The Corporate Ladder and Making Your Career Your Own

Not being at the top ladder rung, it's really frustrating to have to navigate through corporate policy when there's all this red tape and 1,000 steps to make one simple thing get done. I like to act quick. When I know something will work or have an idea, I am ready to test it out. But it's not always possible.

So maybe you can't change corporate policy at your level. I know I can't always. I'm at the bottom of the totem pole and that's ok. But that doesn't mean that I can't make a difference. When I took my job, I was the first person in the country to have my position in the company. Whoever designed my position had a different idea of what my job entailed. I was fortunate to have found a great manager that allowed me to change the face of my job and make my own job description. I took what I knew to help out my company and made it into something I enjoy, that challenges me, and is constantly changing. From your level, you can make what you're doing better. Redefine it.

I guess my point is that changing your career or company isn't always the answer. Sure sometimes it is but let's pursue all avenues and get creative with what we have to work with. Be resourceful! Employers should keep this in mind. I think this is what Gen Y wants. (What any employee wants for that matter!) A chance to make a name for themselves, to grow, to be challenged. I love what Greg Rollett said in a comment on this post.

I think it goes beyond praise and recognition. Gen-Y is lazy because employers do not offer a challenge... On the flip side employers should allow Gen-Y employees a chance to sit in on meetings, conference calls and develop a voice and a presence within a company. If they can establish themselves early in a company, then they are more likely to stay on board for the long haul and not jump ship in 1-3 years.

I don't know many people who can say that their job is perfect but I know that a lot of times our lives - including our professional lives - are what we make them to be. So suggest a new idea... Volunteer for a new task... Change your career... Find a new hobby... Be present in the now (even if it's not where you want to be just yet) and learn from it... Make your career your own.