Comments on: By the measure of self discovery or contribution?

By: SGD

SGD — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:10:35 +0000

Thought provoking and a subject which is on my mind quite often. My career spanning 10 years has been spent in the same organisation. While my husband is always itching to change…I jokingly refer to it as the 2 years itch! And also add jokingly that we both nullify our diametrically opposite professional nature, my stability (most call it lack of ambition) and his quest for constant change!
Many of our friends and colleagues ask me in wonderment…”10 years??? Dont you think you need a change?”. I casually answer on a light note, that I’m boring and unambitious and this suits me fine…
In a way that’s the truth. I never craved for money. Somehow you can call it a reverse snobbery..but that’s what it was. And no I dont like change for the sake of change.
Some of my job-hopping friends, thsese days, say that at the end of it all, all organisations are the same..it’s all about perception and contentment.

By: बहिर्जी नाईक

बहिर्जी नाईक — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:37:15 +0000

I have some theory which says that by the age of 35-40 you discover your career anchor and then flourish in that direction. Anchors read like Admninistration, innovation, Strategy roles, Adventure, Leisure and a few more ( Ref Schein). Then the shifting stops and you will stabilize in some role.

By: naperville mom

naperville mom — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:59:56 +0000

That's indeed a poking question, what exactly is one's measure? And what're the criteria of judging one's success? This also reminds me of my father who worked for the same institution for well over three decades. IMHO, it is just insecurity guiding the decisions of job- jumping today, and also, years before when jobs were assured to be safe. Today's job market is so competitive owing to society's increased leaning towards capitalist tendencies, so it actually leaves one with no option but to watch out for one's back.

So maybe it can be assumed that 'success' just cannot be measured in terms of job- flexibilies or even, longevities. Maybe, it's a cumulative process of both self- discovery and contribution...

Thanks for broaching the topic, viveksa'ab:)

By: Nitin

Nitin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:26:55 +0000

Dear Sir,

This is something I wanted to ask you myself. My father has also served in the same organisation all his life - and his motivation has also been the feeling of security that the employer gave him.

But since you have mentioned that insecurity leads to learning, I would like to ask you:

1. Have you ever even considered working elsewhere ?

2. If you leave money out, have you ever felt that you would have been a "better" person if you had gone through different jobs ?

3. If you had a chance to start your career all over again, would you still do the same, i.e. work with the same employer?

Best wishes,
Nitin

By: HAREKRISHNAJI

HAREKRISHNAJI — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:31:53 +0000

well said, I am working with the same organisation for last 26 yrs

By: Vivek Patwardhan

Vivek Patwardhan — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 07:51:20 +0000

Hi D J,

Today is a holiday for us and the day could not have begun better. It feels so nice being in touch with you again after a long time.

Your views are well conveyed, but with you this discussion must happen over a glass of beer.

Vivek

By: D J

D J — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 07:03:24 +0000

Dear Patwardhan Saab,

Got curious about the comment around Terrorists and was channeled straight through to your blog. Any more commitment to the organization and AP will soon have terrorists of its own. This I say with great affection for an organization that I have spent more time fondly reminiscing about than working for.

My take on changing jobs frequently (I have some experience; 6 organizations in 15 years) would be as follows. Changing jobs earlier in career is great especially if you did not get the right break from Campus. You can work around and try get to the place you want to be professionally. Exposure to diverse cultures, steep learning curves and new people is an enriching experience.

However, I have come around to believe it is good to stay longer and manage the situation when your past decisions come to roost. In good old HR, every decision/choice you make/choose will come around to bite you. You can never be a seasoned campaigner without managing the consequences of the past decisions.

As life moves on and time is split between different priorities, the comfort offered by a well-worn office where you have earned your wings (read creditability) is a great asset.

In spite of all the positives though the lure of the next bright new job always tugs away …. It is all about timing.

Regards and Best Wishes

D J

By: Sucharita Sarkar

Sucharita Sarkar — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:17:05 +0000

As the wife of a person who is gets the itch to switch jobs every 3/4/5 years, I find your experience a very different one, And your insights into that experience will be definitely useful in future debates when the next change comes up.

By: Vivek Patwardhan

Vivek Patwardhan — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 17:34:02 +0000

Hello Kavi, Amit and Bahirji Naik,

Thanks for your insightful comments.

Vivek

By: बहिर्जी नाईक

बहिर्जी नाईक — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 17:12:23 +0000

Hello Vivek

Winners don't quit and quitters don't win !