DumbLittleMan says Recognize that all jobs suck. I totally agree. He’s got lots of great points on transforming your career. But make sure you understand what work is for. It’s not to hang out with buddies after work, have access to free video games and beverages. It’s to make money so that you can have the lifestyle and freedom you desire.
Here’s an interview with me and Stuart Crawford of IT Matters on being a wealthy IT Professional in these uncertain times, and some specific steps you can take to be successful. Notice I don’t say ’surviving in uncertain times’, but being wealthy. It’s all about attitude baby!
When we were children, most of us dreamed of being a fireman, astronaut, or famous actor when we grew up. Somewhere along the way these dreams were squashed. We became surrounded by negativity at an early age by: our parents who tried to protect us “Don’t do that Johnny, you might get hurt”, society “Look at all the bad things that happen out there”, and by our experiences “I tried that once and I failed”. Is it any wonder we grow up with small dreams? “Don’t dream too big Johnny, you will only be disappointed, so why bother?”
I have found that the biggest obstacle to achieving bigger results is in your mind. I see it every day. It’s the size and type of your thinking. Most people think small and negative and so they achieve small things. Or worse, they don’t think much about their life and careers and just react to whatever happens to them. Thinking precedes action (or inaction). Most likely actions you haven’t taken are because of the way you think about those taking those actions. I’m sure you can think of many reasons why you can’t achieve bigger things. Things that have happened in the past, mental or physical disabilities, or the state of the world today with globalization, outsourcing, economic troubles and terrorism. In every case, there are others who had or have similar experiences and have achieved huge successes in life.
“But Will, if I think big I will have to work a lot harder, and do things that are uncomfortable. Besides I’m pretty comfortable right now and make a pretty decent salary.” While fear often holds us back, at a deeper level it’s the desire to avoid pain. You associate more pain with making changes than by staying where you are. If you think you would experience a lot of pain in IT consulting, let me burst your bubble:
In fact I do basically the same thing as most employees (and I sit beside them), except I am a contractor with a corporation and make a lot more money. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
“But Will, why should I think big?” Great question! Any goals you set should have a strong “why” that drives you. As I’ve said before money in and of itself is not the end goal. Here are some reasons you might want to make more money:
Take a moment and write down some huge dreams. Don’t worry about how to achieve them. That comes later. For now, in all areas of your life think about some things that would really excite you. Do this for the personal, career, adventure, and spiritual areas of your life. Come up with exciting reasons why you want to achieve these dreams. Good luck!
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