🏢WorkLife Wednesday: BREAK IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Welcome to WorkLife Wednesday, where we take a look into best-practice leadership methods to make your WorkLife awesome.

Good morning. As of 2 weeks ago today, I was let go from my corporate job. Initially a very bitter day has turned into a chance to be appreciative of my time with the company and reflect on everything I accomplished. I gained 2 ½ years of valuable supply chain experience, preparing me to accel at another company. Shout out to all of the leaders at Corning who invested countless hours developing me into the supply chain specialist I am now (many of whom, I know read the newsletter).

I don’t know if you knew this, but when you get laid off, you don’t get to collect your things from your desk. The picture above is among a few items the company sent back to me. I was really hoping they would just use it 😂

Presented by Vanta

The Long Game

One of my biggest mentors, and previous boss, always talked about “The Long Game”. He explained that his longevity at the company came with hard work and impressing management by always delivering on his reports. His long hours worked and loyalty to the company got him to the high position he was in.

The truth is this picture perfect version of The Long Game isn’t always possible. The Oregon Trail that is your career comes with many twists and turns, some choices brought upon yourself and others not.

The idea of "The Long Game" suggests a path of steady, continuous progress, where diligence and loyalty are rewarded with upward mobility and success. However, the reality of modern careers is more complex and unpredictable. Unlike the simple journey of the pioneers on the Oregon Trail, today's career paths are more likely to navigating a labyrinth filled with unexpected obstacles and opportunities.

Firstly, the nature of work and the job market has fundamentally changed. The concept of a job for life has become increasingly rare, with individuals now expected to change roles, companies, or even industries multiple times throughout their careers. This shift requires a different approach to career planning, one that values adaptability and continuous learning over long-term loyalty to a single employer.

Moreover, external factors such as economic downturns, technological advancements, and global events can dramatically alter career trajectories. These forces can render certain skills obsolete while creating demand for new ones, often with little warning. So the ability to anticipate changes, upskill, and pivot when necessary is crucial for long-term career success.

Personal circumstances also play a significant role in shaping one's career. Decisions about family, health, and work-life balance can lead to career breaks, part-time work, or shifts to less demanding roles. These choices, while important for personal well-being, can diverge significantly from the traditional path envisioned by "The Long Game."

However, this does not mean that the principles of hard work and delivering on commitments are outdated. These qualities are more important than ever but must be applied flexibly. Building a diverse skill set, cultivating a professional network, and maintaining a portfolio of projects can demonstrate value to current and potential employers in a way that goes beyond the expectations of traditional loyalty.

_{Written by Bailey Hepler}

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