Getting the Most Out of Your Job

As I sit here pondering, on my day off, my mind drifts to the workplace. You know that place. It's the place where you go to perform mind numbing activities from nine-to-five (or on flex time, if you have it). Some people have acting jobs, because they act like they like their jobs. Imagine having to do that all day, everyday. My story begins at home, but ends at work. These are the melancholy thoughts I have about work.

Welcome to Zombie Town.

The majority of workplaces should be called Zombie Town, Zombieville or the Land of the Zombies because strengths never see the light of day. The understanding is that you're there for one thing and one thing only - the bottom line, to make money. To be appreciated, really appreciated, the whole package should be taken into consideration.

You're a valuable part of the company.

Oh they try to sugar coat it and tell you that you're wonderful, you're awesome, you're marvelous, and fantastic. You've heard the lies; what it all boils down to is...the almighty dollar. The more money you make, the longer the company stays in business and the longer you have a job. (I think this is where you should receive a tube of lipstick...few moments for thought). Money talks, BS walks.

Time to make the...numbers.

For the little guy, insight, thought and ingenuity goes out the window. Have ideas, fugedaboudit. You'll be shut down faster than a nuclear reactor about to blow. Was it always this way? Pretty much. Though this mindset is not intentional, living to make the bottom line, striving for more, more, more. Well, what else is left? Working harder becomes the new norm, cutting back becomes the way to "generate" more revenue and life travels down the road of monotony.

How do you fight back?

So how do you fight this vicious cycle and take control of your career? Does living outside the box and breaking the rules exist in this work world. Yes it does and by recognizing that you are more than an employee. More than just an employee, your eyes will be opened to the fact that you have ideas and thoughts, strengths/weaknesses and abilities. You will begin to recognize the ability to make choices about what you want and what you want to achieve at work. Once you receive that realization, doors will open for you.