“The lesson of today is that you’re working for yourself.”
–Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder and CEO of staffing company Act 1 Personnel Services, in TheNew York Times. Howroyd’s advice is yet another take on the the advice that in these uncertain times, it’s smart to stay flexible and adapt. As the employment landscape transforms and companies try to keep pace, workers have to do the same. This can mean refreshing skills, considering temporary or part-time work, and even accepting lower pay to stay in the game.
“Most people say they’re giving their lives to the company, but it’s more of a cooperative process. Companies have tasks to perform and you must put in your best effort and identify yourself with that job,” not with the company,” Howroyd says. If you can’t be your own boss, at least be the boss of your career. —Jessica Shambora