Posted by kazoo on July 16, 2001, at 16:46:03
In reply to Did my job define me?, posted by Greg on July 16, 2001, at 12:45:57
> I posted recently about losing my job. I've tried as hard as I can to not let it bring me down, but my self-esteem has really gone into the toilet. I feel useless, and have no feeling of self worth.
>
> I've always been the one at work who is there 14-16 hours a day, works another 8-10 over the weekend. I put everything I have into doing a job correctly. I guess I'm your classic workaholic. Losing my job has left me feeling so empty.
>
> My question is, did I allow my job to define who I am? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'm trying to get this put into perspective before I spiral any further down.
>
> Thanks,
> GregGreg:
What you did was a classic case of "Putting the job before yourself," and you failed, like I did on a number of occasions. You tried to re-define the job within the parameters of your own talents, and, unfortunately, this ends up as a disaster.
In today's working world, seemingly in all professions, what you have to do is to put yourself before the job.
Only do what you're told.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
You'll become an under achiever and you'll succeed.
This is the way it is and it sucks.
You did your job too well and instead of rewarding you, you were punished.
Unless you work for a "think tank" (such as the RAND CORPORATION where free thinking is encouraged), or are self-employed, you'll flop every time.
It's a bad time for ingenuity, creativity and dynamic thinking.
Resist becoming an automaton.
You have a lot to offer, and don't let these curmudgeons make you feel any less.
I know it's difficult to rid yourself of the resentment, as I still harbor much myself, but you have to look forward.
Don't look back in anger.
They're the losers.
You've got no where to go but UP!
kazoo
poster:kazoo
thread:7503
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010706/msgs/7520.html