The Value of Sacrifice

When you talk about self investment; people assume that you’re talking from a background of privilege. An assumption that could not be further from the truth.
Self-investment especially in the area of work takes sacrifice. It’s a deliberate choice to forego something for the other to make your life and performance better.
A couple of months ago; a colleague was moving on from our shared workplace. I remember asking her if she really was not interested in investing in herself and buying a tangible reminder of her effort at this particular workplace. She had been complaining about the lack of a personal laptop and a low-grade mobile phone that couldn’t perform work functions like sending emails, taking notes and good photos. And,  the general lack of disposable equipment for each individual’s use.
Many hold the sentiment that your workplace is supposed to provide the environment, and equipment for you to perform to the best of your ability in that role. But, what if your workplace cannot provide yet needs your skills? Does that mean you are incapable of performing to the best of your abilities? Should the lack of equipment limit you from putting in your best effort with personal resources?
So many people depend on the provisions of the workplace and fail to see the need for self-investment.  Many have moved from workplace-to-workplace without so much as a personal laptop which in today’s world is an equipment we cannot leave without.
After my second stint of employment; I recall telling a workmate that I was employed because I came with a mobile office. I already had my personal laptop, tablet and smartphone therefore lessening the demands and cost of my position to the organisation. I used personal equipment for two years until the organisation amassed enough funds to provide me with a work laptop and this was due to an ethical dilemma.
One can only cite “I do not have the necessary equipment to perform this task” as an excuse before it stops to wash. Recruiters are looking for problem-solvers, out of the box-thinkers and generally self-motivated individuals willing to go the distance in the performance of their duties despite the low resources. Recruiters are also aware of their shortcomings but it does not stop them from taking on skilled individuals. If anything; they are also looking at how you solve that particular problem without incurring more costs for them.
As individuals; we should look further than waiting for the workplace to provide and invest in ourselves because every tangible output from our on sweat is ours to hold and proof of sacrifices made not necessarily privilege.

Image credits: googledotcom

Test Yourself and Your Skills!

A fortnight ago; I received the most unexpected phone call inviting me to an interview for a job I couldn't recall applying for. Aside from an E-Mail inviting me to an interview over a concept note I had come up with for an advocacy video at work, this was the second best thing to happen to me, this year.
I am a firm believer in not turning down interviews unless your mental, emotional and physical state are compromised in a manner that makes it impossible for you to give it your all. I was in that kind of state and knew I would not be able to make it for the interview while the details were being given to me over the phone. I immediately declined and thanked the person for the call.
You would not believe the joy I felt after that phone call. As much as I had to turn down the break of an interview, I could not help but be happy over the fact that the application I sent in on a whim got me that far.
When I sent in the application: a week to the day of my accident, early June according to LinkedIn, I was not looking for a job. I was testing my skills and credentials. During our volunteer workshop for Interns and Volunteers, a former Supervisor once said that always try for a job if you meet 3/5 requirements of the job description. I realized that LinkedIn made this so easy with its system because all a person has to do is press "apply" when a position of interest comes along. However, this piece of advice is not restricted to technology. One can take the traditional channels available to them and apply for any position as long as they meet half the requirements. You do not necessarily have to be looking for a job. Take the time out and periodically test your skills and credentials of your professional field to ascertain that you earned your position and that your current and additional skills are good enough to get you an interview elsewhere.
To make up for the lack of experience in the other half of the job description requirements, take advantage of the internet and its vast resources to learn. Teach yourself some of these things. Invest in yourself and your career especially if you wish to grow. Personally, I never knew anything about creating a newsletter until I was thrust into the role without help. I watched tutorials on how to use MS Publisher, downloaded the manual and practiced until I got the hang of it. If you have free access to the Internet make it beneficial to YOU and your career growth.
Another thing; once in awhile, ask a friend of yours to anonymously call up the people you list as referees on your job applications. When a friend of mine said this, I could not get over the sneaky yet cleverness of it. Sometimes, the people we do use as referees sabotage our career development because no one wants to lose a good employee but what about you when you feel that it is time for you to move on? Getting your friend to find out if your referees sell you or curtail your chances is a good way to be sure that nothing stands between you and your next place of employment.
Like I mentioned earlier; I am a firm believer in not turning down interviews unless your mental, emotional and physical state are compromised. Over the course of my young career, I have had to turn down two interviews on account of my health. The first turn down in 2016 hurt me a lot because I was sick, unemployed and really needed the job. I almost asked for a postponement until I remembered that appealing to the emotions of a Messenger was not the way to go. I sadly apologized and hang up. I contemplated going for it but the memory of me taking my final exams under the grips of poor health with the cold sweats randomly popping out did not seat well with me. I would have done more harm than good. The last thing you want to display to the interview panel is you at your weakest. They might empathize but will not take pity on you for showing up in that state. Always show up when you are at your finest and can think on your feet.
Truthfully; I have experienced a lot of failures in my pursuit of development programs to enhance my skills, knowledge and experience in my current field of operation but this invite to an interview even if it never materialized restored my spirit, faith in myself and capabilities.

Image Credits: googledotcom