10 Truths About Today's Workplace

10 things that can help you make the most of your career.

If there's one thing for certain, it's that times are changing. If you have been looking for a new job recently, you've probably already noticed this. The past five years or more of a down economy have made a lasting impact on the way that companies see their obligation to their employees and the amount of loyalty an average employee has for their employer. Some of these changes have been for the worst, and some have been for the better. Still, there's no denying that the company of today looks completely different than the one of my father's generation.

It used to be that a young adult found a job with a company either right out of high school or college, and they stayed there for 30 years or more. The company worked as a sort of "family". For example, my father went to work in a shipyard at 17 after having dropped out of high school in order to get married and raise his family. He got the job because he had brothers and other relatives who worked there and were able to recommend him for the job. The shipyard was considered a "good union job". In exchange for being paid a salary that was enough to support his growing family, benefits like health coverage, dental care and the promise of a pension when he retired, he worked hard every single day right up until the day he died. The company was like a family to him and I don't think it ever crossed his mind to even think about finding a different job. His work was his identity.

These days, companies have more applicants than they could ever have job openings. Employers aren't concerned with cultivating a loyal and dedicated workforce; instead, they are looking to get the best talent at the cheapest cost. Workers aren't typically interested in staying with a company until retirement and will often change not only the company they work for but the industry several times over their working years. The idea of loyalty to the employee or loyalty to the company has become archaic.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just true. These days, it's important to take ownership of your career and know where you want to go. Your loyalty should be to your career and your own success.

In order to prosper in this new workplace, there are 10 truths you should know and embrace:
 

• There is no such thing as a "permanent employment" - all jobs are temporary.

• A company gives you money in exchange for your labor, skills, and knowledge. They are not looking out for your long term career growth and they aren't your family or your identity.

• You are responsible for keeping yourself knowledgeable about your industry. Continue to learn, take classes and look for ways to become more valuable.

• Even if you love what you do and where you work, always keep networking with co-workers and others in your industry. Don't put off building a strong professional network that includes people who don't work for your company. The odds are good that you'll need them one day.

• Don't get too comfortable at a job and think that it is secure. Keep up with what's happening in your industry and pay attention to trends and job openings.

• Position yourself as an expert in your field. Create an industry related blog, attend workshops, conferences or even trade shows. Look for ways to stand out as someone who knows a lot about the industry.

• Join a trade organization or industry group. If there isn't one, consider starting one. It doesn't have to be elaborate, just an hour a month. For example, if you are a teacher, join a teacher's group or plan a monthly get together with other educators. It will keep you connected, motivated and enthusiastic.

• Expand your skills sets. Look for ways to build upon your skills and talents in different ways. Sometimes all it takes is a couple of college courses to qualify for a career that you would enjoy even more.

• Volunteer your time and talents as much as possible. This can mean working with non-profit groups like Habitat for Humanity or simply offering your skills. For example, if you are an accountant, offer to help a local non-profit with the their taxes. Often the people who run these organizations are very well networked and can be a huge help in your career.

• If you are having trouble finding a full-time job, look into freelancing or consulting. When you are responsible for your career growth, you will be very attractive to employers who want to outsource portions of their work rather than adding a new employee.

I know that these ideas might sound radical, but in the end, your career and it's success or failure is up to you. When you aren't in a position of having to stay at a company you don't like because you are afraid of your options, you can be truly free to do what makes you happy.

What do you think about these truths. Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for LogisticsJobsiteBlog and Nexxt, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.