Learn to be proactive in tough times. Go out and seek fresh opportunities
I have been working for the past few years, after I graduated from college. I was working for an educational firm and then switched to marketing educational books. And later, I tried my hand at teaching. But I have not been able to hold on to any of the jobs, even though I enjoy the work and think that I am delivering. What can I do to keep a job and also excel in it? I either get bored, or have problems with the management. Do tell me how to go forward. — Manish R
Verghese Kurian, the leader who built the Dairy movement in Anand said that if you really want to contribute something worthwhile, you have to invest at least 20 years of your life in the task. It is impossible to do great things if you keep jumping jobs.
Most jobs have interesting elements, but a large part of it is hard, repetitive, maintenance work. Just like parenting has its ‘Oh!’ moments, every job has its eureka moments. For rest of the time, it tends to be patient toil. If you want the high points you need to deal with the low points. In any activity or relationship, if you want the ecstasy, you need to put up with the agony.
You need to be more patient while learning to get along with others. Remember your EQ is more important than your IQ. Next time around, decide to dig in and work through problems, instead of looking for a quick getaway. It will help you in all aspects of your life.
It has been close to three years since I had a job. I was working for a wellknown advertising firm and was among the youngest directors there. And after a few years on the job, I decided to start out on my own... working as a freelancer. Though the projects were few, my job was wonderful. But, due to the recession, I have been unable to get any work and my family wants me to get a stable job, so they keep belittling me. I, on the other hand, would rather wait for something good to come along. Please advice me on how to go forward and there have been no offers till now. And working at a nine-to-five does not really appeal to me. — Anonymous
Life is made of good times and bad times. Neither lasts forever. But the needs of family remain constant over the years. The needs of the child cannot be postponed, because as a poet wrote, this is the time his bones and brains and blood are being formed. The child cannot wait till tomorrow. The family has a right to expect a regular income. So talk to them and discuss how to ensure this. If a job is available today, take it. Do your best, as you build your dreams, and your bank balance. One without the other, is like a lovely carriage without a horse to draw it. Jobs do not often land up on your doorstep. Waiting, doing nothing, will just make you feel worse. Meet a head hunter. Talk to old clients, Build your dream castle, but start putting foundations under it, patiently. One day you will enjoy your breakthrough moment.
