Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end~ Semisonic
Last week I quit my job. I didn't exactly just up and quit, I put my two weeks in. I'd been there for the past 5 years, and over that time, I had built good relationships with co-workers. Heck some of them even good friendships. So it was somewhat of a sad day for me on Friday as I didn't particularly want to leave the company. But a month or so ago, another company approached me with an offer I couldn't refuse.
What's Five Years
In the grand scheme of our lives five years is not that long. I've had t-shirts longer. And after all, I've already been in the work force for nearly 20 years and I plan to work 20 or so more, so what's five years? Well, it's a car loan, or the amount of time we take to get through college. It's longer than 6 US Presidents were on the job. They only lasted four years. They say that the average professional only stays at one place for 3~5 years. I continue to be a statistic.
Is Loyalty Dead
A couple weeks ago I was talking with someone about this potential job change, and the subject of loyalty came up. I explained that I'm as loyal as they come. After all, I've watch every Colts game I possible could since they came to my town in '84. Even the lean years before Peyton. And I'm a die hard Notre Dame fan. In fact I'd punch my own mother in the ear if she wore a Michigan or USC shirt. So don't tell me about loyalty. I was taught loyalty at an early early age. After all, my father is a Cubs fan, and hell they haven't won anything since 1969. So I know loyalty.
I don't think that's exactly what he meant though.
So why aren't we more loyal to our company?
Money Money Money
Back in the day people used to work at a company for thirty or forty years. As long as there was work, and money coming in people stayed put no matter what the conditions. But let's face it. Most of us work to make money. If you're one of those few who get to do what you love, then don't ever give it up. But for me, my passions in life are sports, music, and writing. I've given up hope that any of these will ever be my life's work. My bad knees and dunlap belly make it impossible for me to get into the starting line up of any professional team. And my musical knowledge consists of 90's cover tunes on an acoustic guitar. Now once upon a time I did do some sports writing for a local newspaper but quickly found out that there's no money in it.
When the DW and I started having our clowns I decided that I needed to go back to school. Again, this wasn't because I loved school. It was because I could see the writing on the wall. In order for me to be able to provide for my family I'd have to make myself more valuable. And in the work force valuable means more money. And after all that's what it's about. Being able to support and provide for my family.
In The End
Now maybe this won't be the best job I've ever had and maybe in the end it won't even be my last. But it's where I need to be at this point in my life. As for my previous employer, in the end I was asked what it would take to keep me, we all have a number you know? It turns out they had no loyalty to me either.
J-Tony
Wow, I guess congratulations are in order. The first loyalty you should have is to your family. Sounds like you've done what is best for you and them. Good luck in your new position.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you nephew. I hope everything works out for you which I know it will. Most companies don't appreciate their employees like they did years ago when I started working. I worked for a company that appreciated you and I would have bent over backwards for them. But that no longer exists. I wish you much luck in your new job. Love you.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new job. Always hard to leave somewhere you like, or at least people you like, but in the work force these days, you come first. Think of it this way - you may have just created an opening for someone who has been desperately looking for a job!
ReplyDeleteWell clearly you are fortunate to have a job and to have the pick of another. It's too bad the company you were working for didn't see your worth, man-up, and hand over bigger bucks.
ReplyDeleteAnd PS: Never give up on your dreams. I think the professional athlete one could come to fruition if we all ban to make lawn darts mroe recognized.
I read somewhere that most often the journey chooses us.... I loved that quip and I hold fast to it. Starting a new routine isn't always easy but I think it always causes growth. Change is positive - always - sometimes we have to look harder than other times and most often it isn't easy, but its always good.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new job and journey!
Congratulations!!
ReplyDelete(Does this mean you have to teach a whole new place about bathroom etiquette? That sucks!)
It's never an easy choice to leave a comfortable job, but it sounds like you made the right choice! Good luck and can't wait to hear more about it!