Knightsbridge Blog

Sue is a first generation Canadian of Asian heritage. She remembers her parents told her that it was important to ensure she secured a university education as it was the key to success and job security. “My father also told me if you have a degree you will always have a job. "I did all the right things. I went to university for business, found a job with a large company, and I stayed with that company. I received 5 promotions in 10 years. To my family I was a huge success. However, I was given my walking papers and a package 3 weeks after celebrating my 10th anniversary and 9 months after my most recent promotion. The department was being eliminated and they did not have another position for me. My father asked me what I did wrong."

Sue is no different than many employees. Our beliefs and values are most likely formed because of the advice and guidance adults of influence pass on to us. Some of us are told education is the key for success; others are told to work for a large company, the government or a bank, and the expected result is a position/job for life.  The truth is that in a very volatile marketplace in the 21st Century, there is no one ingredient for success. You need to apply a number of strategies and approaches to ensure your marketability. You are the only person that can secure life-time employment.  

Over the next few weeks I will share with you 5 simple steps that will help you manage and own your career.

To get started, ask yourself in this day and age is it realistic for Sue to believe that because she had a degree, she is owed a position for life?

Test Your Beliefs About Employment & Your Career:

• What was the first piece of advice your parents/adults gave you about working?
• Do you know if your beliefs are in line with the expectations of the workplace?
• Are your beliefs relevant? What challenges will they potentially create for your career in the future?

The true test of your beliefs about employment and whether or not they still apply in today's workplace is to ask yourself, “Would you give this advice to the next generation?”