I Won’t Settle for Being Mediocre
August 30, 2009 by Barbara Jacoby
Filed under Creating Happiness
One day this past week, one of my colleagues and I were discussing how so many of the people that we know just show up for work, do as little as possible, don’t care if they finish their assignments on time and are the first ones out the door at quitting time. If their supervisors point out to them that they are doing a poor job, they complain that they have too much to do, that their bosses are picking on them, that they aren’t getting paid enough to do more and that they are going to go and file a complaint with Human Resources. What is going on? I don’t understand how people can have this attitude, especially in these times when there are so many people who would be so grateful to have a job.
It seems to me that somewhere along the line, people have lost their sense of responsibility for their own behavior and have become so lazy. They feel that they are entitled to the jobs that they have even though they are not doing the work for which they are being paid and are not living up to the agreements that they made when they were offered their positions. I honestly do not understand this.
For as long as I can remember, when I agreed that I would do something, you could count on me unless there were circumstances that were beyond my control to do as I had promised. I was always so grateful for the job that I had and believed that I not only wanted to do what I was hired to do but also felt that I should exceed any expectations that others had. I always took pride in my work and I wanted those who chose to hire me to always feel that they had made the right choice. But most importantly, I wanted to be proud of the work that I had done at the end of each and every day.
For me, doing my best does not mean just doing the work to which I have been assigned. I have been given a good mind and I feel that it is my obligation to use it to the best of my ability. That means that I will always try to find better ways in which to do the work to which I have been assigned. It means that I will try to find programs that will allow for that work to be done in a more expeditious manner. It means that no matter how anyone else chooses to perform or not perform, it will not affect the standards that I have set for myself to always rise above. And it also means that I will always find the time to not only do my own work but to also be there to help others when they are in need.
For those I know who choose to only get through their lives by doing the minimum or less, I must tell you that I feel sorry for them. They will never know the sense of accomplishment that comes when a new program that you created is put into place and you get to see how it helps so many others. They will never know what it is like to pitch in and help out to reach a deadline that your colleagues will not reach in a timely fashion without additional help. They will never know how it feels to reach out and be there for a co-worker who is facing some tough times. They will miss out on the sense of pride in a job well done. And most importantly, not only will they miss out on the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day but they will never know the feeling of excitement when you begin a new day looking forward to the fun and challenges that will next come your way. That is truly missing out on so much in life.
I would love your comments.
I am a seasoned business worker who has seen the respect in the business environment dwindle. The attitude now, especially since workers believe that big business is taking advantage of them, is to do what is required rather than going the extra mile. Previously employees remained with a company and worked like heck to make it up the ladder. Now employees remain with a company 5 years or less and figure, let me just do my job cause I’m mov’n on. I’d like to encourage workers to be creative. Sometimes it’s the simple things an employee can do that warrants recognition.
Amen. You are absolutely right. Twice in my working career, I started as an assistant and in both cases moved to levels that no one thought were attainable through just plain old hard work, a willingness to pitch in and help others and being creative with new ideas that made a difference in the companies’ bottom lines. The only reason that I left either position was a physical move to another part of the country.
I can relate. At my old job in Memphis we got our raises based on time employed at the company, due to the Union. Nothing upset me more then knowing I worked my a$$ off while others goofed off all day. Yet when my time for a raise came along, in spite of my effort. . . other’s got a raise too just because the Union made sure of it. I do not agree with that and I believe that everyone should be evaluated on an individual basis and given compensations or promotions based on the work that they do.
My sentiments exactly. I too, have been given the same raise as others who have not done nearly the amount of or level of work as I have done and we are not even governed by a Union at this point. That is so demoralizing for everyone.
I totally agree 100%! If you are gonna do something, do it with all your heart. Otherwise there are plenty of other people that really NEED jobs and want to prove that they can do it. People these days seem to have this feeling of entitlement. Not just in work but with everything. There are no guarantees in life or in your job. So embrace what is given to you and do the best you can! With those positive attitudes, it’s a win/win situation for everybody. Because the feeling of accomplishment is amazing!! You are also coming from a different perspective in a way because of your cancer. Not that you were a slacker before. But now you KNOW what’s worth living for and fighting for. And you are gonna make the best of your life no matter what is handed to you. I love your attitude and I appreciate you sharing this with us. If one person reads your blog and sees things that they could change, it will be a job well done! Awesome blog!
I appreciate your sharing. Sometimes it seems that there are so few people who think the same way that you begin to wonder if everybody else has it right and you have it wrong. But then all you have to do is to remember the feelings that you get from a job well-done and you know that it is well worth always doing your best. I always thought that this was something that we were taught but then I look at you and know that your parents would never have been the ones to teach you this and yet everything that you do embodies your very best.