Entitlements

I have some bad news for you. While you have the right to employment, no one owes you that. When you get the job, the only thing the employer owes you beyond some decent respect is pay for your labor. This article isn’t meant to be informative. It’s meant to be a reality check.

More than likely everything you have in your adult life is there because you went out and you got it. You don’t eat unless you go to the store (or pay someone to delivery your groceries). You don’t lose weight unless you exercise and eat better. You don’t have a job unless you apply and interview. You don’t have money unless you work for it. None of this was given to you so once you have a job, the same concept applies. Most adults understand this basic concept. Older generations and even many in the current generation understand it too. This reality check is for anyone who has it in their head that the opposite is true. If you’re coming out of high school or college or leaving Mom and Dads house for the first time, read up because if you understand this now, your life will be a whole lot easier. If you already understand this, consider it a refresher.

When your employer sends you an offer letter it will probably have the title of the role, what it entails and what your pay will be. This is all generally covered in your interview and normally the interviewer asks you if what they’ve described is acceptable to you before asking you what your preferred salary is. If you read the job description, your range is within their range. So you’re happy to sign the offer letter. Remember that you reached this point because the employer in question decided you were the best fit for the position amongst many other strong candidates. That is HUGE if you think about it.

So it’s your first day and you’re starting your training and onboarding and something that wasn’t covered in your interview comes up. Something about the job that you didn’t anticipate. It’s not unreasonable but its something that you’re not familiar with. It’s okay to admit that you don’t know how to do something but NEVER say you won’t do it because you didn’t see that in your job description. Rise to the challenge. You signed the offer letter, you’ve started the job, you don’t get to set the rules. You can disagree with something which your leader will acknowledge and note but you still need to do as your asked. Get as much help as you need because that’s okay but doing things you’re unfamiliar with will be part of any job opportunity you work in life. It’s only unfamiliar for a small amount of time before it feels completely normal. This could be a process, directive, or simply how to use a tool you’ve never used before.

I’ve worked with plenty of people in my career who are at work but tell me they don’t feel like working. The work/life balance can be great but that particular day they just feel off. They look out the window for a few minutes but then that little voice in the back of their heads tells them to get back to work. You’re going to have plenty of days where you don’t “feel” like working. You still have to do it. Here’s a good strategy. You have multiple things to work on normally. Maybe for a couple hours today, you work on something that doesn’t require as much energy or brain power. If you have that choice go for it. You’re still working. Come back later or tomorrow ready to tackle the more difficult task and put it on your reminders so that you do it without procrastination. Remember to mention your deadlines in the reminders. It actually helps to SEE them.

One of the most important things to remember is that in most cases your leader is going to be less like a boss if you are self motivated. PUSH yourself the same way you pushed yourself to get the grades and the degree. PUSH yourself the same way you did to get the job you’re currently hired to do. The most important thing to remember is that you’re there to work and there is really no condition you get to set for the work you’ve been asked to do. You’re given the task and you’re being trusted to get it done. More companies are shifting to a standard understanding where for the most part, you’re the boss of YOU. They still have their leaders but those leaders are there to help you. They aren’t there to hold your hand.

When you’re young, the relationships you build with people and the places you like to be at are a part of your identity. Hopefully you’re employed by someone who doesn’t ask more and more of your time unreasonably. Companies like this are becoming a dying breed unless they’re startups but startups can be great if you’re willing to role up your sleeves. You’re not going to work. You’re helping them build something important. The same can be said for a regular large employer already established. You’re maintaining their success while helping them find new ways to grow. You may find that your company is flexible with scheduling. Some even let you come in whenever you want. For the ones that expect you there for a certain amount of time on a set schedule, it’s your job to make sure that you do everything you can not to let those personal temptations push you into blowing off work. You’ll need to take personal days from time to time just for a mental recharge. You may need a day off because you’re sick. That’s a human thing. What you can’t do is make a habit of absence because you want to do all the fun things you want to do when YOU decide to do them. That’s what weekends are for. Don’t give your employer a reason to axe you. Give them a reason to promote you. Give them a reason to pay you MORE MONEY. Show up and do your very best.

I’m sure that down the road, employment will get better in our country. Right now the unemployment rate is high and layoffs feel rampant. If you’re in your very first job or even a new one, don’t take it for granted. There are people out here right now applying for work every day hoping for the chance to work for a company like yours. Out of respect for yourself and for them, don’t take your job for granted. Right now you’re very fortunate to have one.