1.5%?! Where is Ashton – am I being punk’d?
THE REALITY
For the first time in years you are eagerly anticipating your annual performance review. You have surpassed all service benchmarks set for you by your boss, and based on the surveys received from your clients, you have acquired and retained some of the most profitable relationships for your organization. Worse case scenario you are expecting a monthly income increase that will undoubtedly cover the car payment on the new vehicle you purchased last weekend.
Beware of bad career advice that guarantees a job well done = monetary rewards, you may walk out of your annual performance review with nothing more than a pat on the back and a “congratulations, you still have a job.”
THE TRUTH
The real truth beneath the smog hovering over the current economy indicates it’s raining cutbacks, snowing displacements, and hailing feel good programs. The conversation between peers and colleagues is no longer “do you like your job” but rather “do you have a job“ to marginalize and benchmark one’s economic status.
GOOD ADVICE
A job well done may or may not get you the raise you are expecting, and chances are your boss has little say on the amount of incremental pennies added to your paycheck. Acknowledge that change is inevitable and progress is absolute, and although you jumped the gun on buying a car premature of being able to afford it - things always get better. Eventually, whether in the current job or another, you will be rewarded and recognized for hard work and dedication. Whether you are a complaining score keeping wagon or sprinting ox coffee pot, find your inspirational point of influence to become the facilitating coach with the reigns to enjoy the storm.
Be "open to opportunities" 24/7 and take advantage of opportunities to meet and interview with local employers. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development keeps a current list of events and job fairs on their website for the Twin Cities Metro and Greater Minnesota.
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