“We used to be such a family around here — the company really cared about us as people.”
Companies are different today. They have to be. Competition can and does come from every corner of the globe. New technology, constant innovation, and ever-higher expectations mean that yesterday’s performance is a distant memory. There’s no longer any room to carry those who don’t pull their weight — and more.
Organizations still care about people, but the people they can care about are only those who care enough to give their best by focusing on customers and taking accountability for their own future.
The world is a different place; the work world most certainly is, too. It’s time for paternalism to be gone. It’s time for all generations of employees to grow up. The old reality adult/child dynamic between organizations and employees has become obsolete. It’s time for us to take charge of our own careers, development, and employability. The relationship has evolved and will continue to evolve. If you understand just this one thing, you are immediately better positioned for the future.
Here’s good news: The path is clear. The responsibility is on your shoulders for your employment security, for making yourself more marketable. You are responsible for educating yourself. You are responsible for being one of the adults in an adult/adult relationship. Now you have the chance to seize your opportunity to shine.
Some suggestions for growing up: