Why Accept Mediocrity When You Can Change?

Very thoughtful post Jaiy. I admire your bravery to post about such deep internal conflicts. And let me tell you that I feel you, really, in regards to the struggle for my friends to either deal with my ambition or find some of their own. But there was one statement in your post I wanted to address directly:

"Why inconvenience this company and possibly create an unwanted perception of myself just to say I got a job."

It is ok to be loyal to your employer, but not at your own expense. Corporations have resources most individuals do not. They can take a loss, while most of us rarely have the nest egg to hold us over if we lost our jobs.

In addition, it's been my professional experience that unless you're working for a very small company, most companies value their bottom line over your interests. Work dries up? Here's your pink slip. No reworking of the corporate structure to find money to pay you until management works out a plan, no sacrificing exponentially larger corporate paychecks to save a team of loyal employees.

It's my policy that until I see proof that an employer values me and my work, my eye is always on the door for a better opportunity. I'll stay while I feel valued, but I look at myself as a permanent contractor open to short-term or long-term employment. There aren't pension plans, labor unions, or laws in place to protect me as an employee; (half) the nation decided it's more important to keep costs down for businesses.

So be it. My labor to the highest bidder. Damn their projects.

Lady, this blog was great! You are a good writer! At first glance, I saw the length of the posting and thought, "hmmm, this is long", but as I started to read, I wanted to continue reading. You hit the nail on the head with your statement about us being responsible for our happiness. The economy has dictated to many people that any job is better than no job, and unfortunately, some people really do have to take those jobs they wouldnt otherwise take because they have responsibilities of a family or accumulating bills. I personally was unemployed for 8 months, and once I was actually hired, it was only a part-time position. I enjoyed what I was doing but the drive out to the location of my job was 1.5 hours each direction. I said all this to say, happiness is important, but peace of mind is all that more important. I would sacrifice and take a job I do not necessarily want to have the peace of mind that my bills are being paid. About the work ethic, I applaud you for taking the stance that you have taken. Many people would have done exactly what your friend said you should do. Integrity is key! I agree 100% with you about tossing the mediocrity! But as we are in the process of becoming brave enough to reach that point, we must remember to be wise in our decisions. Sometimes we are placed in uncomfortable places for a reason, and it's all for growth. Happiness is a mere fraction of the whole equation.