Job security may be the worst goal you can set for yourself.
The concept is outdated. If it ever existed, it was way too long ago.
Too much randomness rules our lives to aim for any kind of perpetuity.
What’s interesting though, is that I don’t think our generation ever expected it. We have seen people fail at it constantly. We know better.
Thrill and excitement, those are the feelings we are familiar with.
Those are the feelings we must embrace to be safe.
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Amen! As Hericlitus said, “There is nothing permanent except change,” or translated another way, “The only constant is change.” If we are basing our happiness on having stable lives or jobs, we will be constantly disappointed. Those who are comfortable with change, who embrace it and are flexible, are the ones who thrive. Like you said – those are exactly the feelings we need to embrace to feel safe. Great post Carlos!
Agreed Jenny.
PS: Is it wrong that the name Hericlitus makes me giggle?
Concur’d.
Great post as usual!
Security = Fear
When we can let go, we truly can be free.
When we can accept the worst that may happen, we truly can be free.
This is true not only in work but in life.
The point is, there is no REAL security in life. Everything is beginning. Everything is ending.
Great post again!
Dayne
TheHappySelf.com
Strong statements Dayne, love your philosophy.
I second Dayne’s statement on there being no such thing as security.
This approach also frees you to do something you’re even more passionate about, and really that passion will give you an edge on every person who is in there job just to make there money.
Thanks for stopping by Justin. Passion is indeed a difference maker.
The other day I was thinking to myself and all of a sudden I just stopped in my tracks and said, “I know nothing about the future. Nothing is set.” Okay, so maybe that’s obvious to others but when you realize that there is so much ahead (bad, good, ugly, beautiful, etc.) it can really shake you. Job security is so fleeting, it doesn’t really mean much especially in this economy. Risk is where it’s at. However, it’s still nice to have a salary with a job you enjoy
Oh yeah, unemployment is definitely not my recommendation
PS: What a weird thing to say when stopping in your tracks. I’m usually more on the “I forgot my wallet” kind of thing.
@40+ I’ve lived a little bit and can say that even back in my early career days, there were some who had the goal of “job security” and the trend continues today. This idea is human nature driven in all of us that we desire a certain level of comfort in our daily jobs/lives. I think at some point in my career and growing up I even had the idea of finding a “secure” job – but thinking about that seriously, it made no sense; so what kind of secure job would I get stuck in were this to happen?
The better goal is to work in an area or sector you enjoy and just make the best of it; that way, even if you are in a crappy job position, you will know that you can make things better whether it be moving to another position or or just by showing you are dedicated to the position you are in.
Good thoughts Kevin, I agree with you. And it helps to have someone experienced validating this, thank you.