by Pramod Kumar Srivastava
Pramod Kumar Srivastava runs a business management consulting firm.
In the 15 years he's worked in the field, he's learnt a few lessons (sometimes the hard way too) about life, jobs and careers.
A secure job, he says, is a myth.
And so in the pages to follow he offers these tips to 'future-proof' your life and career.
The last time someone gave you an honest career advice was probably when you were looking for a new job.
However, in most cases, people learn their best life and career lessons either when they are in the firing line or after they have lost a job.
Before you get to that unfortunate moment and scramble for advice, here are some things all of us must do irrespective of whether you think you have a secure job or not.
1. Never ever love the organisation you work for…
…because no organisation loves you.
Employees are hired by the organisation for a purpose.
They pay you for the job you do.
Once the purpose is met, they no longer need you or your services.
Instead, love your job and give it your 100 per cent, irrespective of which organisation you are working for.
2. Always update your knowledge
Most of us after reaching a comfortable phase of our careers undervalue the power of information and knowledge.
It is never a bad idea to enrol into a new course, learn new technologies, and improve your communication and presentation skills.
Always be up-to-date with the demands of the industry.
So that when you are given the pink slip, these skills will help you sail through and find a new job soon.
3. Always remember that your job was secure till yesterday only
Every day, we go to office assuming everything to be alright.
Until one afternoon a set of employees (which may or may not include you) are called in a town hall meeting and given the bad news.
Always bear in mind that your job was secure only till yesterday.
Today, anything can happen.
In a positive way, you need to be prepared for the bad news every day.
4. Think like an entrepreneur
Most organisations believe in the give-and-take policy.
The employer pays you a salary for a certain job or project while you are expected to deliver the results.
Think that you're an entrepreneur selling skills or talent and the organisation as the buyer.
This will help you understand and sort your relationship with the organisation better.
5. Do not interfere; never argue with your boss
While it is important to be pro-active and give healthy suggestions, you must not stretch it too far and get in the way of your bosses.
Sometimes it is better to mind your own business.
Do not try and fix all the problems of your department and your organisation.
More important, never argue with your boss.
It will only worsen the situation for you -- if there is a trouble situation, you'll be the first in the firing line.
6. Your boss is not your friend
Most of us feel that if we party and spend time with our bosses, they become our best friends.
There's nothing wrong about being social and friendly, but don't forget that the boss is there to manage you and s/he can never be your friend.
Similarly, out of ten colleagues that you're friends with, one might turn out to be the black sheep -- and surprise you with their actions.
Something you say in a less harmful way might end up reaching the wrong ears and you'll face the music for it.
This could also be a reason for you to be fired by the organisation.
Demarcate your personal and professional lives. Don't mix the two.
7. Always look for better jobs and be ready to hop
There is no harm in being selfish.
Always keep your CV up-to-date and keep a tab on the latest job openings in the domain you’re interested in.
Stay in touch with your job consultant and make networking a regular habit.
The moment you find a better opportunity than your existing one, grab it.
Do not always wait for something bad to happen to make a wise career decision.
8. Live within your means
The young crop of professionals are least guilty about their extravagant lifestyles.
Again, nothing wrong about splurging when you can, but it would not be a bad idea to endorse a lifestyle that is one or two levels lower than what you earn.
If your monthly take-away salary is Rs 50,000, live as if you are earning only Rs 35,000 a month.
Always save enough for a wet day.
That way, even if you are unsuccessful in finding a job for the six months, you need not panic.
9. Have a spouse who earns too
For men who think educated women should stay at home and only take care of kids, think of a situation when the economic burden of the family falls entirely upon you.
In this era of high inflation, it's not a bad idea to encourage your spouse to build her career.
Even if one of you lose your job, the other is always there to keep the hearth burning.
This will also give you the confidence and help you focus on finding the right job rather feel pressurised to take up anything that comes your way.
10. Start a parallel business in the name of your spouse or grown-up children
If you have another source of income, it will always be helpful.
While you’re still on the job, with help from your spouse or children, invest in a small business -- start a restaurant, a career consultancy, or anything you can invest your time and interest in outside of office.
Why wait for something unfortunate to happen for you to take charge of your own life?
If you imbibe the above as part of your life, you'll not face bad news.
And even if you do, you'll navigate through it all and emerge a winner.
Always remember not to allow someone else to pull the strings of your life.
Take control of your life and be the master of your own destiny.
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