Since a child, all I heard for quite some time was go to school, study hard and become highly educated. Then work hard to get a job so that one day I would become set. It never dawned on me back then what I would have really been setting myself up for. Either I would get a job or feel restricted as though I were in jail.
Job or Jail?
Having a job is good. It can give people money and peace of mind so they can live more comfortably. For those who are even more fortunate, a job also gives them a sense of purpose; it gives them a reason to wake up and smile every morning.
Essentially a job is meant to help the average person survive, possibly obtain a unique identity and hopefully at one point lead to retirement and ultimate freedom. As such, people are constantly told to do whatever it takes to get a job, then work twice as hard to keep it. Sounds practical in theory but in practice within today’s working world it’s not always the best advice.
A Job that sounds like Jail
Chances are you’ve long heard about the notorious “rat race”. This article has nothing do with that. There are millions of people who enjoy having a job and that’s perfectly fine; what is not fine, however, is seeing that many of today’s job descriptions look like the paragraph below.
“Must be able to count, read, use Photoshop, flip, dance, bend, lift, crawl, run, know Microsoft Office, Windows, Maya and AutoCAD; highly experienced in mechanical engineering and business, have years of professional marketing, IT and programming experience plus Masters degrees in law and agriculture.
Previous experience as a doctor, surgeon, teacher or biochemist would be an asset.” Do you see the nonsense? What’s next? “Must be able to wield a magical hammer, do an uppercut with said hammer, hurl an American shield followed by the hammer, then unleash a series of kicks and punches and then finally a barrage of lightning attacks on a wannabe God?”
Getting serious about Jobs
It’s simultaneously amazing and alarming that extensive job descriptions (while they have not yet become as ludicrous as the above) are somehow becoming more and more acceptable by both unrealistic employers and hopeful employees. But truthfully, no matter how badly you may need a job sometimes you really need to put your foot down; it is unfair for anyone to have to be Captain America to hold a job.
There is only so much one human being can do. And any employer worth his/her salt is not going to have you trying to do the job of 10 people; you should not be forced to fight during an endgame. Having a job doesn’t mean having to stay silent and cooped up in a corner as though you’re in jail. You may need your employer but the reality is that your employer also needs you.
Are you in Jail?
Surely as the saying goes, “no one is irreplaceable”; however, it is within this gray area that you can find your true power and worth. Again, it’s pretty much stupid should an employer hire you to do specific tasks yet also think that you should be doing the job of an army. It isn’t about whether or not you can do the work; it’s about how efficient you will really be while trying to be a “Jack (or Clown!) of all traits” just doing whatever you’re told to do.
Yes, you may a need a job but you also need peace of mind and the freedom to think clearly. This is, if you plan to do good work. A job is supposed to be a two-way street where discussions and negotiations can seamlessly be had. In many instances, employers really have no clue what they are looking for; some don’t know what a job truly entails and you as the hired professional need to cordially advise them. If you do not have the freedom to do this in your current job then you don’t have a job; you’re in jail!
A Job should lead you to freedom
Fear of failure combined with a feeling of never giving up despite all other odds drive many people to continue working hard to do the impossible. Sometimes it’s mere pride that pushes someone to not admit that a feat is impossible without help. But you don’t have to keep holding a shield and endlessly defending, knowing that defeat is inevitable.
The more prideful thing to do is throw your shield and at least try to speak some sense into your opposition. And if this does not work, then surely you will know that you don’t have a job, you’re not free and it’s time to stage a prison break.
You may think that you’re replaceable and in reality this may indeed be true. But if everyone stood their ground and refused to be unfairly enslaved then no one could easily be replaced. We should all celebrate not just jobs, but freedom!
