Not Just a Job

There is something I often come across in career advisory that seems contradictory to me.

As employees, we are told not to consider the job more than what it is, a means to an end, a paycheck at the end of the month. We are told we are not indispensable…and that the work will continue even if we were not there. All we need to do, therefore, is to fulfill our contract with our employers and not let the job take over our lives.

Then we are told to go above and beyond the call of duty because that is what stands us out in the workplace as a talent. We should be the go-to person. Be dependable, and visionary, see the big picture and upskill ourselves so that we are always relevant. As a talent, we earn respect and rewards and become that employee that everyone wants to be like because we bring value to the organization.

It’s hard to see how a person can be all that without considering the job as more - a means of establishing a professional identity. This is because our achievements on the job are evidence of our capabilities, capabilities that give us recognition beyond a specific work environment.

So, which is it? Is it the first, the second, or both?

Can both even be true?

There may be varying opinions on this but for me, it boils down to this…

What do you want, a job or a career?

On the surface, everyone knows they are different. In practice, however, we sometimes conflate the two. This is because many people see their job as their career.

It is possible to do a certain type of job, with varying levels and scopes of responsibility for the entirety of your career. Contractors and consultants tend to fall into this category.

However, a career consists of a series of related jobs over a long period of time. So, it’s possible to have more than one career over the course of your lifetime.

Many people do their jobs, get paid, and maintain the quality of life they desire. Why then does it matter if they do no more than that?

Because no one that ever did anything that mattered falls into the category of people who just earned their pay and went home.

Every position you fill is one step along the path of your life’s work, so every job can affect your career in several ways:

It could be the reason you get your next Job

Employers value high performers and people who consistently demonstrate their value on the job. When you are asked about your previous role in an interview, it is those tasks that made you stand out while doing your job that they want to hear about. Achievements tend to fall outside the routine scope of work. You must be willing to do the extra required to attain them.

It helps to spotlight your core competence

It is on the job that you can show what you’re good at, and that can distinguish you from other employees. Consequently, you are given increasing opportunities to do what you do best. That not only increases your expertise and your confidence but also attracts the right kind of attention. It elevates your status and worth to the organization.

It allows you to build valuable networks

Every job you hold brings you in contact with different people with different circles of influence. The ties you form and nurture can serve you at any other point in your career, open advantageous doors and get your name mentioned even when you’re not in the room.

It gives you a platform to demonstrate your expertise

The nature of your job could give you access to certain events and earn you invitations to forums where you are able to connect with different audiences. These become opportunities for you to position yourself as a voice in your field of expertise. This will follow you regardless of any subsequent role you hold.

It may help you in discovering your purpose

This can work in two ways. You could be so good at your job that it leads you to what you would like to do to contribute to improving the lives of those around you. On the other hand, the job could frustrate you so much that you are forced to discover what you could do to give your life more meaning! Either way, your job becomes the channel through which you discover purpose.

I think employees try to maintain a healthy distance from the organization to avoid disappointments or unexpected shocks on the job. That is completely understandable.

Others do not want to get so emotionally tied to one job or organization that they would find it hard to leave or disappoint people they care about when they do.

When it comes down to it, everyone must take ownership of their career and life choices. This means we will experience hurt, pain and disappointments.

The wonderful thing is it always balances out with other moments of loyalty, triumphs, and celebration…and the support of those who will care about you through all your seasons.

So, explore every advantage and milk every opportunity on every job you do and use it as a springboard to create the career of your dreams!

We are celebrating 2 years of Toyin Talks Talent (T3)!

Thank you for all your support and for engaging with our content. We look forward to doing more in the years to come!

For more career stories go to my blog, https://toyintalkstalent.wordpress.com/ ?

Connect with me on Instagram @toyintalkstalent, Twitter @toyintalktalent, and Facebook @Oluwatoyin Puddicombe