We struggle to get recognized. We make sacrifices. We spend sleepless nights trying to meet unrealistic stressful deadlines. This is our way of showing loyalty. We are looking to settle down. We want a sense of security. We are thinking long term. In a continuous circular motion with no end in sight, as we try to attain job satisfaction, we convince ourselves that we are indispensable. Then when we get showered with words of praise, when we get acknowledged and rewarded, a sense of achievement fulfills us.
Here is what we’ve achieved. A sleep disorder. An addiction to caffeine. A marginal pay hike wrapped in convincing justifications filled with meaningful yet unfulfilling words such as opportunity, future, performance, improvement and growth. A continuous push to rapidly adapt to the changing environment. A sense of distrust along with a realization that we are truly dispensable.
That’s right, dear hard-working sleep-deprived workaholic friends, we are dispensable. We have a saturation point. We have an expiry date.
For the most part of our work life, we are made to feel otherwise. We are trapped into believing that we are an integral part of the environment, one that seems cohesive on the outside, the entities within that give it life are dependent on one another merely trying to sustain. It is a deliberate attempt to manipulate our minds into thinking that our sacrifices equals opportunities to grow. It is a strategic attempt to lure fresh minds into the corporate work culture trap.
The only way out is self-realization, that we are indeed dispensable. Don’t let our egos be fed into thinking that we are not. The sooner we can come to terms with that, the sooner we will get on a path of learning towards adding value to our own brand – the self. We begin to channel our energy in to rebuilding our self-confidence and regaining self-trust.
Do you believe in yourself? If you were to step out into the crazy world, do you have what it takes to survive? Or do you want to be that piece of furniture in an antique shop with a price tag that is set without realizing its true value? Your call.
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Raj:
Great post and a difficult reality. I think two things can happen when folks read this. 1) It doesn’t apply to me attitude kicks in or 2) They could take this too far down the path of negativity.
This is an honest question and reality we all need to review…are the praises coming from folks that really know what Project Management is? Does it matter if 1 or 2 folks praise you and the project was actually off target…late, over budget, too many concessions made, etc.
Kudos are always good, but we need to make sure we are providing value to our employee. We need to understand our organizations, the industry, and what 6 mos, 1yr, and 5yrs have in-store for us. I saw a lot of good people let go in early 2009 and it all came down to business and timing. Many of them were shocked and caught of guard.
Be honest, know your organizations strategy and where you fit in, know the industry and changes you need to stay on top of, and manage your career.
Very nice post Raj !!! I liked it a lot. At times we get so much into the rat race that we forget who we are. Your post reminds me of a short hindi movie “Dasvidaniya”. Great post. Keep posting.
Hello Raj,
I really appreciate this post, for busy people like me, it is tough to deal with projects, solutions, deadlines and cost. But you just remind me of a reality check, that once and foremost we have to manage our life fruitfully and that the “expiration date” is unpredictable we better make life worth living.
Ann,
Project Management
Yes, we are dispensable. Sad to say, some people in the industry still keep that self-indulgent eminence that doesn’t go with the real-life cycle of survival.