Career Challenges - Office Work Politics - Staying Strong
Posted by ThePacificBeach.com on Thursday, April 12, 2012
I'm 28 and I've been working for my current employer for over 5 years. When you start a new job, it is usually peachy king. You're excited that you have your own desk, a direct phone line and a professional email address.
Then after a year, you see the challenges of the job entirely and realize that you are still green. You'd think you would know everything by now but things really take time. Someone throws you under the bus unexpectedly, or someone you thought you trusted at work, screws you over. These are some glimpses of some work politics in America, I guess. It's sad but it's true. In some organizations, you have to strategize to keep yourself on top or keep your job. It's almost like a popularity contest, especially in the marketing world but then you'll have to back it up with hard work, a lot of hours of preparation and sweat and tears. Literally.
After 5 years, does it get easier? Sometimes you think so but then a curve ball comes and you hit a strike. The only thing you can do is try again and swing better this time. If you miss, it's okay but only if you tried your best. Don't give up.
When I was still in college, one of my college advisors told me that it will take years until you get the salary and respect you want. A college degree does not guarantee the job of your dreams. Some do get lucky and sometimes it's who you know but it's so rare. Don't mope over things you can't control. So if you're not one of the lucky ones, at least work hard to get to what you deserve. They say to stay loyal through hard times because they count the most and when you have the opportunity to step up to the plate, take it.
Some say you need to spread your wings and don't restrict yourself to one option. With this economy, it's hard to think that you can do whatever your mind wishes to. It can't happen. We're in a recession everybody!
Let's say that my timing was off. I graduated at the worse year possible, when the American economy was going downward. Even worse, I live in Southern California. The weather is great but the job market is no bueno. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate that I have a job that helps me pay my rent, food, car payment and provides a bit of extra money for eating out and buying new clothes every once in awhile. In some countries, people my age are starving.
How does one get through tough times and get motivated again? How can one feel so confident for 3 months and then an unexpected strong blow can hit you so hard in the face, it knocks you off your feet and makes you feel like you're always struggling a never ending battle.
Don't worry. You're not alone. One thing I know for sure about myself is I am a darn hard-working person and I hope that one day I will be able to empower myself to do the things I've dreamt of for a very long time; to find a thriving career that requires no game-playing, careful political statements to avoid offending anybody and have no one yelling over my head while I stay silent to control my anger and try to remain strong. I cringe at moments like these. I'm one of those people who cries when they get mad. I hate it but at least I know it and accept it.
No one is less worthy than another. Know that you deserve to be in this universe as much as the next person next to you. Stay strong. We'll get through it. I have the "Desiderada" poem in my bathroom and I tell you that poem was something I had to memorize in 5th grade. I am sure glad I kept my copy after all these years. Everything that I've mentioned in this blog are things that have happened to me throughout my work life of 5 plus years. Shit, it's hard man. But you know what, life is hard. Just try to keep it as easy as you can, at least for yourself and your health.
Then after a year, you see the challenges of the job entirely and realize that you are still green. You'd think you would know everything by now but things really take time. Someone throws you under the bus unexpectedly, or someone you thought you trusted at work, screws you over. These are some glimpses of some work politics in America, I guess. It's sad but it's true. In some organizations, you have to strategize to keep yourself on top or keep your job. It's almost like a popularity contest, especially in the marketing world but then you'll have to back it up with hard work, a lot of hours of preparation and sweat and tears. Literally.
After 5 years, does it get easier? Sometimes you think so but then a curve ball comes and you hit a strike. The only thing you can do is try again and swing better this time. If you miss, it's okay but only if you tried your best. Don't give up.
When I was still in college, one of my college advisors told me that it will take years until you get the salary and respect you want. A college degree does not guarantee the job of your dreams. Some do get lucky and sometimes it's who you know but it's so rare. Don't mope over things you can't control. So if you're not one of the lucky ones, at least work hard to get to what you deserve. They say to stay loyal through hard times because they count the most and when you have the opportunity to step up to the plate, take it.
Some say you need to spread your wings and don't restrict yourself to one option. With this economy, it's hard to think that you can do whatever your mind wishes to. It can't happen. We're in a recession everybody!
Let's say that my timing was off. I graduated at the worse year possible, when the American economy was going downward. Even worse, I live in Southern California. The weather is great but the job market is no bueno. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate that I have a job that helps me pay my rent, food, car payment and provides a bit of extra money for eating out and buying new clothes every once in awhile. In some countries, people my age are starving.
How does one get through tough times and get motivated again? How can one feel so confident for 3 months and then an unexpected strong blow can hit you so hard in the face, it knocks you off your feet and makes you feel like you're always struggling a never ending battle.
Don't worry. You're not alone. One thing I know for sure about myself is I am a darn hard-working person and I hope that one day I will be able to empower myself to do the things I've dreamt of for a very long time; to find a thriving career that requires no game-playing, careful political statements to avoid offending anybody and have no one yelling over my head while I stay silent to control my anger and try to remain strong. I cringe at moments like these. I'm one of those people who cries when they get mad. I hate it but at least I know it and accept it.
No one is less worthy than another. Know that you deserve to be in this universe as much as the next person next to you. Stay strong. We'll get through it. I have the "Desiderada" poem in my bathroom and I tell you that poem was something I had to memorize in 5th grade. I am sure glad I kept my copy after all these years. Everything that I've mentioned in this blog are things that have happened to me throughout my work life of 5 plus years. Shit, it's hard man. But you know what, life is hard. Just try to keep it as easy as you can, at least for yourself and your health.
Tags: office work politics for a 20 something stay strong through hard times work is hard
Pacific Beach is one of San Diego's famous beaches to visit and stay for a weekend or vacation. It's also a fantastic lifestyle beach with many residents living out their California dreams.
