Ditch the HR Department & Bet on Yourself

I spent 2.5 years at my first corporate job. During that time I never received a formal review, pay increase or email from human resources. I never sat down with my boss or upper management to talk about how I was doing, what my future track looked like or how I was going to progress. I never asked for a pay bump and one never automatically came.

I kept thinking, "This massively successful company know best. They will guide me." When I gave my two weeks notice I looked through the employee handbook on my cab ride home. I was supposed to have annual reviews and quarterly evaluations but like most workplaces, what's in writing and what actually transpires in business are two different things. (Tweet this!)

I thought I was special, a rare outlier in the corporate system, until I met Laurie Ruettimann. Known for her wildly popular Punk Rock HR podcast, Laurie spent decades in human resources for the world's biggest organizations such as Pfizer and Unilever. Laurie was unfazed by my story. It's one she's heard too many times, from too many employees. After years of trying to change the dirty secret of job dissatisfaction from the inside, Laurie had a realization: Big corporate change is caused by outside forces, not internal ideas. (Tweet this!)

She quit her job and never looked back. She made it her mission to help others fast track their careers. In 2021 she released a step by step guide, Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career.

If we can’t look to Human Resources to help us grow personally and professionally, why is there an HR department at all?! Laurie's breakdown was eye-opening, “HR is meant to help the company be more profitable, use fewer people, make sure workers don't sue them.” In 2001 HR teams started to implemented more perks at work – free food, adding ping pong tables, allowing pets – along with resources – childcare, learning stipends – and while that change was exciting for employees and recruiting, HR's true function of protecting the company never changed.

Knowing HR isn't furthering your career, employees should be betting on themselves. “Start by reclaiming ownership of your calendar. Set up boundaries for yourself and set up time to learn something new," Laurie explained. Taking time to research and learn something new each day gives you forward momentum toward your larger career goals.

Laurie's 4 Pillars of Success:

1. Self Leadership
2. Wellbeing
3. Continuous Learning
4. Risk Taking

*Do you agree or disagree with this list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

What are my boundaries? Are they clear to everyone? Laurie shared 3 pieces of advice for implementing boundaries:

1. Lead By Example – Learn, adapt and respect boundaries. Whether it's a team member who signs off at 5pm to pick up kids or requests phone calls on select days, do your homework to learn about others' boundaries and stick to them.
2. Teach, Without Apology – When it comes to setting boundaries explain your reasoning behind the boundary. Be unapologetic about setting yourself up for success.
3. Make Hard Choices – There will be people that do not respect your boundaries. Whether it's a client or a coworker ask yourself, "Do I want to work with someone that will constantly drain me?"

• What have you started using lately that you love? Laurie: Awkn protein coffee. As a vegetarian, I need more protein in my diet. This collagen infused coffee is amazing. I use one-two packets a day and swear by it!
• What is the best gift you’ve given yourself in the last year? Laurie: I gave myself a sabbatical to read, watch tv, and relax.
• What’s the best book you read during sabbatical? Laurie: Mindful Money by Jonathan DeYoe.
• Who inspires you on social media? Laurie: Jesse Itzler and Jennifer McClure

Practice boundaries by reclaiming control of your calendar this week. Start by cancelling one meeting and seeing what happens. With your newly found free time commit to working on one of your larger goals for the year.

To keep learning tips like these from Laurie, check out her website or LinkedIn.

*If you enjoyed this, please share with others via Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp or via email.

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