CAB 20. 7 harsh truths about career and the workplace

Dear friends,

On average, we will be spending about 90,000 hours of our lifetime working.

From the day we start working until we retire, we will be grinding for about 90,000 hours. That’s just the average of course. It doesn't take into account the extra hours that you do in the evenings, weekends and during the holidays when you are not supposed to be working

So let me tell you this, 7 harsh truths about career and the workplace that you should know

👉🏼 It’s better to have a good manager rather than a good salary

Good manager is hard to find. A good manager will make your work life much more better. A good manager will also help you in your progression. Provide you the guidance, support and also opening doors for you when necessary. So if you have to choose between a good manager or a good salary, always choose a good manager.

👉🏼 Performance alone will not guarantee a job promotion

Good performance alone is not enough for a job promotion. It also depends on your image and your exposure. If your image at work is not so positive and your exposure to senior management is minimal, then it is a bit harder to get that job promotion. My work will speak for itself is not true because your work doesn’t have a mouth.

👉🏼 Working smart is more important than working hard 

Working hard is important at the start of any new job. It’s the time to show your new boss and your new company your capabilities and what you can do. But once you have done that, to keep working harder and harder is not good for your health. There is a limit to what the human body and brain can endure. So find ways how to work smarter. Ask yourself how can I be more efficient? How can I prioritise work more better?

👉🏼 Common sense is not common in the workplace 

It is sad to see that the common sense knowledge is deteriorating. Things that I see that makes me cringe. You must know what is acceptable and not acceptable in your workplace. Some of these rules are actually unwritten rules. So be observant and watch what people do. And if you are not sure then ask your manager or a trusted colleague. 

👉🏼 It’s so hard to change a bad first impression

We judge and make conclusion about someone within seconds of meeting them. So therefore make sure that you always the best first impression. If the first impression of you that people have is not good then it is hard to change this. It doesn't mean that it is impossible but why make life difficult for yourself to reverse a bad first impression

👉🏼 Not every colleague can be your friend

Making friends at work can be tricky especially if you are a manager. Some people even advise not to make friends at work. I disagree with that because we spend so much time so isn't it better that you have some friends at work. Be careful though with choosing friends because some of these ‘friends’ may have other personal priorities which could be the opposite to yours.

👉🏼 No one is irreplaceable. Including you

We all like to think that we are the most talented, the most valuable member of the team and company. That without us, the team would crumble, the company would go bankrupt. But the truth is no one is irreplaceable. When was the last time someone left your team? Do you remember who they are? It didn't take you long to find someone else to do the job and fill in the void. Work is just work. No one is irreplaceable.

Hope that is helpful for you. Which is the most surprising for you?

Doktor Az

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Be more sensible at work and follow what is the ‘common sense’ at work

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