel valuable.
To my thinking, it's the difference between sticking it out through the hard times -- knowing that there's something tangible and worth saving -- and running for the door at your first opportunity, because it's hard to place honest, emotional value in something that doesn't give a crap about you. This is life -- relationship or career.
Think about it: at your worst positions, have you ever been treated like a valued member of the team? And at your best, weren't your generally positive contributions generally posited on?
I guess that's where entrepreneurship has a leg up. Right? Because if you're calling the shots, doing all the work, and reaping the consequences (whether success or lack thereof), you know your own value. And only the customer -- and their dollars -- can prove you wrong. Not nearly as subjective as, say, proving yourself to the third boss to the left, two levels up, in a major corporation.
As I get older, I find that my job satisfaction is far more keyed to mutual respect and the accomplishment of agreed-upon goals than it is "making a difference" or fulfilling some personal artistic need. The primary responsibility of my most rewarding job to date was akin to watching paint dry, yet I did it, did it well, and loved the consequences of doing it: an environment of appreciation and respect, if somewhat subdued and formal due to the nature of the business.
When I initially conceived of writing about the above, I meant for this to be much longer, but there's really not much else to say.
posted by Jeremy at 6:51 PM
2 Comments:
whoo, two in one week! i'm feeling faint. and i'm feeling confused -- which job are you talking about in each context? my vote is that you (finally) start your own thing and beat these bastards. i will help! let's start something akin to The Onion, but better.
Perspective is important. Work is not an end itself. What are you working for?
Post a Comment
<< Home