So what is job security?
When I was a kid my dad used to tell me the following:
"Son, if you are loyal to your boss; loyal to the company you work for; come to work early and leave late (but never leave earlier than your boss), do what is asked to do and no complaints; be honest and don't "擦鞋" 和 "攪是非" then you will have job security.".
My dad applied these principles and worked for the same company for 40 years.
I am amazed that my father had actually accomplished this milestone. However, nowadays I really doubt if these principles could work in today's corporate world, particularly in the private industry/enterprise sectors. I believe today employers' expectations of their employees are:
- What have you done for me lately?
- What can you bring to the table?
- Why should I keep you on payroll?
- Be innovative, we don't need a "cow" (meaning you should complete your assignments on time w/o OT);
- Can the group/team/company survive without you?
- Be an overachiever (accomplish more within your standard work hours)
- Proactive rather than reactive
- Self-starter with minimum assistance/guidance
- Team player
Do all these sound very challenging to you? If not, congratulation; you are a survivor.