Thursday, September 29, 2005
One Lesson on the Career Ladder
Yesterday, I got a call from a friend that is overstressed about being overworked and wanted some advice. Basically, this friend is working 90+ hours a week and feeling like the situation is getting worse not better. I have been in this type of situation before and you have to realize that some companies just run that way. Why pay 2 or 3 people to do a job that they can get one person to do? Hey - 2 or 3 for the price of one. There are companies out there that thrive on this cost savings even with the high turn-over rate. In my experience, they are usually small privately owned firms where the president personally interviews you and they aren't big enough to gain much of a reputation. Realizing that you're in that type of company quickly can help you make better decisions.
However, if you are like my friend and are not ready to throw the towel in quite yet, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the pain. First, it is important to become very aware of what tasks belong to your position. Chances are that some people are shifting their work to you because they are also under a lot of stress. You can find nice ways to avoid that extra work. I would start by making a long TO DO LIST. When someone comes with more work, say you'll be happy to do it once your list is completed and make sure they happen to see how long that list is. You can also say that you are so swamped that you'll try to help them in a few weeks if things improve. They must know that you know it is their work. Most people don't want to wait so they'll try to pawn the work off on someone else or do it themselves. If they are pushy, stand up for yourself a little more. This may eliminate some of the extra work, but probably not enough of it for you to have a life.
My main advice is RUN, RUN, RUN and learn for your experience! When you are interviewing for a position (especially in a small company) try to pick up on clues to see if they have a personal life or value family togetherness and the community. If they are overly excited about all of the projects they have going on and sound like this company is all about being a phenomenal opportunity to advance, think seriously about it. That probably means they regularly throw people into projects that are advanced beyond their experience and don't offer guidance. It is all about sink or swim. My experience certainly helped me climb the corporate ladder in the three LONG years I was there, but left me quite frazzled for at least 6 months after I left.
**Disclaimer** I am currently working for a small company that does not operate like this. Sometimes situations or projects come up in any company that requires extra hours, which is normal. However, if you are regularly logging in more than 50 hours a week or 90+ more than once every few months, seriously think about passing your resume around. -My motto is that I work to live, NOT live to work.
my name
Husband:
Steve
Baby: Lexi (born Jan 26th)
This blog is like a journal for me. It is also a way for my friends to keep tabs on me.
For people who don't know me, I come from a big family (3 brothers & 1 sister). We moved around a LOT, so I am not really from one particular place. I like to call Katy, Texas my home though.
Recent news, my Dad & Mother-in-Law were diagnosed with Terminal Cancer in April/May of 2005. My dad passed away 5-Dec-05 .
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