Honest Work is Good Work
Photo Source: Oakland Public Library
I put myself through college and graduate school. It was a tough road, strewn with bumps, potholes and lots of worry about what the future would hold. If someone can advance his or her career without the stress and uncertainty of bootstrapping, I say "go for it." Who needs the aggravation? That said, and in the spirit of searching for the silver lining in every situation, I like to think of myself as a survivor of sorts. Where others see failure, I see opportunity. Don't get me wrong. I've had a few pity parties but I try keep them as short as possible. Acknowledging that many of us are graduates of the School of Hard Knocks, where do you go with "woe is me?"
Tonight's blog inspiration (not necessarily tied to pension decision-makers alone) is a CNBC television show entitled "Finding a Job Now: What It Takes In This Economy." During this hour-long program, employment experts and commentators offered helpful tidbits for downsized executives including, but not limited to, saying yes to low-paying work, even if it entails underemployment for awhile.
In "Downsized Executives Forced To Take 'Survival' Jobs," Michael Luo (New York Times, March 1, 2009) provides a case in point, i.e. a former security manager who currently works at a friend's cleaning company. While there is no question that the dichotomy between career desires and reality can be punishing, financially and emotionally, one has to applaud this man's work ethic and sense of integrity. He gets a gold star in my book.
Countless headlines excoriate Wall Streeters for getting bonuses tied to sub-par performance. Yet others go about the business of life, quietly and without fanfare. That such noble folks take responsibility should bring a smile to everyone's face, don't you think?
