I was just watching CNN, which I almost never do. The story they were running made me remember why.
The story, if you want to call it that, was about a competent-looking and articulate woman who “can’t find work” even though she has all kinds of impressive qualifications.
Here was the headline:
3 Degrees, 0 jobs: No guarantees in this economy
Really, you don’t say? You mean there aren’t any guarantees? You mean getting lots of degrees and being smart doesn’t mean I’ll be happy, successful, and wealthy?
When did that happen?
The answer: The beginning of time.
There have never been any guarantees. I don’t mean to sound harsh. Believe me, I personally realize how much it sucks to work hard all your life and then feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. But let’s be honest: Being successful has nothing to do with guarantees.
In fact, the most successful people are those who take risks – knowing they might lose. Knowing they might look stupid to some people. Knowing they might have to try again. And again.
In all economies, including this one, real security comes from knowing you can handle whatever happens, not from getting a regular paycheck from an employer. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work for someone – it just means that a paycheck one week is no guarantee that you will get one next week. This may be more of a risk today, but it has always been a risk. The key is knowing you have what it takes to pick yourself up and use your talents in a new and useful way.
Martha Beck, one of my favorite mentors, said: “You are living in a time when careers are created, not just chosen.” I agree with Martha, except that I believe we should always create our careers rather than wait for someone to create them for us.
Is that easy? No.
Is it guaranteed to work? No.
Will you fail sometimes? Yes.
Is it scary? Yes.
There are no guarantees. And I genuinely believe that we would all be a lot happier and successful if we swallowed that pill, realized we were capable of a lot more than we realize, and set out to create our lives. No one else is going to do it for you.
So, there’s some tough love for you. What do you think?
Filed under: Career Tagged: | CNN, Martha Beck
Hi Caryn,
Thank you so much for this post! You may think its tough love, I think its just a simple reflection of reality. You hit upon the core essential skills we all need to be successful in our careers and lives – being aware of your talents, taking risks, trying again and again and knowing how to pick yourself up and shift directions if need be.
Thanks for the reminder and boost of energy!
Carly
Great post, Caryn, I love it. You just reminded me of something I’ve always believed, that a full-time job is no guarantee, and that the most important thing is to have that “bounce-back” ability. We all need a little tough love sometimes, and I for one needed that kick in the pants this week. Onward!
R.