The vast majority of us work for money, and the fact is, we need money to live. If it weren’t for this, many of us would choose not to work. True? True. (Of course there is pure value in physical labor for its’ own sake, but that is another story.)
So what is the difference between working for someone else ie. being an employee, vs. working for yourself, ie. being self-employed? Do you think there is someone else in charge with the former and not with the latter? While it’s true that you are responsible to others when you work in an employee environment, the bottom line is it always comes down to YOU.
The fact is that your performance affects your outcome no matter where and when you are working. Whether your boss is another person or yourself, you are still the one in charge of putting money in the bank. When you don’t provide quality work, your bottom line suffers. You may suffer such a dramatic consequence as being fired, or endure more subtle effects on your paycheck such as being passed over for raises or a promotion, or only being hire-able at a fast-food restaurant.
Take Control
When it comes to finances, you must be the one who takes responsibility; the one who makes the decisions and demonstrates the work ethic required to get the job done. Be proactive and you will feel a sense of control and confidence because you know you can handle anything, and handle it well. Take the courses that help you develop your skills and expand your perspective. Think in bigger pictures and plan for possibilities such as job loss or a change in management. Use your spare time wisely so that you are never caught in a financial predicament you can’t get out of. NO ONE can do this for you - not your parents, your co-workers, nor your boss. Bosses come and go, but you are always in the driver seat of your paycheck/s. In fact, a new boss can be seen as an ooportunity to have someone with fresh eyes appreciate your (growing) skillset.
Do You Love Your Work?
I would venture to say that unless you are working at something you love, you will have difficulty staying on task, no matter who the ‘boss’ is. While you may not be able - or even want - to leave your current job, making it more pleasant and enjoyable is always a plus. There has been much written, here and elsewhere, about how to improve both your place of work and how you feel in it. Even if it’s a tiny step you can take, go ahead and take it. Try reading this post about The Little Things for some inspiration in this regard.
Remember, no matter who you work for, you are the ultimate boss. How would you rate the job you are doing?…
