I met with a friend of mine yesterday to help him in a “career crisis”. The conversation itself led me to a few conclusions that are worth mentioning for the benefit of others in similar situations. It’s interesting that I went into this with the intentions of helping him filter some of his thoughts, while I was the one that benefited as well! Here is a brief synopsis of his situation and the reason for the meeting:
He has been working in a corporate position for over a decade now. He has seen where the company was and where it is now (this is a well known company). He unfortunately feels, through various layoffs, vulnerable as there is little security in his job. Due to the structure of the company and their strategic plans, he has very little control over his situation, regardless of how valuable he is.
This makes me put things into perspective. Think about it, we ultimately control our destination and the success we achieve. Now I’m not ignorant enough to think that the current economic state doesn’t have an impact on our business. What I can tell you is that if you really want to succeed, you will be able to in any market, regardless of outside factors. That is something that I’ve taken for granted in the past year. I know I can succeed in this business, and nobody has the ability to “let me go” from my position. I get to make that decision. That is powerful considering the friend of mine has very little control.
Now as we know, things aren’t always easy. That factor alone makes us who we are as people and as professionals. It isn’t easy in any position, corporate or entrepreneurial. I think it’s important for us to maintain the many positive aspects of our business and our lives. We should embrace our situations as things could always be worse.
CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY, DON’T ALLOW OTHERS THE PLEASURE!!!
