Friday, August 14, 2009

Work Whine of the Entitled

It has been nearly 20 years since I last interviewed for a job, yet I am constantly looking for work.

Let me explain. In my role at Strategic Communications Group (Strategic) I invest more than half of my time on business development.

I call on prospects. I schedule capabilities presentations. I develop pitches and proposals. And I build relationships over time with executive-level marketing and public relations decision-makers -- all with the goal of securing business for Strategic.

While I sympathize with the millions of professionals who have lost their jobs during this recession, I have little patience for the unemployed who spend their time whining about their lot in life.

The reality of our capitalistic society in which we all compete in a global economy is that no one owes us anything. We are not entitled to a job we find fulfilling, with fair compensation and excellent benefits. Finding and keeping work takes just that…work.

That’s because once we have secured a job (or in Strategic’s case, a client) it’s a must to deliver with creativity, enthusiasm, passion and commitment. If we fail to meet expectations, then being let go or laid off should come as no surprise.

Again, I do feel for those displaced in the past 18 months. The bright and talented will find employment, and I suspect will emerge from this experience as more productive and determined professionals.

I have to run now. It’s time to call on a few prospects.

2 comments:

Jon M. Stout said...

Capitalism produces wealth, prosperity and job satisfaction but to be successful you must be resourceful and self reliant.

There are no guarantees and failure is always an option.

Our society has become more and more whine based. Many people want the benefits of a successful business but are unwilling to do what it takes to be successful.

With big government and a permissive society the whine will only get louder.

Jon M. Stout

Chris Parente said...

Marc - I agree the quicker people realize life does not owe them anything, the better off they will be.

I've seen this attitude more in younger generations than those highlighted in the Post article. Most of those people seemed to be ashamed of losing their jobs, as opposed to saying they were entitled to one.

This country had better come to grips soon with what benefits we're willing to pay for. That's what is so interesting to me about the healthcare debate.